HI, MY NAME IS… Claudia Johnstone.
MY OCCUPATION IS… photographer and life coach with a focus on adults with ADHD. I am also excited to be working on an ongoing photography project called “May I Have Your Attention,” which is part of an exhibit that just opened at First Studio in downtown Phoenix. Check out my work at dasfotohaus.com and mayihaveyourattention.com.
I’VE LIVED IN the area FOR NEARLY 16 YEARS AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… the landscape is so different from Germany, where I grew up. I love the duality of city life and outdoor beauty.
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES… my days are rarely the same besides getting up to drink a cup of coffee and walking my dog Zoe. Most days I will do administrative types of work for my business in the mornings, with photoshoots in the afternoons.
MY FAMILY IS… my 32-year-old son Eric and his wife Erin who live in the West Valley. My two-and-a-half-year-old rescue dog Zoe has also captured my heart, keeps me company, and is the main reason I go for a walk at least once a day.
ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… my family and friends. I stay connected with my friends in Europe and the U.S. daily or at least weekly, including a weekly Skype call with my BFF in Germany.
MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY IS… “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” because it makes me laugh, warms my heart, has a deeper meaning, and I am in awe of its cinematography.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… a flight attendant or an architect. I ended up getting a master’s degree in architecture, but 12 years ago I chose to focus on my passion for photography instead.
THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… “99 Red Balloons” by Nena – in German.
THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… that is difficult to pinpoint as it changes all the time. In fact, so many people in my life have motivated me over the years and continue to do so.
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… some video on Instagram this morning. If only I could remember what it was… It was probably a funny dog video my friend Sabine sent me.
THE PERFECT DAY IS… not having anything on my agenda and just going with the flow.
MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue, which I have volunteered with for over 10 years, fostering dogs and designing their annual calendar to raise funds.
MY LIFE IS… fulfilling, never the same, exciting, and full of surprises. Even though they are not always pleasant surprises, I’m finally at a point where I embrace change and the fact that I don’t know what the future holds.
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… a video my BFF made for me for my 30th birthday. I still have the VCR tape.
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… to see the pyramids of Giza in Egypt. It’s been on my bucket list ever since I learned in depth about the ancient civilizations and history during my architecture studies in university.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS… if you don’t like a situation, you only have two options. You either change the situation or you change your attitude toward it.
