“You may think you have seen Longboat Key, but you’ve never seen it like this.”
Serene Art for Your Home and Office
Mary Lou’s background in private practice as a mental health counselor is present throughout the book. “Nature is a stress buster whether we are actually there or simply looking at a picture of a calming beautiful scene. It can be very calming and healing,” she said.
Her images, in offices, hospitals, hotels, and homes, are relaxing and therapeutic. People have told her they leave the book open on their coffee tables to view different scenes each day.
Clients have sent emails, notes and comments about the effects her art has had. These range from bringing back beautiful touching memories made in this area to helping through an illness, a divorce, the loss of a loved one, a cold winter and more across the United States, Europe, Canada, and South America. Many comments are too specific and personal to mention here but she greatly appreciates them all. A dear friend who regularly does a prison ministry shared her book there with the inmates. She explained how they may have seemingly lost everything, but no one can take the joy from them in looking at pictures of God’s beautiful nature and she pointed to a full moon image. At first, they laughed and didn’t understand but then she continued showing them God’s gifts to all in nature. One lifetime prisoner began to draw again which he hadn’t done in many years using her pictures as inspiration which brought him a sense of peace. Whether tearful or joyful, she loves hearing from you as it fills her heart continually and energizes her to continue.
Robin Mackintosh, Philadelphia TV newscaster
“I am often asked what makes Longboat Key a special destination. Mary Lou’s work conveys the essence of what Longboat Key has to offer. From the magnificent beaches and the tranquility of the Gulf of Mexico with the most memorable sunsets to the wildlife that has found this haven to settle. Longboat Key provides the perfect location to reflect on what matters most to you.” ~Jeff Mayers, Manager Longboat Key Club
Jeff Mayers, Manager Longboat Key Club
“Mary Lou Johnson’s photography is breathtaking! Each photograph in her book captures the natural beauty of Longboat Key and entrances the viewer. Mary Lou has “captured the moment” whether it is objects of nature or a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Each photo is a work of art and brings you into the scene. In addition, Mary Lou is wonderful to work with and has been a true inspiration for many people. I am so pleased that she is sharing her passion and talent in The Lure of Longboat Key.”
~Mary Donato, President, Applied Principles
Mary Donato, President, Applied Principles
“Mary Lou’s photography is stunning. She captures wildlife and people in a unique and personal way. Her photographs not only leave you looking at a beautiful image, but with a strong feeling as well.” -Sandy McLaughlin, Vice President of Development Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
Sandy McLaughlin, Vice President of Development Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
What a glorious endeavor! Mary Lou’s love of place shines through each photograph. The beautiful portraits of God’s creatures, often missed by casual observers, are a secret disclosed. Lucinda Hathaway, author
Lucinda Hathaway
“Mary Lou is an exceptional human being, full of energy and enthusiasm for life. This energy is reflected in everything she does, whether working to better her community or capturing the essential essence in a slice of time through her beautiful photography.” ~Marilyn Price-Mitchell PhD, Leadership Strategist – Advocate for Youth Seattle, Washington
Marilyn Price-Mitchell PhD
“The subtitle of Mary Lou’s wonderful and inspiring book is “Sunrise to Sunset,” an appropriate title. If subtitles could be longer, however, I would recommend this: From sunrise to sunset, from above and below, from nature to the human experience, from close-ups to sweeping vistas, from wildlife to communities, and from moonlight to lightning strikes. The book covers all those subjects and more, expertly and exquisitely . . . from a fine artist’s point of view. After reading the book, I am lured to Longboat Key.” ~ Rick Sammon, international photo educator
Rick Sammon
“Mary Lou’s work is absolutely stunning!!! I love the inclusion of the many aspects of the sea: the sea itself and especially her many moods; transitions to and from the sea, the fish, shells, sea life, birds, daytime, nighttime, and even people. She has captured so many spectacular colors – golds, pinks, and a vast range of turquoise, blues, and misty greys. This beautiful coffee table book is truly a fine art gallery experience and is very aptly named.” ~ Patricia Canfield RID, deCamville Design
Patricia Canfield RID, deCamville Design
“If you have ever visited Longboat Key, or thought about it, Mary Lou’s photo coffee table book will refresh your memories about the beauty of this island, or entice you to make that visit you have dreamed about. Mary Lou has a great vision that allows her to document the subtle patterns and nuances of a gulf island. Her photos also demonstrate her command of shadow and light so necessary in creating three-dimensional images. The creation of so many special photographs documenting the soul and vibrance of Longboat Key and its residents reflects her skill as a professional photographer. I know you will enjoy browsing through these pages on many occasions.” ~LeMoyne F. Johnson, M.D., president, Johnson PhotoImaging, Inc., member, Professional Photographers of America and Florida Professional Photographers
LeMoyne F. Johnson, M.D.
“With intelligence and precision behind her lens, Mary Lou Johnson captures myriad moments in the breathtaking and unique beauty of Longboat Key. Her photographs show patterns of shifting white sand, sunrises diffused in early morning mist, a baby turtle scampering from its nest to its destiny in the Gulf, sea gulls, pelicans, great herons, silhouetted against the sky, starfish, sea urchins, and shells glistening in shallow waters, sea oats bending with southern breezes, tropical flowers with brilliant colored petals opening towards the sun, and much more. Longboat Key, lush, alluring, and loved, remains a paradise on earth for all of those lucky enough to have visited. In this book, Mary Lou’s exquisite photography gives visual expression and a permanent way to capture these priceless memories forever.” ~Ann Anderson
Ann Anderson
“Mary Lou brings a lifetime of artistic talent to her projects. Her ability to see the “extraordinary” shows again and again in her photographic work. Her passion for nature and the environment is evident. While Mary Lou excels at photography, she is also generous with her time and talent throughout the community. She is deeply committed to making a positive difference in the world. This beautiful book of photography captures the mood, feeling and breathtaking beauty of Longboat Key. Mary Lou Johnson’s photography reminds us of the beauty of our environment and shows life at its best. Her talent and love of her native island show in every photograph.” Top qualities: Expert, High Integrity, Creative Laurin Ripley
Laurin Ripley
“Mary Lou’s passion for children and families, clear insights and direct approach to problem solving have been invaluable assets for ParentNet. It has been a pleasure serving on the Board with her.” Tim Johnstone, Board Member, Past Board President, National ParentNet Association
Tim Johnstone, Board Member, Past Board President, National ParentNet Association
“Mary Lou is an exceptional human being, full of energy and enthusiasm for life. This energy is reflected in everything she does, whether working to better her community or capturing the essential essence in a slice of time through her beautiful photography.” Marilyn Price-Mitchell, Founder, National ParentNet Association
Marilyn Price-Mitchell, Founder, National ParentNet Association
“Mary Lou’s photography is stunning. She captures wildlife and people in a unique and personal way. Her photographs not only leave you looking at a beautiful image, but with a strong feeling as well. I recommend Mary Lou’s photography to anyone who enjoys photos with an artistic perspective.” Sandy McLaughlin, Corporate Gifts & Special Events Manager, Florida Aquarium
Sandy McLaughlin, Corporate Gifts & Special Events Manager, Florida Aquarium
“Mary Lou’s commitment to a cause shows up not just through her photography, but also through her involvement. She serves on the board for both my organization – Mote Marine Laboratory – and a neighboring non-profit. I most often encounter Mary Lou at fundraising events for one or the other of these groups where she can be found coordinating activities, bringing in auction items, and donating photography from her very own collection. Her enthusiasm rapidly spreads to those around her, and I believe she could support any cause that is truly deserving for which she has a real passion.” Krystle Harvey, Intern Coordinator, Mote Marine Laboratory
Krystle Harvey, Intern Coordinator, Mote Marine Laboratory
“Mary Lou is a strong fine art photographer with exceptional depth and a creative outlook. I’ve had the pleasure of consulting with her on ideas and projects and each occasion has been a creative delight. Moreover, Mary Lou is a person of character and quality leadership.” Bob Killen, Owner, Bob Killen Fine Art Photography
Bob Killen, Owner, Bob Killen Fine Art Photography
“Mary Lou Johnson’s work is beautiful almost beyond description. She captures the poetry and soul of her subjects, and each photograph is a work of art. I have known her for decades, and I know how much commitment and professionalism she has always brought to everything she undertakes. Without reservation, I recommend her integrity, her vivacity and her talent.” Kathleen O’Brien Pynn, Author
Kathleen O'Brien Pynn, Author
Hi Mary Lou,
Thank you so much for the express service! We had such a good time looking at the pics and
commenting! Meike, Bill and Hanne came over too and had the same comments!
We loved your work and thanks so much! You’ve done an outstanding job!
How can I thank you for this special service?
Hugs, Gabi
Gabi
I’ve always thought of you as being a “genuine” sweetheart, so my opinion of you could not be any better; and, the 3 canvas wraps I purchased from you look absolutely GREAT.
Thanks again, Bill Town
Bill Town
We love you and your photography! Mom and I had a lovely time seeing your collection that day! Thank you for packing the canvases as well as you did. They made it up to Baltimore without damage. I’ll take photos of the “Dingy” and “Heron” so you can see how great they look in Dean’s place, George & Hillary’s condo and now Demetri’s doctor’s office! I’m looking forward to your work from the Greece trip! XXOO, Eleni
Eleni
Hi Mary Lou,
Alan and I are enjoying our photo over a mantle in our Cape Cod cottage. We love looking at the peaceful Gulf with the seabirds in the foreground “Sunrise Seabirds.” We spend our winters up North and we walk the beach daily….it is a wonderful memory! We also enjoyed your art exhibit at Plymouth Harbor this past winter, as a painter of watercolor and oil I appreciate your art work very much. Thanks for sharing, Alyce McLaughlin
Alyce McLaughlin
Mary Lou, we love your photo “Morning Ritual”. It gives me pleasure seeing it every day and it was also a pleasure doing business with you. You made it easy and were very gracious to invite us into your home to complete the transaction. I rate it a 12 on a scale of 1 – 10 and you can quote me.
All the best,
Dick de Bear
Dick de Bear
“With intelligence and precision behind her lens, Mary Lou Johnson captures myriad moments in the breathtaking and unique beauty of Longboat Key. Her photographs show patterns of shifting white sand, sunrises diffused in early morning mist, a baby turtle scampering from its nest to its destiny in the Gulf, sea gulls, pelicans, great herons, silhouetted against the sky, starfish, sea urchins, and shells glistening in shallow waters, sea oats bending with southern breezes, tropical flowers with brilliant colored petals opening towards the sun, and much more. Longboat Key, lush, alluring, and loved, remains a paradise on earth for all of those lucky enough to have visited. In this book, Mary Lou’s exquisite photography gives visual expression and a permanent way to capture these priceless memories forever.”
~Ann Anderson, collector of Johnson’s artwork.
Ann Anderson
She has captured the essence of God’s beauty in the creatures and colors in the photographs. Visualizing what Paradise looks like through her lens brings me to a state of calmness and reflection.
Steve Dobosz, Accountant
Steve Dobosz, Accountant