Lance Johnson never knows what to expect from his job. He could be hanging out of a plane, perched in a lift truck between power lines or standing on a mountain of cow manure.

It’s this unpredictability that defines Johnson’s life as a commercial photographer.

“I like the multi-facetedness of it,” said Johnson, owner of Image West Photography in Yakima. “I get to learn all the jobs in the Valley just by doing my job.”

Johnson, 47, began his career by working for an oil field service company in Bakersfield, Calif. For eight years, he specialized in scientific photography by shooting pictures of core samples.

Then he switched gears 18 years ago and opened his own studio. He photographs weddings, high school graduates and family portraits. He does outdoor and aerial photography, and he shoots products — ranging from racing strollers and vehicles to dairy cows and fruit.

“It’s scary when you open your own business,” he said. “Your reputation is everything. One bad product, one missed deadline, and word gets out. Then you are in really bad shape.”

With his job, Johnson knows anything is possible. To photograph the Cow Palace in Zillah, he climbed a mountain of hard cow manure — praying he wouldn’t fall through — to shoot a machine that grinds dung into fertilizer.

Extreme weather conditions also can play a role, especially when he shoots aerial photography. So far, he’s battled bone-chilling winds while shooting the construction of West Valley High School and sweltering, 90-degree heat when photographing Broetje Orchards in Prescott, Wash.

But Johnson doesn’t let these obstacles get to him.  

“Every shoot is a challenge,” he said. “That’s what makes my job so much fun.”

Self-taught, Johnson learned the trade by attending seminars offered by Professional Photographers of America and Professional Photographers of Washington, for which he now serves as president. He also gained insight from his father, a commercial artist.

“I can’t draw like he can, but I can put it on film or pixels,” he said.

Johnson typically works 40 to 50 hours a week, often traveling to resorts and job sites throughout Washington for his assignments. Each fall, he also volunteers his time to judge photography at the Central Washington State Fair.

Depending on his clients’ needs, Johnson could be working early in the morning or late at night. There is no set schedule.

“You can set your own hours, but every customer sets your hours for you,” he said about being self-employed. “Plan to work a lot of weekends and odd hours.”

What commercial photographers earn depends largely on their versatility and the number of jobs they attract, he said, unable to give a pay range. Other skills — such as computer prowess, marketing know-how and good business sense — also are crucial for those who want to go into business for themselves.

“Now, it’s hard to specialize in any one type of photography,” he said. “There are so many people doing digital now. ... Being multi-faceted keeps me going, keeps me successful.”

To date, Johnson has earned numerous state and national awards, including the 2006 Commercial Photographer of the Year for the state of Washington and the 2006 Photographer of the Year from the Professional Photographers of America.

Recognition from his peers means a lot and helps spur him forward, he said.

“I just want continued success,” he said about his career goals. “I’m always wanting more.”

To venture into commercial photography, Johnson said people must be motivated and self-starters. They need strong people skills and the ability to analyze everything from lighting to composition with an artistic eye.

They also must be willing to go the extra mile to meet their clients’ demands — even if it means shooting in 100-degree weather or being whipped by freezing winds.

“The client wants it done,” he said, smiling. “The client is always right, that’s all I have to say.”