Johnson developed an interest in cameras at an early age and began working backstage at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal while still at school. This gave him early experience of stage lighting, equipment and technical production. He subsequently entered the film industry, working as a focus puller and learning the camera department craft alongside established cinematographers, including Adrian Biddle, Hughie Hough and Oliver Stapleton.
While working as a focus puller, Johnson began shooting music videos and short films for emerging directors, leading to further work as a camera operator and cinematographer. In 1994, director Oliver Parker asked him to photograph Othello, starring Kenneth Branagh, marking Johnson’s first feature film as director of photography.
Johnson went on to shoot a range of British and international productions. His feature film credits include Hilary and Jackie (1998), An Ideal Husband (1999), The Very Thought of You (1999), Honest (2000), Resident Evil (2002), Alien vs. Predator (2004), On a Clear Day (2005) and Resident Evil: Extinction (2007).
His television work includes The Mill on the Floss, The Sight and Deception, as well as the series The Borgias, Blindspot, Yellowstone and His Dark Materials. His later credits include Despite the Falling Snow (2016), Professionals (2020) and The Independent (2022).
Alongside film and television, Johnson has photographed commercials, documentaries and music videos. His music video credits include Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black, while his commercial work includes the Levi’s Circles campaign. His documentary work includes Chasing Shadows.