Jamie Nelson, Talented Photographer

I was able to grab an interview with Jamie Nelson the photographer published in popular magazines Zink, Linie De Luxe, Plaza, and Highlights. Her work is also shown in art galleries across the globe.

I was absolutely in love with her pictures the first time I glanced upon them.

She uses bold color and graphics that really pop out at the viewer. Vivid is a great word to describe her art, and yes it is much more art than fashion, it's the kind of pictures you would hang up on a wall to enjoy daily.

Her work is very distinct as quoted by Anti-mag "Well, I dare say she is pushing the envelope in that genre of photography and she's doing it very well." Another great article at

http://www.anti-mag.com/jamienelson.htm

I hope you enjoy the article as much as I do.

What are your inspirations?

Jamie: I have never been very inspired by other photographers. I have always drawn inspiration from life experiences and my deep urges to share my passion and vision with people.
I am mostly inspired on the day of the shoot when the entire creative team pulls together to create.
I am inspired by the chaos of shoot days and the beauty of the final result that is created by several artists.

When did you realize you wanted to do what you're currently doing and when did you begin?

Jamie: I was in my senior year of high school, getting ready to apply to Stanford for the pre-med program.
Ha ha, thank god that didn't happen!
I took an art class and fell in love with photography and completely changed my direction.

What are your favorite items to use in your art?

Jamie: I enjoy bold, colorful clothing that makes a graphic statement and transforms the model.
However, lately I have been obsessed with shooting beauty and cosmetics.
In the same sense, I am inspired by bold, colorful makeup that creates graphic statements on the model and transforms her.

Do you have any favorite products or equipment you use when creating your art?

Jamie: I really don't like to stress importance on equipment.
It has never been about what type of equipment I use.
I was always the poor kid in school with the junkiest camera.
Everyone likes to ask this question, but really, there is no special magical equipment in my opinion.

Are you a part of any artist communities online or offline?

Jamie: My favorite online community lately has been www.iqons.com.
There are some really amazing talents on there.

Do you have a favorite piece that you have photographed?

Jamie: I enjoy shooting with taxidermy animals for some reason.
It was a phase I went through for awhile.

They have been frozen in time with their one last movement or action in life.
They are still, quiet, yet bold. They seem to be an overall metaphor for my imagery.
I would like my models & imagery to hold the same tranquility and timelessness.

What themes do you have in your art?

Jamie:The work tends to be bold- whether colorful or colorless, there is always an element of boldness.
Each image is glossy and perfected, even if the content is rough, raw, or grungy.
I carry a lot of vintage aesthetic into each image- a juxtaposition of several eras of time that inspire me.

Do you see yourself moving in any new directions?

Jamie: I see myself moving into the commercial field quickly.
After I gain success in advertising campaigns, and top magazines, I'd love to be able to settle down a bit and focus on going back in the fine art direction.

Where can people view and or buy your work?

Jamie:My work is usually featured in internationally distributed magazines carried at Barnes & Nobles and Border's. Although some are obscure foreign magazines that may be difficult to find.
I also am doing more art shows locally and internationally. The most current will be one in Rome in May.

What experiences or training has helped you grow as an artist?

Jamie: There are so many elements that have assisted my growth over the years.
School was very important to develop the technical aspect of my photography.
Having a solid team of other creatives around me as really made the artistic vision and flow easier to perfect.

Shooting consistently and practicing always teaches me something new.
When shoots go horribly wrong, I love it and get excited- I always learn so much from those ones!

Did you attend School or take any classes to get started?

Jamie: Yes, I went to Brooks Institute of Photography in CA for 4 years.
I also took an art class in High School, which initially piqued my interest for photography.

What advice would you give to beginner photographers?

Jamie: Develop your own style. Stay true to it. Try to get your work out to as many people as possible.
Be persistent. Be willing to make sacrifices for what you want

The Most Gut Wrenching Decision You Will Ever Make In Your Photography Career!

As "artists" most of us have problems with self doubt.

Does my work measure up? Could I have done better? Did I use the right combination of shutter speed/f-stop? Will anyone like these shots? Was that the best pose? Angle? Is this ART or just a grab shot?

We constantly compare ourselves to the best in the field and - in our minds - we frequently fall sort. This low self esteem state of mind causes us to endlessly agonize over the biggest decision we will ever need to make in our careers...

To sell our photography or simply remain a frustrated amateur.

Photography as a hobby is incredibly expensive. We have to buy cameras, tripods, lenses, film or -if digital - computers, printers and software. Lights, stands, backdrops and etc., are all just the tip of the iceberg.

At some point, pretty much ALL intermediate and advanced amateurs wonder if they could sell their work.

If nothing else, it would help pay for the equipment.

Then, the self doubt starts to creep in. We start looking through our books and magazines and comparing our work to those we see. We check out websites and study contest winners.

The lump in the pit of our stomache starts getting larger and larger.

But on the other hand, all our friends and relatives say our work is gorgeous. Everyone says we could become photographers but, that doesn't do much to relieve the cold sweats in the middle of the night. Does it?

What to do...?

First, stop comparing yourself to the magazine photographers. Odds are, several thousand dollars in retouching fees were expended to get that perfect cover "look". Same with contest winners and the window display at the local photo studio. (Not to mention that those are the best photos they have available. Why display a bad one?)

Then you need to stop comparing yourself to all the other photographers you see published. Even if they are all tremendous shooters, it doesn't matter! If you start selling your work, you aren't trying to please them! You are trying to please your customers.

Every photographer has an individual way of seeing things and YOUR customers may like what YOU do BETTER!

That's all that matters. Is the customer happy?

Here is a well kept secret that all professional portrait photographers know - the average person doesn't judge photo contests. They don't know what makes one portrait a contest winner and another one a loser.

AND they don't care!

All they want is a good, competent job, showing an attractive pose and nice expression.

There IS a way to be sure you never have an unhappy customer - don't charge a session fee. Work on speculation. That way, they are only obligated to buy the photos they want!

The bottom line is, you don't have to be brilliant, just treat your customers well and take care to do the best job you can on every session. You'll be surprised.

I hope this will help you with one of the hardest decisions we are forced to make. Make the choice to start selling your portraits, and don't look back - you'll be glad you did.

If you are interested in getting started in a part time photo business (don't start off full time) check out the website listed in my bio. It's the easiest, least expensive and fastest way I know to get started!

Publishers - Feel free to publish this article at will, as long as the entire article is left intact - including the bio and links.

Learn How To Share Your Photos Easily With Free Digital Photo Albums

Digital photo albums are a great way of sharing your photos with friends and family, whatever country they live in.

What makes digital photo albums so special?

Unlike the old days of film, if you take photos using a digital camera it is now much easier to share these images across the world, using photo albums hosted on a website.

Instead of arranging for extra copies of photos to be made, all you need to do is to open a free account at websites like the Kodak Easyshare Gallery or Photobucket and start uploading your photos. You then decide which style of album you wish to display your photos in and then invite people to view them. You will find that most photo albums sites allow you to comment on your photos. Not only that but you can also allow visitors to add comments too. This takes sharing photos to a new level and of course you can upload from anywhere in the world. You just need access to an internet connection.

So, if you are travelling, your friends and family can see where you are and really get into the experience of your adventures.

What are the benefits of digital photo albums?

The main benefit is the avoidance of hassle when you want to share your photos. Uploading them to a website is a once only operation. You avoid the need for sending large attachments with emails. In my experience you are never sure whether they will reach their destination anyway.

You can request printed photos directly from the photo albums site if you need copies but in particular, friends and family can do this too. A major saving in your time on what is usually a laborious task.

What are the downsides?

You will find that you have to sign up for a free account which grants you access to the main photo albums creation area. However, be aware that you usually have to make a purchase, at least one a year, to keep your account active. This purchase may take the form of a few hard copies of pictures from your digital photo albums or perhaps your images printed on mugs, keyrings or posters etc.

You need to read the terms and conditions carefully as digital photo albums suppliers usually reserve the right to delete your digital photos or videos should you not make the required purchase. But don't worry, some only require the purchase of a few of your digital photos printed and it is not very expensive.

Seven Spring Photography Tips

Spring is here! Here are seven photography tips for the new season.

Shoot birds as they are now coming back from the winter. Use the longest lens you have to get the bird in full frame. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/500 second. These critters move fast and are usually restless even while perched so you need to be prepared for their quick moves.

Shoot in black and white. The sun's still not out quite as much so on overcast days try shooting in black and white to get whatever contrast you have to stand out.

Shoot reflections. Puddles, pools of water, moisture on objects, closeups of dew, all make good subjects while we are still experiencing rain in most parts of the country. After spring rains, creeks, streams and waterfalls are at their most picturesque. So spring is a great time to photograph these waterways.

Shoot flowers. An oldy but goody. Spring flowers and blossoms are always a good subject if you need an idea.

Stormclouds and cloudy sky scenes make interesting patterns. Try this with black and white and see what results you get.

Take advantage of the best light. Usually morning light for warm yellow tones, late afternoon or evening light will give you a warmer hint of red to full red.

Finally, check your photo gear and prepare for a full on photo year. Clean your camera, lenses and gear, check and recharge all your batteries. Read up on what new accessories can enhance your shooting.

Enjoy the sights, sounds and fresh air as you go about capturing the freshness of spring!