In 1899, Johnston was commissioned by Hollis Burke Frissell to photograph the buildings and students of the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in Hampton, Virginia in order to show its success. This commission added to her reputation. This series, documenting the ordinary life of the school, is considered among her most telling work. It was displayed at The Exhibit of American Negroes of the Paris "Exposition Universelle" in 1900. Her photographs of the Hampton Institute were utilized in Robert Wilson's production of August Strindberg's "A Dream Play".