Full Name: Jamie Nelson
Age: 23
Currently Residing: New York
Currently Listening to: Soviet

At a mere 23 years of existence, Jamie Nelson creates a world of pop-o-matic imagery that will make you feel as though you are visiting Willy Wonka's World of Beauty. As a fashion photographer, she constructs a realm of vividness, living art, and sophistication which breathe a life I've not really seen in fashion photography. Yes, her models pose but it's what they create that's interesting. There's a sense of, "Yeah, this is fashion but I could hang that on my wall"! The art direction of her photos is innovative, riveting and you really forget about the pretentiousness of fashion instead concentrating on the details of the pictures.

What more can I say about Jamie Nelson? Well, I dare say she is pushing the envelope in that genre of photography and she's doing it very well. I'm curious to see her work in ten years because at 23 she is portraying someone who really has an outlook on her environment that most people miss the mark on. She seems very passionate and professional about her work and that will only lead her further. Her ideas are grand and so is her ambition. The fact that she works for herself is inspiring in itself. I admire people who take the reins of their own destiny. And last, but not least...she's just so darn cute!

You are 23 years of age....how is it that you have gotten to where you are in such a short period of time?

I have always worked for myself. I struggled for what seemed like an eternity in New York, but it finally paid off. Putting time and effort into yourself and sticking to your passion will always pay off...eventually!

How do you go about picking a subject for your photographs?

I scout models at agencies for particular themes and ideas that my team and I have. I usually go for models with big lips. I definitely have a bit of a lip fetish.

You tend to do some incredibly visually artistic things...is this innate with you or is this something that developed over time with schooling and is it you who decides what look is going to get created?

I definitely think tons of practice and 4 years of photography school helped sophisticate my work. A lot of my visual exploration comes from within and deals with my past experiences in my life. I have a ton of aesthetic help, brainstorming, and collaboration from my team however, that creates the final image. Hair, makeup, and art direction are a huge part of bringing the image to its final aesthetic result.

Do you digitally enhance your photographs? Is it true what they say about Fashion photography...a lot of thin this out here, make this blemish go away, etc.?

Yes, I use photoshop, like most photographers to correct small blemishes, etc., However most of the colors and effects are done the day of the shoot and are composed in-camera.

What's it like working in the fashion/beauty industry and has this always been a subject of interest for you or did you want to delve in other mediums?

I started out doing fine-art. Ironically I have never been too concerned or obsessed with the fashion industry. The aesthetic and art in fashion imagery is what interested me initially. I still see fashion/beauty photography as art and do not tend to focus on branding or advertising of the products themselves.

What's your favorite thing to capture in the lens?

I love capturing a perfect pose, a dramatic close up, a tight crop of a slight smile or pucker of the mouth.

Have you ever had a job you just weren't motivated to do b/c of the subject matter or other reasons?

Photography is my passion. No matter what the subject or job, I always try to find a creative and satisfying way to complete the job.

You've had some major clients...can you tell us who some of them have been and which ones you've enjoyed working with?

I have enjoyed working with all my clients, whether for large companies and campaigns or for European fashion magazines. Currently I'm on tour doing shoots for Camel, which has been a very exciting and fun experience. I am starting to get clients that are allowing my complete creative vision and not over-directing me, which is my favorite type of client! I love to travel as well, so any client that pays for me to travel is a good one in my book!

What would be your dream shoot and why?

My dream is to be shooting for Italian Vogue and Numero. They are beautiful magazines that I feel would allow for the complete creative freedom I desire. Most American magazines are quite conservative and hesitant with some of my edgier imagery.

Favorite designer and why?

Alexander McQueen. I love graphic statements in clothing. Big, colorful, bold pieces are most interesting to me. I love big, puffy tulle skirts. That's pretty much all you'll catch me wearing on a night out.

What is your favorite horror movie and why?

The Amityville Horror (2005). It is brilliantly cast and terrifies me for some reason. Its one of the few that actually scared me.

 

If you would like to see the vivid world of Jamie Nelson visit her at her website: Jamie Nelson or tell her what you think of her work on her MySpace.

 

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