Michael Johnson is the director of the First and Second Year Experience program at DU and by glancing in the Driscoll Student Center’s main gallery it is evident that he is also an accomplished photographer.

The gallery in front of the Driscoll Ballroom in Driscoll North is showcasing 20 of Johnson’s photographs now through May 1.

“There is life outside of academia. You can still occasionally get out and do what you enjoy doing to ground yourself,” said Johnson, who finds hobbies important.

After discovering Johnson’s sideline career in photography, Driscoll Student Center director, John Nichols proposed the exhibit.

Among the collection are floral prints and photographs of nature and landscape.

“I take pictures to capture what I want to see, but I like interactive photos where people can see what they want to see,” Johnson said about a photo of rising smoke from incense.

“There is plenty of room to like or dislike.”

Johnson enjoys landscape photography and believes his positive experience with nature turned him onto photography. Johnson and his wife owned a photography studio where they lived outside of Chicago before moving to Denver in January 2008.

Currently, the pair operates a company called Johnson Photography. It is under this title that Johnson explores his current focus as a professional wedding photographer.

Along with his passion for photography, Johnson also works at DU where his main emphasis is to help new students transition comfortably into the campus community.

“Finding something to be passionate about, and finding time to pursue it is key,” said Johnson about the busy lifestyle of college students. “I wish I had thought about it when I was an undergrad.”

Johnson recognizes the entrapment of a repetitive lifestyle that students can fall into and advocates the importance of exploring new interests and trying new things.

“I take photographs for myself,” Johnson said. “It is important for students to have an outlet. Students need it.”