Roy Nelson

Hello Roy. Welcome to The Style Researcher. How did you first become interested in photography, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career or hobby?

I’m a second generation photographer with my father being an aerial reconnaissance pilot over Italy during WWII. After a flight, he used the leftover film to shoot the countryside and people.

Every photographer has a unique style or approach to their work. How would you describe your signature style, and what themes or subjects do you find most compelling to photograph?

Clarity and flattering. I try to capture the moment or spirit of every subject.

Can you share a particularly memorable or challenging moment from your photography career that had a significant impact on your growth as a photographer?

My work involves technical photography using an electron microscope. Working with fashion required me to learn to deal with outdoor lighting and the importance of shadows.

Technology has greatly influenced the world of photography. How do you stay updated with the latest advancements and incorporate them into your creative process?

Automatic focusing on new cameras is amazing. However, fuzzy logic exposures make for bland cell phone quality photos.

Many photographers have a favorite piece of equipment or a go-to camera. What’s your preferred camera and lens combination, and why do you find it essential for your work?

I used a Nikon D850 with a 70-210 mm zoom in the studio. Outdoors my go-to lens is a 85mm and a separate tripod with a single flash mounted with soft bounce reflector. The camera is always on a tripod for sharper photos.

Photographers often have diverse portfolios, spanning different genres and subjects. Are there any particular projects or genres you enjoy exploring outside of your primary focus?

My primary work is portfolio and fashion. However, I do enjoy working with graphic artists to create works of art based on my photos. It is always a collaborative effort.

Light plays a crucial role in photography. Could you describe your approach to working with natural and artificial light sources to achieve your desired visual effects?

It is all about the shadows.

The post-processing stage is an integral part of photography. Can you share some insights into your editing process and how it contributes to the final look and feel of your images?

I take very few photos during a shoot. I review each shot before going to the next. My goal is to minimize the need for retouching. However, I do use professional retouchers routinely.

Photography is a medium for storytelling. Can you tell us about a specific photograph or series that carries a meaningful story or message you’d like to share with your audience?

This series of photos showed clearly the deep sister love that I sought to capture. Elle is one of my regularly models and always is just so fully of life. This was her younger sister, Hanna, first shoot. It was an amazing experience for all involved.

Many aspiring photographers look up to established professionals for guidance. What advice would you give to someone starting their journey in photography, based on your own experiences and growth in the field?

There is no one right way to capture an image. Before you shoot, you need to know whether the emphasis will be on the clothes or the model. On line courses are a great way to improve no matter how long you have had a camera, you can always learn more. We hold bimonthly shootouts to learn from other photographers that shoot different genres.

Photographer: Roy Nelson @roynelsonphotos

Retoucher: Annie Pham @retoucher_anniepham

Model: Elle LeBlanc @ellelleblanc

Model: Hanna DeBlanc

Wardrobe Credits: Pellone Designer Collection