Featured Podcasts
and articles
Portrait Photography:
From Awkward Poses to Real Connection
2025 - In this video, I speak to Portrait Photographer Sissela Johansson about how she connects with her subjects to make her compelling portraits. In this candid conversation, I also ask her about her burnout, her recent move to 'burn everything down', her return home to start over, and how she's taking care of herself through it all.
w. Sean Tucker
THE STUDIO TAKEOVER PODCAST
2025 - What if your next level wasn’t about doing more — but about creating space to be more?
In this conversation with Sissela, we explore the art of building a business and life that reflect not only your skill, but your values, vision, and pace. From refining your offer to structuring your days, she shares how intentional choices can lead to more freedom, more impact, and more fulfilment.
Inside, we talk about:
Designing your business around your life, not the other way around
Finding the balance between ambition and alignment
The mindset shifts that turn “busy” into “purposeful”
How clarity in your vision makes decision-making effortless
Why your next level is less about adding and more about refining
This episode isn’t about chasing someone else’s version of success — it’s about crafting yours.
w. Kat Ford-Coates
INTERVIEW
2025 - "I had the privilege of speaking with the extraordinary storyteller, artist, and photographer, Sissela Ørnholt Johansson. It was one of the most emotionally profound conversations I have ever experienced. Sissela is the kind of artist whose emotions, sensitivity, and deep human connection are at the very heart of her work.
There was no talk of gear, equipment, or even AI.
Instead, we explored the essence of portrait photography: the connection between people, the emotions we carry, and the life experiences that shape who we are and how we create. Her images carry a quiet intensity, leaving a lasting emotional imprint on anyone who sees them. If you are looking for inspiration, if you want to understand how photography can be a healing force...for both your clients and yourself... this conversation is for you.”
w. Rafal Wegiel
FOCUSED PROFESSIONAL PODCAST
2025 - Join us in Episode 27 for a deep and personal conversation with Danish photographer, tutor, and model Sissela Johansson. Now based in Sweden, Sissela lived in America for a number of years and has experience of running a business in different contexts and with different aims. After initially following the advice of established photographers on how to “succeed,” she took her own path that felt more authentic to herself.
This frank and open conversation offers alternative perspectives on working in the photography industry. Sissela Johansson offers her take on what her career has brought her and encourages you to think about what you really want before getting caught up in the hype or following the crowds.
w. Joe Lenton
TIFFINCAST
2024 - In this episode, we discuss The Human Connection, and how that is an important facet of creating not just succesful portraits, but also meaningful ones.
w. Seshu Badrinath
GENERATOR: From Imposter Syndrome to Authenticity
2023 - In this episode, Matt Stagliano speaks with Sissela Johansson, an editorial portrait photographer located in Monroe, CT and she explains the benefits of authenticity in her business, reinventing herself, setting boundaries with clients, and the pitfalls of social media.
w. Matt Staglioano
Unlocking Success with Sissela Johansson
2021 - In Episode 95 of the Portrait System Podcast, Nikki Closser chats with Sissela Johansson, a boudoir and portrait photographer from Denmark who is based in Connecticut. When Sissela relocated to Connecticut, she already had been a photographer for 7 years and had her website and portfolio ready to go. However, it took much longer than she expected to book clients and start making money in her business. As a result, she felt a lot of frustration, as many photographers do. Sissela soon realized that being a skilled artist is not enough. You also must do your self-value work, and your marketing work, and know how to speak from your passion so that people can find you and know about you.
Be sure to listen to the whole podcast to hear how Sissela overcame her frustration in order to unlock her success. You also might be interested to hear how committing to In-Person Sales has increased her profits. As well, Sissela discovered that honing in on her ideal client has allowed her to let go of aspects of her career that were draining so that she feels energized by her work.
w. The Portrait System - Nikki Closser
The Art of Connection: How to Capture Authentic Portraits (feat. Sissela Johansson)
“A truly compelling portrait goes beyond a perfect pose and flawless lighting. It captures the very essence of a person, revealing a moment of genuine connection. This is the philosophy of renowned portrait photographer Sissela Johansson, whose work is a powerful reminder that the most impactful images are often the most authentic. By shifting the focus from technical perfection to human empathy, she creates portraits that tell a deeper, more resonant story.”
ISO1200
Modellen Sissela gör succé även bakom kameran: ”Jag vill göra det bästa av mitt liv”
“Hon har fotograferat allt från miljardärer och skådespelare till kändiskockar och författare.
Men det är inte titel, pengar och makt som är det intressanta.
– Alla har en unik berättelse. Det är den jag vill förmedla, säger Sissela Johansson, som varvar fotojobben i New York med Delary."
Smålänningen
Fotografi som terapi – Sissela får människor att visa sig
“Fotografen Sissela Ørnholt Johansson är en härlig blandning av danskt, svenskt och amerikanskt. Hon gör porträtt där människor får visa alla sina sidor. Även de som kan vara svåra att titta på – för den avbildade.”
Smålandsposten
“Sissela Johansson creates portraits for people who want to be seen—truly seen—beyond the polished versions we tend to show the world. Her work is about making space. She stays with people long enough for the mask to drop, for the breath to catch, and for something honest to surface. The result is quiet, intentional portraiture that feels real—because it is.”
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HEADSHOTS MATTER
2025 - Our latest Headshots Matter StudioTalk featured Sissela Johansson, a Swedish photographer known for her emotionally resonant portraits of women. Her work isn’t about perfection or polish—it’s about truth. Through her calm presence, unhurried process, and deep empathy, she creates photographs that allow women to see themselves honestly, often during moments of transition or self-rediscovery.
w. Dwayne Brown - HEADSHOTS MATTER