Johnson's book shows 'Lure of Longboat Key'

Mary Lou Johnson’s summer project actually took four summers to complete.

A few years back, as her photography became more known, she started receiving the question: “Do you have a book?” In some cases, people owned five or six of her canvas photographs and were out of wall space, but still wanted photographs.

So, four summers ago, she started working on the project during the slow off-season. She compiled photographs, made lists of shots she wanted to take and, in many cases, went back and reshot images.
The completed project is “The Lure of Longboat Key — Sunrise to Sunset.” It features approximately 150 of Johnson’s photos from the past 10 years.

Asked if she has a favorite photo in the book, Johnson laughs. She culled the collection down from thousands of images, often making difficult decisions about what photos she liked best.

“That’s why it took so long,” she said.

One of her favorites, though, is the cover image, which she took Feb. 8, 2008, during a beach stroll with her daughter, Erica.

On the first page of the book, Johnson explains the book’s title, asking what exactly is the lure of Longboat.

It’s a question many guests or residents will struggle to answer, as they explain the emotional pull of the island, she writes.

It’s a feeling Johnson knows well.

She and her husband, Bill, honeymooned on the island 34 years ago and kept coming back. They finally moved 10 years ago to the Key.

She previously worked as a private-practice marriage-and-family counselor and taught high school and college English and psychology, before moving to the Key and pursuing her passion for photography professionally.

Johnson hopes to pursue other book projects. She’s thought of other sites that could be good photography book subjects, such as Boca Grande, the Caribbean and Europe. She’s also considering another Longboat Key project.

“It’s a beautiful place to be. I love to travel everywhere, but I love coming home here,” Johnson said.
“The Lure of Longboat Key” includes a timeline. The first chapter is titled “Break of Dawn;” the final chapter is “Evening Tranquility.”

Other chapters feature bird and marine life, beach scenes, gardens and more.

The book ends with beachfront portraits Johnson has taken on the Key and a suggestion of things to do on the island.

Books are $65 and are available to order on Johnson’s website, maryloujohnsonphotography.com, and various locations throughout Longboat Key and St. Armands Circle.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected]