Jamie Nelson, fashion and beauty photographer and director, was born in a cabin in a small town in Texas and subsequently raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
When she discovered her passion for photography at the age of 17, Jamie moved to California to attend Brooks Institute of Photography. After graduating, she moved to New York City to pursue her career in fashion and beauty photography.
Jamie’s work can be seen in over a dozen international editions of Vogue, Allure, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel, Tush, TIME and Vanity Fair to name a few.
With her colourful, over-the-top, iconic imagery, Jamie blurs the lines between commercial, art and editorial worlds.
Often referencing vintage culture, Jamie time-warps the viewer to a simpler era, to provide a sense of freedom from the current cultural climate. As a female photographer, Jamie conveys a shocking sensuality that uplifts, rather than objectifies, her models.
Jamie draws on a range of influences from photographer Guy Bourdin to filmmaker Federico Fellini – as well as movements such as punk music, vintage clothing and motorcycle culture.
Her commercial collaborations include campaigns with Dior, Shiseido, Maybelline, Revlon, Tarte Cosmetics, Morphe Brushes, Jeffree Star, Urban Decay Cosmetics, Huda Beauty, Guinness, Smith & Cult, Benefit Cosmetics, Almay, Make Up For Ever, Target, Kylie Cosmetics, Paramount, Universal Music Group, Warner Brothers, Sony, and Saks Fifth Avenue; with celebrity and music clients including Gwen Stefani, Drew Barrymore, Yara Shahidi, Camila Cabello, Lily Allen, Kylie Jenner, Jaime King, Solange Knowles, Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Nicole Richie, Atlanta De Cadenet Taylor, Fifth Harmony, Danai Gurira, Suki Waterhouse, and Leslie Bibb.
In addition, Jamie has directed several fashion and beauty videos for international Vogues as well as a music video for Anna Moon and a Times Square campaign for Sally Hansen. She has also participated in art exhibits at the New Museum in New York City and the Corpricudi Exhibit in Rome, Italy.
Known for her eclectic style, Jamie is a living breathing artistic statement of her own. She currently resides in Los Angeles in her pink palace – where art imitates life daily within her studio. Jamie designed the interiors herself – adorned with colourful 70s shag from floor to ceiling, round spinning bed, phallic topiaries and a jukebox – mimicking her fantastical images.
After 20 successful years in commercial photography, Jamie has recently shifted her focus to exhibiting her vast collection of imagery.
“I think transformation is my favourite part of my vocation. I love the process of conceptualising the shoot from start to finish, creating mood boards, casting talent, and being involved in the storytelling aspects. Seeing my team of hair, makeup, and stylist transform the talent into the character I have envisioned is the ultimate payoff.
“Creating timeless art is my main goal … the magic of storytelling, making something out of nothing, and revealing illusions and truths, is my greatest reward.” ~ Jamie Nelson
