The RAW Podcast | Episode 46 – Johanna King (Johanna King Photography)
In this episode, we’re joined by Johanna King, a brilliant documentary family photographer based in Dublin. Johanna is known for capturing the chaos, calm, and everything in between—without the stiff posing or forced smiles. Her work is honest, warm, and full of heart, earning her recognition from the IPPVA, Fearless Family, and This is Reportage Family.
We talk about her early connection to photographs, including how she had a fire escape plan at ten years old that involved saving her photo albums first. That deep respect for memories and moments has shaped her approach to photography today.
Johanna shares her thoughts on what makes a strong documentary family photographer, how she helps families feel at ease during shoots, and why she believes the real, unscripted moments matter most. We also chat about handling unpredictability during family sessions, especially with young kids (and sometimes reluctant parents).
She tells us about her personal project Balance, a photo book capturing the lives of women juggling parenting and professional life, and we dig into why educating people about organising and printing their own photos is such a key part of her mission. We also touch on the value of printed photographs in a digital world and why they’re still so worth saving.
To wrap up, Johanna talks about what she hopes for in the years ahead, what she’d say to anyone feeling unsure about booking a family shoot, and she leaves us with a recommendation to check out the work of photographer Jens Olof Lasthein.
A lovely, honest chat with a photographer who truly cares about the families she photographs and the memories they’re making.Oh and be sure to listen until the very end for a bonus section on her Great Grandfather's photography!
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Links & Resources:
• Johanna King’s Website: JohannaKingPhotography.com
• Johanna on Instagram: @johannakingphotography
• Balance – Johanna’s photo book: The Library Project
• Photographer Recommendation: Jens Olof Lasthein
• Mentioned: Leanne Keaney, Barb Peacock
🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.
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