‘The Lure of Sarasota and Her Islands’ book release

Resident photographer Mary Lou Johnson will be releasing her second pictorial coffee table book, The Lure of Sarasota and Her Islands on Friday, Nov. 1. In the book, Johnson captures the beauty of Sarasota’s coastlines from Anna Maria Island through Longboat, Lido, Bird, Siesta, Casey and Manasota Keys. Imagery includes soothing seascapes, classic Florida vignettes and the area’s flora and fauna.

After a lifetime of being interested in photography, Johnson seriously picked up a camera about 15 years ago. Since then, she has been relentless in honing her talent and documenting the natural wonders of her home state. “I love immersing myself in nature of all kinds and locales, but am mostly drawn to watery scenes,” Johnson says. “God’s beautiful world is always challenging and changing and I love capturing it in my art and sharing it.”