Rising Stars: Meet Marissa Nelson of Luverne MN

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Nelson.

Hi Marissa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I felt a strong desire to start photographing my children because, as many people often remind us, they grow up so fast. One of my sons was becoming increasingly active in sports, which inspired me to purchase my camera during the Black Friday sales at Best Buy. As I began to explore the capabilities of my new camera, I discovered a genuine passion for photography that I never knew I had. Now, I thoroughly enjoy capturing spontaneous moments of children, seniors, mothers, and families. Looking ahead, I have aspirations to delve into wedding photography, where I can continue to document beautiful memories for others.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It certainly hasn’t been an easy journey.

I tend to be someone who worries a lot about how others perceive me, and when I launched my business, I was aware that people would have their own thoughts and judgments. On top of that, just a few months prior, my boyfriend received a leukemia diagnosis, facing numerous challenges that required me to be strong not just for him, but also for our children. Additionally, I had no background in photography, so grasping the camera settings and understanding how they affect the final image has been quite a struggle, and I’m still on that learning curve.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I focus on lifestyle photography, capturing candid moments that truly reflect the personality of my subjects. Being an energetic and cheerful individual, I strive to ensure that my clients have an unforgettable experience during our sessions, even if I’m still learning the ropes at times! I aim to tell a story through my images and enhance them with a cinematic touch, which distinguishes my work from others. I take great pleasure in showcasing the natural beauty of my clients and weaving their stories into each photograph.

What were you like growing up?
As a child, I loved being involved in a wide range of activities. I participated in basketball, volleyball, track, cheerleading, theater, chorus, and even took part in poetry competitions. One of my favorite experiences was showing horses with my mom, which eventually led us to 4H rodeos. I’ve always had a strong passion for health and fitness. I also have a unique laugh that tends to make everyone around me join in, even if they aren’t sure what I’m laughing about!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Marissaannphotography