Hello,

Thank you for viewing my Photography Galleries. My name is Michael L. Nelson, and I have been taking photographs for more that 20 years. I developed a love for photography with the birth of my oldest son in 1984. I originally used 35mm film cameras, but I made the switch to digital and I now use Nikon digital equipment. The newer editing technology and the ability to see your images immediately has given me an even deeper love for photography. I enjoy photographing corporate and private events, weddings, senior portraits, family, and pet portraits, as well as many personal interests, such as landscapes and travel.

To me photography has always been like 'Magic'. It still amazes me that I can actually freeze a moment in time, capture the emotion, and produce an image that will be shared and enjoyed over and over again. I truly believe that it is important for everyone to hold on to those special moments in their lives, and let's face it; there is no better way to celebrate and remember life than with photos.

In addition to my years of practical experience I also have technical training. I am a graduate of Samford University where I earned my SAS Certificate of Photography. I have taken additional photography courses at the Birmingham School of Photography and Bessemer Technical College as well as attending many Professional Training Seminars. Some of the courses I have completed include Nikon Digital, Wedding and Bridal Photography, Studio and Portrait lighting, Photoshop editing, Photoshop Elements, Digital Printing, and other photographic classes.

I also enjoy teaching photography. Currently I am a Photography Instructor at Samford University for the Samford After Sundown Program. Prior to joining the staff at Samford I was an Instructor for the Southern Institute of Photography located at The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

If you are in need of a photographer for your wedding, prom, senior portrait, family, children, pets portraits, or for any of the Magic Moments in your life, please contact me. I assure you that I would capture your memories with artistry and care..., I am the photographer that you have been looking for.

Thank you and God bless,
Michael L. Nelson

*** Photography is an art.... I don't simply place images on paper. I capture the moments that make cherished memories and give you back those memories every time you look into your album ***

*** Life is not about the breaths we take…, but the moments that take our breath away! ***

Services:

I specialize in the fine art of photographing Weddings, Portraits, and Live Events.

Quite often I am asked, "What is my favorite thing to photograph?" I really don't know because I love them all. If I have a favorite, it is working with young adults. It doesn't matter if I'm photographing a High School Senior Portrait session, a Prom, an Engagement Session, a Wedding, or a Family Portrait session, I am totally in my zone when I'm working with young people.

Not only do I enjoy taking photos, I absolutely love teaching photography. I am a photography Instructor at Samford University and I am also available for private instruction. If you are interested in learning the fine art of photography or if you need some help understanding camera basics, or perhaps you want to learn how to edit with photoshop - then give me a call. I will be glad to recommend an upcoming class or to schedule private lessons for you.

Finally, I am based out of Birmingham, AL and I am available for travel to destination Weddings and Events.

Please scroll down to view pricing for various events

Wedding Package Pricing (package pricing can be adjusted according to your needs)

Economy - $1,200.00 Ideal for small weddings. The Bride, Groom and maximum of 4 attendants

• Includes one photographer for up to 4 hours total coverage at the Wedding & Reception

• Includes professional image editing

• Includes a $100.00 print credit (Print credit can be applied toward CD/DVD or album)

• Your edited photos will displayed in an online album that can be password protected

• Optional: second photographer is $400.00 additional

• Optional: purchase the full resolution images on a CD / DVD for $300.00 additional

• Optional: purchase a Coffee Table style Wedding Album with 120 +/- photos of your choice $300.00

• Budget - $2,000.00 Ideal for small /medium weddings. The Bride, Groom and maximum of 6 attendants

• Includes two photographers for up to 6 hours total coverage at the Wedding & Reception

• Includes professional image editing

• Includes a $200.00 print credit (Print credit can be applied toward CD/DVD or album)

• Your edited photos will displayed in an online album that can be password protected

• Optional: third photographer is $450.00 additional

• Optional: purchase the full resolution images on a CD / DVD for $300.00 additional

• Optional: purchase a Coffee Table style Wedding Album with 120 +/- photos of your choice $300.00

• Value - $3,000.00 Ideal for medium weddings. The Bride, Groom and maximum of 10 attendants

• Includes two photographers for up to 7 hours total coverage at the Wedding & Reception

• Includes professional image editing

• Includes a $200.00 print credit (Print credit can be applied to purchase of the CD/DVD)

• Your edited photos will displayed in an online album that can be password protected

• Also Includes photographic coverage of your Rehearsal/ Rehearsal Dinner and a $50.00 print credit.

• Also includes a Coffee Table style Wedding Album with 120 +/- photos of your choice (value $300.00)

• Optional: third photographer is $500.00 additional

• Optional: purchase the full resolution images on a CD / DVD for $300.00 additional

• Best Seller - $3,600.00Ideal for large weddings. Bride, Groom and maximum of 14 attendants

• Includes two photographers for up to 8 hours total coverage at the Wedding & Reception

• Includes professional image editing

• Includes a $200.00 print credit (Print credit can be applied toward album upgrade)

• Your edited photos will displayed in an online album that can be password protected

• Also Includes photographic coverage of your Rehearsal/ Rehearsal Dinner and a $50.00 print credit.

• Also includes a Coffee Table style Wedding Album with 120 +/- photos of your choice (value $300.00)

• Also includes an “Engagement” photo session with an online album and a $50.00 print credit.

• Also includes the full resolution images on a CD / DVD ($300.00 value)

• Optional: third photographer is $600.00 additional

• Optional Italian Wedding Album normally $800.00 to $1200.00 depending on album choices

• Elegant - $5,000.00Ideal for large weddings. Bride, Groom and maximum of 20 attendants

• Includes three photographers for up to 10 hours total coverage at the Wedding & Reception

• Includes professional image editing

• Includes a $400.00 print credit or an Album credit applied to the custom Italian Wedding Album

• Your edited photos will displayed in an online album that can be password protected

• Also Includes photographic coverage of your Rehearsal/ Rehearsal Dinner and a $50.00 print credit.

• Also includes an “Engagement” photo session with an online album and a $50.00 print credit and a CD.

• Also includes the full resolution images on a CD / DVD ($300.00 value)

• Optional: fourth photographer is $700.00 additional

• Optional Italian Wedding Album normally $800.00 to $1200.00 depending on album choices

• Portrait Package Pricing(package pricing can be adjusted according to your needs)

• $200.00 For a 1.5 Hour session on location or in your home for up to three subjects. Additional subjects (including pets) are $10.00 each. Additional session time is $50.00 per half hour.

• Your edited photos will displayed in an online album that can be password protected.

• With each session you will receive a $50.00 print credit applied toward the purchase of any prints or merchandise that you choose from your online gallery.

• A Full Resolution CD/DVD with print release of your edited digital images is available for $75.00 (You can apply the $50.00 print credit toward the purchase of the CD/DVD).

• If you choose to apply your Print Credit towards the purchase of the CD/DVD with print release then your total package including the CD will only be $150.00

• Event Package Pricing (will be priced according to your needs, call for estimate)

• Very affordable rates starting at $200.00

• High School Proms

• Corporate Events

• Beauty Pageants

• Social and Club functions

• High School Reunions

• Family Reunions

• Holiday Parties

• Birthday Parties

• Note: Michael L. Nelson is a private photographer that accepts a limited number of clients on a case by case basis. As a private photographer I do not discriminate against race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, however, due to my specific skill sets, my photographic preferences, and my personal, religious, and moral beliefs I reserve the right to decline any event or specific type of photographic session that does not fall within my chosen fields of practice. Here are some examples (but not all) of the type of subjects and/or events that I do not photograph: Newborns, babies, or childrens portraits (except when included in a Family Portrait). I do not photograph nudes, or any events that I find to be morally objectionable. I do not photograph weddings other than my specialty of traditional Christian Wedding Ceremonies. I will not photograph live music events or concerts where the lyrics or the on stage production is deemed to be vulgar or offensive.