Today we’re pleased to introduce you to food photographer & family filmmaker Mayumi Johnston, based in Dundee Hills Oregon.

In addition to being a valued member of the FilmingLife® community, Mayumi was recently elevated to FilmingLifer status. A FilmingLifer is a member who demonstrates sound knowledge of filmmaking techniques and professional practice. Congratulations, Mayumi!

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I was born and raised in Japan and am now a family filmmaker based in the beautiful Dundee Hills of Oregon.

In addition to filmmaking, I’m also a food photographer with a cozy home studio.

Fun fact: I used to be a character bento artist! I even taught bento-making classes and wrote a monthly “how to make bento” column for a magazine in Los Angeles.

I have a wonderful husband and an amazing son. He is the reason I started filming. More than anything, I want him to always know—when he’s older and even when I’m no longer here—that he was raised with so much love. I want him to remember me—not just how I looked, but how I sounded, and how it felt to share our days together.

On weekends, we love exploring local wineries and discovering new adventures in nature!

Tell us about the kind of photography & films you create…

I create family and newborn films and photos.

I'm passionate about capturing the indescribable love between parents and children to create lasting memories for them!

How did you first get started in photography?

I actually started with videography! (Well—technically, I was a food photographer before that.)

My mom worked for Canon in Japan for over 45 years, so I’ve always been around cameras and had a natural interest in capturing moments.

What made you decide to learn video? What was your motivation?

A while back, I came across some DVDs my dad had made from old VHS tapes. He passed away many years ago, but on each disc, he had carefully written when, where, and what the footage was. Just holding those discs, with his handwriting and his effort to preserve our memories, warmed my heart.

Watching those videos and seeing him holding my hand, walking beside me, the way he looked at me, and hearing his voice again, I could feel how much I was loved. Even now, it brings me comfort, joy, and a deep sense of connection.

That feeling sparked something in me. I wanted to give my own son a way to experience our love, even years from now.

What was your biggest challenge when you first started learning video and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge for me when I first started learning video was all the technical stuff like camera settings, editing, and especially nailing focus.

It felt overwhelming at first.

But joining FilmingLife Academy helped me so much.

I learned step by step, and with every film I made, I got a little better. Like anything, the more you practice, the more confident you become.

Did you find it a challenge to educate clients on the value of films - how were they first received by clients?

I think not many people are familiar with family films yet, but once clients experience their own, they truly understand the value.

I got a phone call from a client right after I delivered their film, and they were so amazed by it and thanked me a lot. It was incredibly rewarding!

Tell us about your favourite film and why it's special to you…

This is a tough question, but I’d probably say my first client film. It was the first film I made for someone other than friends or family.

I still remember the physical pain the next day from using my old, heavy camera. I had muscle aches from holding the camera for over two hours for the first time! I was so nervous, but finishing the film felt like a huge accomplishment.

The family was wonderful to work with, and they made the experience so easy and enjoyable. They really gave me the confidence I needed.

Every time I watch that film, it brings back that feeling of pride and how far I’ve come since then.

Mayumi’s favourite film

What's something you know now, that you wish you knew when you first started making films?

Probably how to use manual focus! When I first started filming my son, I was using a DSLR and relied only on autofocus. All those early films have that distracting autofocus sound, and it’s really hard to remove it.

These days, I use a mirrorless camera with great autofocus, so I mostly stick with that now.

What is your best piece of advice for those just getting started with films?

Just keep practicing! The more films you make, the faster you’ll improve.

You don’t need a fancy camera to get started. Just use what you have and keep shooting.

Focus on capturing real moments and learning as you go. Progress comes with practice!

What's your favourite part of being a member of FilmingLife®?

I love the community!

Everyone is so supportive, encouraging, and inspiring.

It’s amazing to be part of a group where people genuinely cheer each other on and share their knowledge so generously.

What would you say to someone who is considering joining FilmingLife®?

FilmingLife® Academy offers amazing educational materials, but even more than that, it is full of incredibly talented people you can learn so much from.

The community constantly inspires me. The regular assignments and new content keep me challenged and motivated to keep growing as a filmmaker.

Whether you are new to filmmaking or already an established filmmaker, you will learn so much from FilmingLife Academy.