This week’s Member Moment features work by Darren Nelson, who takes striking images of architecture, landscape, and everyday moments. Some of his work is featured in our 5th annual Best of the Year gallery. Scroll down to see his pictures and to read the interview!
PL: What got you interested in photography?
DN: Growing up, my mom had a Minolta Maxxum camera that lived in our closet. I remember fiddling with it when I was young, and being fascinated by the lenses and how it worked. She eventually replaced it with a newer Maxxum 5, and when I was a teenager she let me shoot with it. Around the same time I got into skateboarding, and photography is a huge aspect of skate culture. I would read and re-read all the skate magazines and cut out the best photos to pin on my wall.
PL: What type of camera do you shoot with?
PL: When taking pictures, what are some objects or elements or feelings within a scene that inspire you to take a photo?
DN: I love looking for unique perspectives in the world around me. When I take a photo, I want it to reflect the emotions I am feeling, whether that's awe from a dramatic scene, appreciation for precise architecture, or joy from subjects. I also love taking photos of my dog Penny.
PL: Of the pictures you submitted, can you share an interesting story about one?
DN: It would be easy to pick either of the photos taken in the mountains, as I backpacked to those spots multiple miles and thousands of feet, but the photo of the Tram is one of my favorites.
I was on a trip with family in Portugal, and happened to find a small camera shop where I purchases a roll of Harmon Phoenix film. I had no idea that it has/had a "reputation" and naively thought it was like most other standard 35mm films. I loaded it up, and used it during my trip. While in Lisbon, my wife and I walked to the famous Tram 28. It goes up this super steep hill, and is basically in an alley. We hiked up the road, and I found a spot with good light and my wife forced us to wait for 15 minutes for the Tram to come up to the spot, rather than me be impatient and take a shot from a different perspective. I took it, hoping for the best. Turns out she was right.
PL: What do you enjoy most about digital/film photography and what is challenging about it?
PL: Do you have any goals or ideas of how you want to grow this collection of photographs?
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