Jeffrey Johnson

I was born in Springfield Missouri, just south of the area where my mother’s side of the family homesteaded after arriving from Scotland. My childhood was filled with love and appreciation from my parents, and they guided me toward an admiration of music, baseball and the outdoors. Some of my favorite memories are fishing with my Grandfather on Pomme de Terre Lake. His presence and demeanor during those trips provided me with a deep respect for time spent outside, which remains the main catalyst for my belief in this project.

During my twenties I spent most of my time playing music, and that is how I met Troy and Matt. Together, we built a deep respect for one another and a fierce friendship. With other allies in our circle we fought to carve out an understanding of our place amid the natural world, as well as an intense desire to see it flourish. Our trips into the backcountry of National Parks and along the many rivers and lakes have only added to our wonderment and desire to see and feel the energy that only the earth can provide.

Professionally I have enjoyed ten years of working as a videographer and editor for news agencies, outdoor entertainment companies, minor league ballparks and colleges. I have produced shows and commercials that have aired locally, regionally on Fox Sports Midwest, and nationally on the Sportsman’s Channel. I also enjoy participating in film challenges that revolve around making short films in as little as 48 hours. My sister, Julie, and I have competed together in five of these challenges, winning an award for best film and several others including sound and cinematography.

My passions are creating and recording music, compositing photos and video, spending time with my family and friends, and taking my experience of being with nature to others. Developing this presentation with Troy and seeing peoples’ reaction to it has given me a wonderful sense of fulfillment, and I am extremely humbled by their willingness to take a moment and step into the dark with us.

I still go fishing at Pomme de Terre, and I always try the same fishing hole that my grandfather showed me.