Focusing on a distinct aesthetic that draws you in with just a single shot, this Los Angeles/San Diego photographer is a complete mastermind. Nelson’s work has completely transformed the beauty of picture. With an emphasis on story-telling within an array of photos and the mind to produce the most intricate scenes, his work in the industry has only just flourished.
Nelson was born in Sacramento, California and ventured to San Diego for school. Attending UC San Diego, he went in as a Biology major during COVID and admittedly, struggled with competitiveness and the college climate during that time. While pursuing a difficult major, and struggling to stay focused during a difficult period in the world, he found it was time to shift perspective. Nelson found himself starting to take photography more seriously. “I never really thought that was a possibility as a career,” he states “I started to believe that this was fun, and I had always been business oriented so I figured out how to do something with my passions.” With that knowledge he switched majors and started to work on honing his craft.
With such intricate work, you’d think this was something he’s always wanted to pursue. But photography is a relatively recent passion for Nelson. “I used to play around with a digicam when I was younger, and I had always wanted a camera. But it was never to the point where I wanted to be a photographer, but I remember early memories of liking it. Later in life, I borrowed a friend's film camera, took my own pictures and since then I always thought it was really sick.” With the excitement coming from manipulating the camera, and the anticipation of waiting for film to develop, he decided to take his next big step. He saved his money and bought one of his first cameras, a Mamiya RB67. “I didn’t know much about it, but I watched so many videos about it. It’s a pretty old camera from the 70’s.”
With having such accomplished capabilities Nelson pulls a multitude of inspirations, but not many from photography itself. “I love creating a story, and creating an emotion. I draw a lot of inspiration from directors like Tarantino and Wes Anderson. I love how Wes Anderson can make a world that’s unique to him. I hope I can be at that level to make something so meticulous, down to the wallpaper on the wall.” Other than film, he finds himself going down rabbit holes in any other creative realm, whether it be art from the enlightenment era or present day. He’s fond of most music genres, and emphasizes the importance of enriching yourself in other spaces.
Through his lens, Nelson admires the bridge between photography and life itself. He finds power in the ability to resonate with art on an emotional level. This leaves space to remind us all to connect with each other, creating empathy and understanding with our shared human experience. “My brain works in a funny way. I have an idea, and then I just have to do it. Even if it’s not done at that moment. In my head, being creative is the only way I feel fulfilled. It links people through all their lived experiences and feelings on the same level. You’re not drawn to anything in life the same way you’re drawn to something you can feel.”
