Since starting Emily Johnson Photography a year and a half ago, the owner of the business with the same name devotes three to four hours of work daily if she has a consistent flow of clients. This is on top of keeping up with her school work.

“I didn’t have a job and I needed money, but at the same time I wanted to make money in a way that also utilized my passion,” Johnson said. “I wanted to get money out of what I like to do.”

Johnson has built her client base steadily by shooting all types of events. Currently, she is taking senior pictures, portraits and fine art photographs.

“I am trying to expand into wedding photography,” Johnson said. “It’s a lot more pressure, and it’s really tough to break into. I’m willing to shoot for whatever they need. I don’t restrict myself. I take pictures for friends and try to experience lots of different things. Fine arts shows get my name out there into the community.”

Johnson currently has a show at La Prima Tazza, 638 Mass. St., that will come down on Sept. 30. In addition to this, she tries to help other LHS students find a venue to display their work.

“You can’t be afraid, you just need to get to know people and send out an e-mail,” Johnson said. “You need to be ready to dig in and ask around and ask people that might intimidate you. At the arts center, attempting to get space is daunting, and you have to have something to back it up.”

Throughout high school, Johnson has found support behind the lens from photo teacher Angelia Perkins, whom Johnson calls “my best friend.”

“Emily has always been a much more mature person,” Perkins said. “She talks to you on an adult level.”

As for the future, Johnson plans on moving away for college, something that will challenge her business. However, she remains optimistic.

“I am still going to try to get shows hung,” Johnson said. “It’s basically starting over. My business here can still thrive when I come back in the summer and during breaks.”