The Johnny Johnson Estate Auction

Timed auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals

Starts Oct 28, 2026 12:00 PM AKDT. Ends Nov 3, 2026 6:00 PM AKST

Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals is honored to present The Johnny Johnson Estate Auction! Bid Online Now at: https://bid.alaskapremierauctions.com/ui/auctions/170933 From a lone polar bear beneath an orange Arctic sun to penguin colonies sheltered by towering Antarctic ice, Johnny Johnson’s photographs bring the far reaches of the natural world into view. This 381-lot estate auction celebrates that lifelong pursuit through signed and numbered photographs, Artist’s Proofs, expedition images, books, studio equipment, and personal belongings from the photographer’s collection. Johnny Johnson (June 1, 1947–July 4, 2025) built a life around wildlife and the outdoors. Born in Brainerd, Minnesota, and raised in the Texas Hill Country, he studied wildlife management at Texas A&M University before arriving in Alaska in 1968 to work as a ranger at Denali National Park. Alaska became his home and the foundation of a photographic career that took him on assignments for National Geographic, across Africa, and on repeated expeditions to Antarctica. His photographs appeared in publications around the world, and Alaska Magazine recognized him as “Alaska’s Dean of Wildlife Photography.” Whether climbing Denali, traveling by kayak, or waiting for the right light, Johnny approached the wilderness with the patience and curiosity that give his work its lasting appeal. Alaska runs throughout the catalog: Denali reflected in still water, autumn color across the tundra, aurora sweeping over snowy mountains, and bears, wolves, walruses, whales, and sea lions in their northern habitats. Works include “High on Denali,” “Spirit of Denali,” “Lone Polar Bear at Sunset,” “Sea Wolf,” “Circle of Life,” and “Orca Whale Family.” An underwater view of spawning sockeye salmon offers a different perspective on familiar Alaska wildlife, while the luminous skies of “Night Goddess” and “Midnight Dancer” capture the spectacle of the northern lights. The journey continues through the African grasslands and the Southern Ocean. Zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, elephants, lions, and cheetahs share the catalog with emperor and king penguins. “Frozen Eden” places a penguin colony among immense walls of ice; other photographs reveal the animals’ smaller gestures and interactions within those vast landscapes. Artist’s Proofs are a particular feature of the offering, alongside numbered editions and groups that allow bidders to explore several subjects together. Many retain Johnson’s written accounts of the places, conditions, and encounters behind the images. Beyond the finished photographs, the auction offers a closer connection to Johnny’s working life: expedition photographs, The Art of Johnny Johnson, photography catalogs, Wild Alaska notecards, wildlife and outdoor books, studio easels and lamps, camera accessories, and outdoor gear. Together, these works and belongings reflect both the artist and the adventures that shaped his photographs. For longtime collectors, admirers of Alaska, and those discovering his work for the first time, this auction is an opportunity to bring home a photograph or keepsake from a life spent looking closely at the wild. Every lot opens at just $5 and will be sold to the highest bidder without reserve! In Johnny’s own words when parting ways: “See you downriver.” AUCTION CLOSING: This auction opened for bidding on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, and will begin to close on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 6 p.m. Alaska Standard Time (AKST). It features a soft close of 3 lots per minute. If a bid is placed in the final minute, that lot will be extended an additional 60 seconds until no other bids are placed and the lot is sold. PREVIEW: Limited in-person previews are available by appointment only. We can provide additional condition reports in the form of descriptions, videos, or photos upon request. Please email Admin@AlaskaPremierAuctions.com at least 48 hours before the auction closes with any inquiries. LOCATION: All inventory is located at our warehouse facility at 325 West Potter Dr., Anchorage, AK 99518. LOCAL PICK-UP TIMES: 10:00 a.m.–5:45 p.m. AKST on Wednesday and Thursday, November 4–5, 2026. DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: We offer in-house shipping on most reasonably shippable items! For shipping questions or preliminary quotes*, please email Shipping@AlaskaPremierAuctions.com or call/text 907.570.7050. Winning bidders will receive a text message or email after the auction with prompts to schedule pick-up or request shipping. Simply follow the prompts. Shipping costs are based on packed size, weight, destination, labor, and required handling/materials. Lot dimensions do not include packaging; bidders may use USPS, UPS, or other carrier calculators for rough estimates. Certain materials and destinations carry shipping restrictions. Please review the Shipping section of our Terms and Conditions for detailed restrictions and buyer responsibilities. If you are unsure whether an item can be shipped to your location, please contact us before bidding. Shipping quotes require sufficient advance notice and will be provided as promptly as possible, but cannot be guaranteed. We greatly appreciate quote requests being submitted at least two business days before the auction closes.

Lots

Showing the first 100 of 384 lots.