Inspired by the photographs of the Farm Security Administration growing up, Lynn Johnson has spent nearly 35 years as a photojournalist working for LIFE, National Geographic, Sports Illustrated and various foundations.

“Photography is my identity...and I think what it gives to me is that constant question, can I use photography to give to others?” said Johnson.

In her years of working in the field, Johnson developed a keen awareness of the role women play in the development of their families and communities. Her focus on these issues led to her current collaboration with Ripple Effect Images, an organization founded by fellow National Geographic photographer Annie Griffiths whose goal is to freely document NGOs working to support women and girls. This collaboration has allowed Johnson to focus on documenting the issues and organizations that most directly affect women all over the world.

To this Johnson said, “It's been proven by every bit of research that if you help women get resources in their hands they will use a majority of those resources for the health of their children and their families.

I hope that the work for Ripple Effect will accomplish this. That's why I do the work”.