Meet North East Los Angeles Photographer: Nelson Blanton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nelson Blanton.

Nelson, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started in 1995. I’ve always been into photography since I was a kid but decided to focus on it as a career. learned as much as I could, assisted a few great photographers, including celebrity photographer Randee St. Nicholas. My first shoot with her was with Prince in 1995. I just stayed at it no matter what. In 2002 I started shooting for Playboy. Dreams come true!

Has it been a smooth road?
Shooting is the easy part. It’s the business and the never ending hustle that is hard. It ruins a lot of good photographers. I never turn down a job. I’ve gone 18-19 days in a row without a break, numerous times. You gotta love it!

Who, or what, deserves a lot of credit for where you are today?
I’d say no one in particular. But of course, I am not without influence. Early on getting to work with some great photographers, if just once was inspiring. I have a thing for finding and meeting older rock music photographer like Henry Diltz, Baron Wolman, Jim Marshall. Both Baron and Jim were on stage at Woodstock! When you speak of business, it IS a business and you have to treat it as such. It’s not all Vogue and Playboy shoots…even those are/can be really hard work. Gotta stay organized, reliable, on your A-game every time.

What kind of work do you look forward to most?
I love shooting artists, meaning actors, musicians. etc.They usually “give you more” just because they’re used to being in front of the camera. I love shooting editorial, a studio is a necessity but I’d much rather be on location. My production company Stylehouse Productions, Inc. specializes in fashion look books/catalogs. Being that LA is a commerce town, there’s an abundance of potential clients…but you really have to hustle! I love shooting editorial magazine ads…I love it when I get creative control!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nelsonblanton.com (my production company www.stylehousepro.com)
• Phone: 323-474-6983
• Email: [email protected] (my assistant – [email protected])
• Instagram: @libertinephoto (@stylehouseinc)
• Amazon Book Link: Ink Nymphs Los Angeles