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mahabis interviews // ian andrew nelson
Before we begin, describe what you do in a sentence.
I am the Creative Director for Remember Nhu and a Freelance Commercial and Travel Photographer.
When did you start taking an interest in photography?
Actually it was when I first got an iPhone about 6 years ago! My whole life I've always enjoyed snapping photos here and there, but it was never an actual hobby (none-the-less a career) until the iPhone and Instagram started pushing me to get out in the wild with friends, shooting landscapes through mobile photography.
Talk us through a typical day in your life.
This actually varies a ton depending on the day. One day I might be working remote from a coffee shop in Portland, or where I live. On a different day I may be traipsing around Kenya or Romania on a work trip with Remember Nhu. On another day I’m in the car for a long road trip with Land Rover doing some commercial shooting. On a different day, my wife and I may be reviewing a hotel or tourist destination in a new place for our Travel Blog. Needless to say, things stay interesting.
Where do you find it easiest to work?
For me it’s anywhere with wifi, space for my laptop, and good coffee! My whole work life is 100% remote, so I guess the world is my office!
If experiencing a creative block, how do you recharge your creativity?
Great question. I have two answers:
Try new places, and try new people. First, try going somewhere new.
Personally, traveling in general tends to inspire me creatively because you get a new perspective and are exposed to new creative sources when you travel. I’ve heard it said, “If you want to take better photos, go to better places.” I agree but might tweak it to say, “If you want to take better photos, go to different places.” Just going somewhere new is a great start for breaking through creative block.
Second, I recommend going out and shooting or creating with someone new. When I’m around other artists, I see things done a different way, I ask them questions to pick up new tricks of the trade, and I get fresh inspiration for things to try within my own banding or aesthetic.
Out of all your travelling adventures, which has been your favourite, and why?
This is the most difficult question in the world to answer because I’ve been blessed to do so many amazing trips. I'd have to say my favourite trip was the first time I went to Thailand a few years back and was exposed to a bunch of the work I’m now a part of for anti-trafficking.
One city you’d never tire of returning to, and why…
Paris, France. The art, the buildings, the statutes, the coffee & croissants, the Eiffel Tower, the distinguished high culture. It has "all the vibes" and there’s just something so enchanting and relaxing about that place.
For you personally, how important is downtime? And how would you describe the ultimate way you’d choose to relax and unwind from a busy day…
Super important. Any of us would burn out if it was always go, go, go. All the time I say “no” to cool stuff in order to prioritize family, health and career longevity. My ultimate way to relax and unwind is to mix a Moscow Mule or Old Fashioned at home and cozy up to either a good book or the ultimate time-waster of the modern era: Netflix!
Three random picks from your bookshelf/ music collection. Go.
Great Book: The Expats by Chris Pavone
Great Band: Chairlift
Great Album: “I’m Alone, No You’re Not” by Joseph
If you had an extra hour in the day, how would you spend it?
Learning a new foreign language.
photos: ianandrewnelson photography