James Nelson is a freelance photographer with experience covering a broad range of assignments for weekly and daily newspapers.

His professional journalism career includes working as a staff photographer for weekly and daily newspapers in New York state.

He grew up in Oak Park and started his photography journey as an intern at the Pioneer Press publications.  He spent a lot of time developing film and making prints in the Oak Leaves darkroom back when newspapers had darkrooms.

James later graduated with a journalism degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee.  At Marquette University he was the photo editor at the school newspaper and magazine. 

While in college he also completed photojournalism internships at the Door County Advocate and the Milwaukee Sentinel.