Michael W. Nelson - Photographer
While some people plan on being a photographer, others are just destined to become one.
Knowing early that he couldn’t sit still at a desk long enough to work a typical corporate job, Michael became a firefighter/EMT. As the lieutenant in charge, he learned to make life and death decisions in an instant when he arrived at a scene. Maturity, responsibility, and quick thinking are not optional in such a position. (He considers them just as vital on the photo set when the client is counting on him to come through.)
Besides fighting fires, he experienced the joy of having babies born into his arms when they couldn’t wait for the hospital. In contrast, those same arms too often held another as they took their last breath. With intimate knowledge of the truly thin line between life and death, Michael takes nothing for granted – any moment not lived fully and creatively is a moment wasted.
One advantage of the unique, albeit difficult schedule of fire fighting was the ability to pursue other interests. In addition to his love of photography, Michael became an accomplished sailor and SCUBA diver. Friends envied his month-long vacations in the Caribbean on board his boat.
Having conquered the sea, he set out to conquer the air. Michael found navigating the winds in a plane as exhilarating as on a boat. He says flying helps you to see the forest for the trees and thus maintain your perspective.
Through these other pursuits, the love of photography remained a constant. Michael took a part time job at a camera store and set out to learn all he could about the craft. Once an instructor explained the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, the proverbial light bulb went off. Soon, he was the one teaching the class.
Michael's understanding of lighting goes beyond the technical formulas emphasized in school. He has set new standards in lighting by using his intuition, experience and curiosity. He doesn't work for the light, he makes it work for him. That's one reason he has been successful in assignments other photographers said couldn't be done. His theory is, "if the client needs it, my job is to figure out how to do it.
Michael has spent the past few years refining his vision, focusing on a celebration of femininity, grace, sensuality and joy. This new work is intimate, romantic and painterly, combining his unique understanding of light with his enigmatic view of the world.
Michael’s only fear is mediocrity, and his approach to life and work is the same — full of humor, spontaneity, and a lot of passion.
Exhibitions
Feel the Heat, 2008, Kudzu Art Zone, Norcross, Georgia. Juried group show.
Slow Exposures 2004, Strickland Building, Concord, Georgia. Juried by Corinne Adams, Lucinda Weil Bunnen and Susan Todd-Raque. Honorable Mention for "After the Rain"
Party Your Arts Off, 1996 Re:Sources for Photography studios, Atlanta, Georgia. Two person show with the sculpture of Ode Droit.
Before the Curtain 1995, Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta, Georgia. Sponsored by the Kodak Corporation. Solo exhibition.
Bibliography
Small Stories, a colllection of images and words in collaboration with author Chuck Holmes. Self published through Blurb Books, 2010.
Lynn Simonton, "Before the Curtain: Portraits of the Atlanta Ballet, an interview with Michael Nelson", artist profile and portfolio feature on dance project, Photo Technique Magazine, July/August 2010
Bluestem Press/Emporia State University, Flint Hills Review, "Three Houses" selected for inclusion in of literary and fine art review publication, 2008 edition .
Mary E. Alderman, "Michael Nelson" artist profile and cover story, American Muse Magazine Spring 2001
Jeannie Moss, Artists using the Polaroid 20x24 Camera, CNN feature story with Michael, New York City, NY 1996
Commissions
Baker Book Group
Crown Publishing
St. Martin's Press
Guiness Imports
Sara Lee Intimates
Procter & Gamble
Sam & Libby Shoes
Westwayne
Private Collections
Ms. Caroline Kresky, Atlanta, Georgia
Mr. James H. Drummond, Duluth, Georgia
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Brown, Orlando, Florida
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew B. Varner, Jr., Winston-Salem, NC
Ms. Marjorie Bush, Norcross, Georgia
Mr. & Mrs. Aubrey Fulton, Meridian, Mississippi
Ms. Virginia Sanford, Oxford, Georgia
Mr. & Mrs. B. Evans, Georgia
Mr. & Mrs. Roy Swindal, Birmingham, Alabama
Ms. Susie Grimley, Decatur, Georgia
