Derek Nielsen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Derek , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am being called to really focus on my business, brand, and career as a conservation photographer. I undoubtedly have skill behind the camera, but for the first time I am letting someone take an honest holistic overview of my business. It is scary when we have to pull back the sheets and be honest with ourselves.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a conservation fine art photographer and storyteller. Photography has taken me all over the globe including work on all seven continents. I research pressing conservation stories. Then, travel to those locations bringing back fine art images for collectors and stories to educate the world on what is at risk of being lost if our actions dont change. Currently I am diving into the space of 1 of 1 limited edition prints. This makes each photograph as rare as a painting and highly valuable for my collectors.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a playful personal trainer who helped special populations of people overcome their physical struggles. This includes working with MS, Parkinson’s, Cancer, and Geriatric patients. This work taught me to truly live every day like it is my last. I learned so much from my patients about being unafraid to try. None of us knows when that diagnosis will come, or at the end of our lives, understand how it all went so fast. They pushed me to become who I am today.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Honestly it is so true. I realized that after getting rejected by so many art competitions and publications that it hurts way more to not even try then to get rejected. Getting told no, not this time, your work isnt quite there yet only motivated me to keep working on my skills. I was rejected by the Old Town Art Fair 6 years in a row before they finally let me in. The first year they let me in, I won the entire show. All the failing and rejection made suceeding that much more powerful.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I have seen so much of this beautiful planet that I cannot give up fighting for the voiceless animals and plants that also call this planet home. We humans have accomplished so many wonderful things, but we have also caused so much damage and destruction. When you look into the eyes of other intelligent wild primates as I have, you feel an immense responsibility to fight for their survival on this planet.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want people to look back at all the magnificent wild animals or breathtaking landscapes and say, “His art captured these creatures and places so well that it is no surprise he had a huge part in saving them”. I would love to think my work inspires curiosity about the natural world. We often protect what we love. If my fine art images make people fall in love with the subject of the photos and, in return, save them, then my life will be a success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dereknielsen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dereknielsenphotography/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-nielsen-photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerekNielsenPhotography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
