Looking for a little inspiration to kick start your week? Look no further than the portfolio of American photographer Erik Johnson. With clients like Real Simple, Lucky, The New York Times, Martha Stewart Living and more, you've no doubt spotted his work many times but perhaps never associated his name with it. Well now you will! And this is the whole reason why I like to highlight the many talented photographers out there who visually work their magic producing some of the best photos in some of our favorite publications. I also think that it is a bit unfortunate how little most know about the person behind the lens -- we just assume the photos appear out of thin air I assume (I once never gave it much thought, sad to say) -- but they don't. Very often magazines hire on freelance photographers like Erik Johnson and this is the work that keeps these talented people afloat, able to do what they love: take pictures that give the viewer a emotional reaction. And this is what makes magazines come to life: gorgeous visuals. Imagine a design or decorating magazine without photographs, only text? Blah!

Please take a further look into Erik's portfolio here. Highly inspirational work!

(images: erik johnson)