Meet Eric Nelson | Photographer & US Airmen

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Nelson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by the unknown, the idea of trying something new and not knowing what the outcome might be. I’m also inspired by others who thrive to be better than they were yesterday. Inspiration comes in many forms, some have long been developed since childhood and others out of spontaneous outcomes. I’m inspired to be the version of me i envisioned I’d be as a kid.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My primary work of art is Black and White photography (Monochrome). While it’s not uncommon, the thing that sets me apart is that i like to take natural pictures with no special effects or studio, just raw everyday life from my point of view. I’m most proud of the shots that came out better than what I anticipated or unexpected. Since i was a kid my parents would have me take the family photos while traveling using a throw away film camera. They always said i had an eye for photography, that encouragement from a young age made me want to explore more possibilities of what i can capture. Some of the photoshoots came naturally, while others that I envisioned to attempt had me at a mental block. The most difficult challenge for me was making money out of this profession. Doing commission work for others you’d have to shoot what the client is looking for and hope that you captured a few shots that they like but eventually it took the fun out of the job for me. So I decided to do photoshoots for myself and if someone really appreciates my work then we can make a deal, resulting In feeling more satisfied with myself and my accomplishments.
I learned to do art for yourself and not for others. It’s ok in a sense to make a quick buck but you’ll feel accomplished doing what you love to do and draw in the right people who can relate with you through your art. I want world to look at my work and see the progression of ideas and experiments i have done to capture the shot, i want the audience to feel what i was thinking.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
San Diego is a beautiful city and the best place to visit in my opinion! Some of the places i would take them would include: Balboa Park, Gas Lamp, Old Town, Ocean/Mission/Pacific Beach, Coronado, La Jolla, North Park.

I’d take them to try the local taco shops that are my personal favorite. (Tacos El Gordo, Los Panchos, Roberto’s Taco Shop, Lolitas, Burros and Fries). Drink around Gas Lamp Quarters after a padres game, Plenty of great bars to choose from but El Chingon and Coin Ops is my go to.
Go see the interesting museums at Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, La Jolla Cove to see the Seals. No matter where you go in San Diego you’ll find a diversity of characters from all over the world, that is my favorite quality about San Diego

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to give a shoutout to all the people who helped me build my portfolio and recognized the potential i had with photography from the very beginning: De’anna Naegele, Adrianna Olmos, Anthony Gateb, Prisilla Barlow, Haleigh Noelle Nelson, Donia Voss.

Instagram: c.o.v.e_photography

Image Credits
Anthony Gateb Dasha Haleigh Noelle Nelson Alison Donia Voss