When he’s not in class, chances are you’ll find Hastings College junior Amiel Johnson of Nassau, The Bahamas, with his camera on the sidelines of whatever athletic team is practicing or competing, or at a campus event — always looking for his next shot. Johnson is rarely seen without his camera, always rolling ready to capture the perfect moments for students and athletes.
Johnson was a high school volleyball player. During a game, he experienced an intense knee injury and was told he could no longer play. Disappointed, he looked for a new perspective — and picked up a camera.
“If I knew I couldn’t play volleyball anymore, why not capture the love of the sport through the lens? So I started capturing video and photos of volleyball games and other local sports in town such as basketball and track and field,” Johnson said.
His interest in photography and videography came before the injury, when his aunt gifted him his first camera, sparking a love for capturing moments that post-injury developed into more than just a hobby.
He began expanding his skills and expertise, and became a content creator in his community, including for sporting and church events.
As his passion grew, Johnson became curious about life beyond home. His search for small, religious-affiliated colleges in the U.S. led him to Hastings College. Intrigued, he explored the college’s social media presence, which deepened his curiosity.
“I felt there was a lack of athletic experience coming from students on the College’s social media. I wanted to be the one to change it,” said Johnson, who reached out to the College’s marketing office before he arrived on campus.
Once on campus, Johnson brought a fresh perspective to student life.
He founded “The Backstage Co,” a social media platform dedicated to showcasing all aspects of life on campus, with a strong focus on student-athletes. From covering games, practices and weight room sessions to conducting athlete interviews, Johnson captures the essence of Hastings College’s athletic community, enriching the student experience.
Johnson, a communication studies major, found work immediately on campus with the Office of Marketing and Communication, as well as in the Athletic Department. Since then, he’s been involved with “The BroncPod,” an on-campus podcast, and he directed his first short film, “Home,” which features a Hastings College faculty member.
“I want to give value and recognition to the athletes and voices on campus that need to be heard. I want to represent the side of the College that people don’t always think about. I want students’ stories to be heard because we all have one, so it’s my job not only to tell their stories but to tell them right,” he said.
Johnson said he enjoys creating a bond with other students, getting to know them more on a personal level before he tells their stories. It helps him envision the right direction for his stories and closes the gaps in any part of the narrative.
“I appreciate the friendships with the people I interview. I have made many great friends and it gives me gratification knowing they trust me to tell the world their story and to post it online for more to listen to,” he said.
Another factor driving Johnson’s passion for content creation is the raw, unfiltered reactions of his subjects. These genuine responses inspire him to continuously improve, pushing his storytelling and capturing these students to new levels each day.
Even after the stories have been shared and the posts have been viewed, the journey doesn’t end for Johnson. The camera keeps rolling, reminding him to stay grounded and strive for improvement in his work and to be the change he wants to see for his campus community.
