Meet Nelson Richardson | Fine Art and Commercial Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Nelson, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I have had to make is proclaiming a project complete.

There is a brilliant internal war between creating a work and excepting the mistakes then naming it “Art”.

Many times, I begin a project and struggle to say I have finished it because I am always striving for perfection. I must be careful of moving in a circle without an exit.

There are five considerations for my project’s completion status; each with their own sacrifices to my projects.

Time, money, my emotional investment, audience impact and the story I am telling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My Art is based off the feeling of a story. I like to come up with scenarios that will help me capture the realest depiction of a situation whether it fact or fiction. One of the questions that always ask my client is what story are you trying to tell? Some times the answer is as simple as ” I want to feel pretty” other times “I want to stand one leg with a tiger holding a gun wearing a tutu and a bucket hat.” Either way.

In all seriousness, I believe I am good at recognizing that I am lending my visionary skill and photography skill to others to others that are building their own legacy. I have photographed several authors and celebrity musicians. I quietly enjoy watching my work grow beyond my home.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came into town they would just asked me to make a smoked lemon glazed salmon and home made mash and steamed broccoli. Our discussions would be about progression, maintaining family and adventures that we’ve had. I live close to DC so we’d bounce between here and the city to get some variant of Soup. i.e. Ramen or Pho. We’d probably catch a concert or two now that Covid-19 restrictions are loosing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
No story is told without homage to the beginning. My professional journey is due in part to Nadere Johnson. Nadere is a portrait photographer for more than 30 years who took me under his wing quickly after a brief conversation about the difference in full frame and crop sensor cameras. Nadere is not just my teacher but the friend, mentor and family that I needed to help me make it this far.

Not only did he help me find my creative purpose he helped me make sense of the ideals of being a black entrepreneur while also maintaining a family and walk with God.

Website: www.vsoulphotos.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/vsoulphotos