Today we’d like to introduce you to Micah Nelson.
Hi Micah, 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 backstories with our readers?
In the past, I’ve been a dance instructor, science teacher, barista, and cook, and at one point, I considered becoming a professional stuntman. My degree is in international business, and I am seriously considering a career in data analytics. But now I’m a photographer.
Photography, to varying degrees, has been part of my life since middle 7th grade. Photography is good medicine for the introverted, nature-loving soul. Often in stressful times of life, photo walks were a source of solace. In my high school years, I grew fond of cooking. Nothing made me feel better than getting to make someone something that made them feel happy, present, and seen. If anyone needs a recipe for Monster Energy jello, I got you.
I distinctly remember my freshman year of college when Mom printed an album of my photos as a birthday gift to me. It started me down the path of “cooking” for the sense of sight instead of taste. I want to do the same thing with photos as I did with cinnamon rolls: to help people feel happy, present, and see.
The reason I decided to make the jump into the professional sphere is simple: to provide for my family. One day, in the not-so-distant future, my wife and I plan to immigrate to France for her to pursue a career in medicine. Though I’m actively learning French, I need a career where I can primarily work in English if need be. In February 2021, a decision between pursuing photography or data analytics needed to be made. (For the record, I actually enjoyed data analytics.) And, well, I’m a photographer!
My young career in photography has already given me more than I hoped. It’s given me the ability and excuse to connect with other small business owners, my community, my family, and the wider community of photographers. From connecting with an outstanding coffee roaster, helping people be more comfortable in their bodies through boudoir, to being sent on photojournalism trips by Papaw to capture some of disappearing Appalachia, my experiences are already diverse and life-giving.
Eventually, I will be a destination wedding/elopement photographer specializing in weddings in the mountainous regions of France. But for right now, I’m happy to be one of Knoxville’s budget wedding photographers; meeting a need in an underserved market.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Most of my challenges stem from a lack of resources.
Lost income from the height of the pandemic and two lemony cars took away our startup fund. Due to the historic lack of advertising budget, most people don’t know I exist. In some ways, it’s helped me connect in person more often.
There’s not a small business that hasn’t felt the effect of the pandemic in some way; mine is no exception.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a professional photographer that currently specializes in weddings and elopements. I don’t believe I’m known for anything at this point, but I have been in an issue of Photography Chronicles for an engagement photo.
I’m probably most proud of my growth in photographic skills. It’s easy for me to be hyper-critical of my work, but recently I’ve chosen to look at how far I’ve come in a relatively small amount of time.
There are a lot of photographers in the Knoxville area. A lot. I’m not sure I’ve found my “artistic voice”, but I always want to authentically connect with people and I’m willing to look like a fool to do so. I think that comes through in my work. Another thing that sets me apart in my market is that I’m targeting a different market segment.
There are few photographers that are looking to serve “budget” (under $1,600) couples.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
One of my fantastic professors, Dr. Allison Pierce, gave business students the formula for success:
“Success = Vision + Hard Work x Be nice to people” Know where your want to go, work hard to get make it happen; but more importantly, be nice and serve others along your way.
Contact Info:
- Email: Micah@humble-perspectives.com
- Website: https://www.humble-perspectives.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humbleperspectivesphotography/
