Capturing Lake Tahoe with Jeff Johnson

When we learned we'd be joining Keep Tahoe Blue and Oscar de la Renta for this year's annual fundraiser, we knew we wanted to contribute something that reflected our shared appreciation for Lake Tahoe. We immediately thought of Jeff Johnson.

His photography has long inspired us, and because Tahoe already holds a special place in his heart, the collaboration felt effortless. Together, we jumped aboard an Arc Sport and spent the day exploring the lake, creating a collection of images that celebrates its beauty, the creativity it inspires, and the importance of protecting places like it.

Returning to Tahoe

Growing up in the Bay Area, many of Jeff’s earliest memories were made around Lake Tahoe. Winters were spent skiing at Squaw Valley (now Palisades), while his father served on ski patrol at Alpine Meadows. Summers brought family trips back to the lake, creating a lifelong connection that has stayed with him ever since.

Remarkably, despite more than twenty-five years spent photographing some of the world's most inspiring landscapes, he'd never photographed Lake Tahoe.

"Those early days made a great impact on me. Tahoe brings me back to so many great memories. I've been a professional photographer for over 25 years and have never photographed Lake Tahoe. What a great opportunity — especially aboard an Arc Sport."

The day began just after sunrise.

Launching from Homewood, the crew spent the morning weaving between Chimney Beach and Secret Cove, where Jeff climbed ashore to photograph the Arc Sport framed by granite cliffs, towering pines, and the impossibly clear water that has made Tahoe iconic.

For Jeff, it wasn't enough.

The following morning, Jeff returned to Emerald Bay, hiking to a higher vantage point to photograph the bay from above, determined to capture a perspective far above the waterline.

"The beauty of Lake Tahoe is something I never take for granted. I'm in awe every time I visit."

For someone who has spent years photographing electric vehicles, another part of the experience stood out just as much as the scenery.

"It was so nice cruising around all day without the noise and fumes of a gas engine. Kind of surreal, in a way. It's a much better experience."

Photographing what matters

Photography has always been about more than beautiful images for Jeff. It's about helping people reconnect with places that deserve their attention.

That's what made this collaboration with Keep Tahoe Blue feel so meaningful. The photographs celebrate one extraordinary lake, while the organization's work helps ensure it remains just as extraordinary for future generations.

"I hope people see a place that needs to be protected — that you should be able to take these same photos fifty years from now and they'd look the same."

Whether someone has visited Tahoe dozens of times or never at all, Jeff hopes the images spark something familiar.

"Photographs can be like looking in a mirror. They remind people that we're all in this together."

Dive deeper with Keep Tahoe Blue

If you want to learn about Keep Tahoe Blue and their mission, check out the story we did with their team — which included insights, tips, and training tools for lake preservation.

Photos by Jeff Johnson

Special thanks to Keep Tahoe Blue and Oscar del la Renta