Professional photographer Paul Nelson creatively captures nature and wildlife themes in his artwork. Partnering with conservation groups, he photographs songbirds against a white background as they fly from bird banding studies. This video shows the process: https://wildbirdsflying.com/about/.
“Ten years ago, I had an idea to create a photographic version of a bird field guide. I wondered how I could capture an image of a bird in flight. I built a prototype with a bird feeder and began photographing the birds. We’ve learned that birds act like indicators for environmental changes. We can see that climate change is affecting the birds.”
Paul photographs in coordination with the Carpenter Nature Center in Hastings, the North Central Bird Observatory, Lowry Hill Nature Center, and Spring Brook Nature Center.
Paul’s passion for art was strongly influenced by his grandmother, who was a painter, and all of his siblings, who are also artists. Paul has had an interest in art since high school, where he took as many art classes as possible, mostly in drawing and painting.
Today, Paul continues to focus on his favorite mediums, photography and drawing, in his professional pursuits. Paul is a commercial ad photographer, primarily for Target, where he photographs cosmetics, food, and apparel. He and his wife Stacy Fortier collaborate in their online retail business, Wild Birds Flying. Paul photographs birds and flowers, and Stacy creates beautiful textiles for home décor.
Several years ago, Paul found out about Art 4 Shelter through his sister who had served a meal at Simpson’s shelter. Paul decided to serve a meal at the shelter and support Simpson’s work in other ways: “I thought Art 4 Shelter was a great way to raise money and awareness for homelessness. It’s easy for artists to do. Whatever we can do to help,” he says. Paul has donated his artwork to Art 4 Shelter for three years.
Paul’s artwork is displayed in many stores including Room and Board, MN Center for Book Arts, Tangletown Gardens, I like you, Lakewinds Food Co-op, Larue’s, and Isles Studio. His awards and professional achievements include: Photo District News, best personal projects and Lurzer’s Archive Best 200 Ad Photographers in the World.
Originally from Woodbury, Minnesota, Paul currently resides in South Minneapolis. In his spare time, Paul enjoys sailing and biking where he finds the inspiration for his work in nature.