Life & Work with Grant Nelson of Prairie Village, KS

Today we’d like to introduce you to Grant Nelson

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my photography journey in 2004 when I was working as a Systems Engineer for a software company. In that role, I traveled extensively and purchased my first digital camera to take on my business trips. I was immediately hooked.

From that point on, I took pictures of everything – landscapes, plants, animals, people, everything. I never left my home without a camera in my hand. Over time, I upgraded equipment several times and kept looking for ways to learn more about the craft and to try new things.

Fast forward to today…

I have reached a point in my life where I am committed 100% to the art of photography. I find myself shooting less, but with more intention. Although I have improved my technique and understanding over the past 20+ years, I enjoy the process of learning and trying new things.

Most recently, I just returned from a 12-day photography tour of Vietnam. This had been on my “bucket list” for some time and was my first ever structured tour group excursion. It was an incredible experience that, while ostensibly a photography tour, led to some very significant relationships that will last the rest of my life.

Such is the power of photography.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part, yes. But with any creative endeavor, there are struggles.

In my case – and I know this to be true for many photographers and artists – the struggle is staying motivated. There are times when the creative juices just aren’t flowing or there are just too many other things going on in life. It can be frustrating.

I do sometimes struggle with “imposter syndrome” where I feel inadequate and experience self-doubt. I think every person who attempts to master a craft experiences this, and I just keep moving forward.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a photographer. I still tend to shoot everything, but my first love is street photography. I’m also doing a long-term project of abandoned places and things. I try to stay away from cliche images. I still shoot things like landscapes, flowers, birds, etc., but I attempt to see and shoot things from a different angle. Sometimes I’m successful.

My proudest moment came a few years ago. I had taken a trip through the Badlands of South Dakota, andhad pulled my car over to take a shot of the vista,. As I was doing so, a buffalo was walking toward me. I had a telephoto lens on my camera, so I turned and snapped off a couple shots as he was scratching himself on a post sticking out of the ground.

When I got home from the trip, I did some basic editing of the image and posted it on Instagram (which I rarely do anymore). Within a couple of days, I received a message from an interior designer in Tokyo. He told me that he was putting together a design for a bar in the Roppongi District and that he wanted to use my shot as part of the design. Long story short, a huge print of “Tatanka” is now prominently displayed at the One-Eyed Jack Lounge in Tokyo.

What sets me apart? I don’t know. As mentioned, I do try to stay away from cliche images. I also don’t really care about social media “likes” anymore. When social media first started, I was posting stuff all the time and became overly concerned about how many likes and followers I had. Nowadays, I just concentrate on my work and spend time on my website. The truth is I shoot photographs because I love it, not because people like what I do.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
What is life without risk? Boring.

Every time I enter a juried competition, I’m taking a risk. Every time I walk up to an interesting looking stranger on the street and ask if I can take his picture, I’m taking a risk. I left a successful 20+ year career in IT to became a professional dog trainer, and that was pretty risky.

I’m not a gambler, so my risks are usually calculated to some extent. People miss out on so many opportunities because they’re afraid of what might happen. It’s a balance, but I’m not afraid of taking risks.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://grantnelsonphotography.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantnelsonphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gfotoz
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmnelson/