ABOUT:
I work at the intersection of commercial and editorial photography – bringing elements of each to my work with regional and national brands, advertising agencies, and editorial clients.
I photograph real people – athletes, musicians, business leaders – doing what they do – with both portrait and documentary lifestyle photography. I could spend all day learning personal stories, and about the processes people use to create. That’s why I’m always asking questions, keeping the conversation flowing during a shoot.
The insight I gain does more than satisfy my personal curiosity: —it allows me to infuse depth into an image, compelling viewers to take a closer look.
With degrees in Geology and Studio Art from Carleton College, I’ve always embraced bringing divergent ideas together.
Previously, I spent 10 years as the staff photographer at 89.3 The Current at Minnesota Public Radio, which gave me the opportunity to photograph and film some of the world’s most renowned musicians.
My wife and I are proud parents of a toddler and goldendoodle pup. When I can sneak away, I’m out on my bike.
AWARDS:
AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHY:
AP38, AP37, AP36, AP34, AP32
COMMUNICATION ARTS:
2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014
APA ANNUAL AWARD:
2017MEMBER:
American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP)
American Photographic Artists (APA)
National Press Photographers Association (NPPA)
One Percent for the Planet
SELECTED CLIENTS:
ESPN
Forbes
RollingStone
AARP Media
The New York Times
Wall Street Journal
Smithsonian Magazine
Outside Magazine
EatingWell
Taste of Home
Men’s Health
Lululemon
Lifetime Fitness
Specialized Bikes
Redwing Boots
Minnesota United FC
Nature Conservancy
Roku
Sleep Number
Pepsico
Merrill Lynch
Siemens Healthineers
Minnesota Orchestra
Sony Music Masterworks
ATO Records
Verve Records
Red House Records
Doomtree Records
Minnesota Public Radio
Minnesota Alumni Magazine
Carleton College
Olson Advertising
Pocket Hercules
Clarity Coverdale Fury
Preston Spire
Evology Creative
CPC Intersect
Hello Riley
Capsule
Triptk (HAVAS)
TESTIMONIALS:
“Nate is a true talent and collaborator. We had a concept that heavily relied on lighting and Nate and the team worked diligently to make the vision come to life. He’s not only talented as a photographer, he’s listens and strives to bring authentic connections to life. He’s a gem of a human that makes work fun.“
-Molly McCabe (Creative Director, Starkey Hearing)
“We faced the challenge of how to get the job done safely during a pandemic. Nate led our team through that uncertainty with thoughtful and thorough planning, flexible approaches for production, clear guidelines and safety measures on set, and remote shoot access options. The shoot went smashingly and the images turned out as beautifully, but the energy and joy of being able to work together safely in spite of difficult circumstances was the unexpected surprise.” – Beth Elmore (Production Services Director, Preston Kelly)
"I had an assignment in Minneapolis and Nate came very highly recommended by someone I’ve worked with, respect, and enjoy working with. From the start, Nate was simply a joy to work with. I knew I didn’t have to worry after our initial exchange. He went beyond the call of duty. His images were incredibly beautiful. I am very happy we had this opportunity to work together and am looking forward to many more collaborations with him."
– Leslie Dela Vega (RollingStone Digital Photo Editor, now New York Times)
"Nate truly captures emotions and magical moments in his photography… elevating the art form of portrait-taking into a story-telling experience. It is difficult to translate to somebody what you have in your mind for a photo, but Nate took my ideas and exceeded all expectations.” - Irina Meachem
"I've never seen a picture that calmed me down and made me say, okay, yes, it's me. That's me. That's who I am. You were able to capture my truth. Striving to be the calm, proud, intelligent woman in that beautiful chair every day. Thank you Nate for bringing me closer to understanding myself, through your friendship and through these photos."
– Lydia Liza (Musician)
“We asked Nate to do a particularly challenging job - to help us tell personal and heartfelt stories from corporate employees. Nate’s sensitivity through the lens to the interviewees and their stories imbued our video with a level of authenticity and honest, spontaneous testimony that is rare in corporate videos. We couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the job that Nate and his team did!"
– Eli Cane (Normal Life Pictures. NY, NY)
