Johansen Laurel is a United States Navy photojournalist with seven years of shooting experience. He has earned repeated praise for his ability to capture grandiose moments in time, while also enabling the images to appear intimately unfettered. "Photography helps me expand my point of view and pushes me to see the world in different angles." Much like painting, Laurel believes that photography is an art form, which allows him the opportunity to connect with viewers through creative use of light and shadow.

Laurel got his start in photography while on board USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), as an intelligence photographer. In 2003 he was accepted to the Defense Information School for Basic Photography 'A' School where he graduated top of his class as distinguished honor student. Following a successful tour at the Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego, he was accepted to the prestigious Military Photojournalism Course at Syracuse University. Upon graduation in June 2006, Laurel was assigned to Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific located in San Diego, Calif. Since then, he has been deployed around the world in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, as well as the Global War on Terror, Maritime Security Operations and Humanitarian Projects.

Laurel's dedication and motivation to strive and capture breathtaking imagery earned him the 2007 and 2008 Walter Richardson Naval Photographer of the Year Award. In November 2007, he also earned the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Ribbon while deployed to Iraq with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force. His award-winning images have appeared in numerous publications around the globe.