Check Out Sarah Rose Nelson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Rose Nelson.

Hi Sarah Rose, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Yes, and thank you so much for this interview! I have read many VoyageLA articles on friends & creatives throughout the years so this is an honor. I will start off by saying I am an Elopement & Wedding photographer based in LA who gets to photograph many beautiful, brilliant couples. Also, I am quite deep in the alt comedy scene here as well photographing many comedians (I myself have been performing comedy since 2016). Those are my two sides: romantic, cinematic couples photographer & girl who photographs all the unique performers LA has to offer. I have been living in LA since 2023 and everything is starting to pay off; it feels super good.

My photography origins are still so vivid: I grew up in Wisconsin. The summer I turned 10, (the year was 2004 & the band Taking Back Sunday was playing in my Walkman) my cousin let me take analog photos on her Nikon FM2 at our family’s cabin. It was such a definitive moment. When the photos were developed, I didn’t realize how a single picture could signify such nostalgia. The action of taking a photo, then holding the photo in your hand weeks later held such visceral meaning to me. It made me feel emotional and proud. How you could physically articulate a once present moment in time as both a viewer and creator. After that, I was hooked. 

In my teens, I was obsessed…literally. Taking photos was practically all I did! It was the time of Myspace and the early days of Facebook, so you can only imagine the ferocity at which I was taking pictures (which was probably pretty annoying to my friends ahaha) but my art teachers loved it! I began inheriting cameras from my family members growing my fixations. My family consists of artists, painters and musicians so I suppose it felt natural that the act of creating became a place where I could feel safe, connected, in tune with myself, feelings and the world around me.

It was up until I was 26 working in an awfully monotonous office in Milwaukee that I despised that I decided to take the leap from amateur to professional. This dry-as-paint desk position was just another job to make ends meet, at that point I had been ping-ponging around not really having any career direction. During this bleak time period a gut feeling arrived that I could no longer ignore. It was time to take the little voice in my head seriously and start listening to my intuition. The decision to become a photographer was as clear as day.

After that, it has been all uphill! I I have been a photographer for 5 years now. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nope, definitely not smooth! Smooth roads have turns, curves, or maybe there is a little frog in your way. Growing pains exist! First and foremost, I had to fully believe in myself. That meant I had to let go of a lifetime of limiting beliefs or negative self-talk. Totally worth it! Highly reccomend.

In 2020, I lived with my Dad before moving to LA while I began my new chapter to become a professional photographer. Living at home as an adult can be looked down upon in our society, but it was the perfect incubator for me to work & save. My advice to anyone who might have to live at home with family for a bit is to try to enjoy it! It was a memorable time. Lots of breezy bike rides, cooking new recipes and growing up. I was definitely grateful my Dad was able to take me in for a while as it was the beginning of my new chapter.

Once I moved to Los Angeles in 2023 I was in total BEWILDERMENT. I crossed a major life goal off. It felt like I was licking the edible wallpaper in Willy Wonka except the mind bending wallpaper was actually major doses of culture, sunshine, fresh fruit and new possibilities. After getting my feet planted, I was able to begin building here. It took courage but this past year, I launched Sarah Rose Elopements and have grown a wide LA based portfolio. It feels good! 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I photograph couples under Sarah Rose Elopements. I collaborate with couples to create any type of romantic cinematic elopement, wedding or photoshoot they desire! I handle locations, permissions, timelines and creative. I use both film and digital formats. I’m here to expand all over dreamy California and beyond. It is such an honor being able photograph beautiful memories for people in love.

Additionally, I work in the arts space with clients such as Don’t Tell Comedy, Cameron Esposito, UCB, The Elysian Theater, LAC3 Festival, the Art Wolf Gallery and many rising comedians. Last month my photos were published in Hustler magazine to promote comedian Steph Tolev’s new Netflix special “Filth Queen” (which is hilarious btw, go watch it. knee-slapping funny).

What sets me apart is also what I am most proud: I provide a very intentional, creative and open experience for *any* client I work with. I love making people happy. I love making people feel good about themselves. And, I love curating the shoots to meet the natural identities and authenticity of my clients, documenting who they actually are. 

I am proud that I get to offer this type of experience to people! People who may not always have a camera pointed at them or for people who always do.  I love that I get to show people, “Look, that is you. You look f*cking amazing! You are beautiful.” Because everyone wants to feel content in their own skin. I get to document that in real time having a fun AF time together. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I would love to document you and your partner whether you are eloping, marrying or just desire new photographs together! I would love to curate a special day with you, following your real love around.

If you are a comedian or creative, let’s plan a photoshoot that reflects where you are at right now and gives you proper material to show your audience what’s next or what’s up.

I have openings, I love to meet new people, I love listening to what you want and to hear your story. I am two years into living in Los Angeles. Let’s grab a real in-life coffee because why is everything always online these days? (I will get green tea or decaf latte since I am sensitive to caffeine xo). P.S. I am still open to chatting online through emails, inquiries, DMs, or calls but meeting in person is usually worth the effort! 🙂

Pricing:

• Elopements starting at $2,750
• Weddings starting at $5,000
• Couples & Engagements starting at $550
• Artists Portraits starting at $450
• Events starting at $150 per hour

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sarahroseelopements.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahroseelopements/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahrosenelsonphoto
• Other: Creative work: https://sarahrosephoto96.mypixieset.com