I see it. I shoot it. I live it. Join the adventure!

For my seventh birthday, I was given a Press Kit that included a red plastic camera. I used that camera so much that it finally crumbled to dust in the Virginia soil and went to Kodak heaven. When my journey took me into the Navy, I shot the tears and smiles of servicemen and women from the South China Sea to The Indian Ocean and practically every body of water and continent and country in between.

After divorce jerked me from the more mundane predictabilities of life, I travelled through 31 states in 36 months by bicycle and by foot with camera in hand. I photographed the country from the Rockies to the Badlands to the Grand Canyon to New England to Dixie. I kept shooting after a car crumbled my bike in Tennesee, after breaking my wrist in Kentucky, after nearly drowning in Missouri and after a surgeon’s scalpel in Georgia cut me to the heart. It’s the joys and the sorrows of life that make pictures really come alive.

My journey has landed me among the artistic community of Asheville, North Carolina. My gallery at www.JourneyAmerica.org has been acclaimed as one of the most colorful photographic journals online. I continue to make myself available for photo shoots and special projects everywhere. My rates are reasonable and my work is unsurpassed – satisfaction guaranteed.

Call the camera my therapy. Call it my art. Call it my ticket to events and situations I’d otherwise never see. I love the camera because it allows me to see the world as I wish everyone could see it.  Beautiful, merciful, colorful, enigmatic, alive.

Click here to see some recent work I've done

What some others say about me

"Jerry is an insightful photographer who is gifted at capturing American spirit and God's blessings in nature and through unique individuals."

Deb McCurren
Faith Based Liasion
US Department of Justice
Washington DC

"I've been working with Jerry for several months now. He has shot my band photos, concerts, special events and even rehearsals. He is incredibly thorough and interfaces beautifully with my music clients. At almost every event, he has brought added value to my product by offering something to my clients as well. I would recommend Jerry as a partner in any one's business."

Jim Arrendell
The Business
North Carolina

“Not only have I viewed Jerry's work as a photographer, which is absolutely beautiful, I have had the pleasure of working with Jerry through the Vietnam Veterans Association on projects to raise money to support our troops. Jerry's personality and character are a perfect fit for any venture that crosses his path.”

Jeri Wallis
Vietnam Veterans of America
Georgia

"It's not easy being a picture perfect person. It's even harder working with me. But Jerry reached my expectation. His photos were artfully composed, sensitive and fulfilled the goal of our professional needs. Better yet, he was extremely patient and generous with his time. A photog with a heart."

Eva Ritchey, Co-Owner
The Trolley Company
North Carolina

"I don't particularly like to get in front of cameras without lens caps on them, but Jerry made a two-day shoot seem like I was chilling out with a friend. His professionalism came out in his attitude and in the shots. You rock, Jerry!"

Keoki

Jerry has taken some great photos of Koinonia, photos we are proud to include in our archives. Good photography!

Bren Dubay
Koinonia Farm
(Birthplace of Habitat for Humanity)

"How often does a traveling photographer stitch together a music video and slideshow in less than twelve hours after the show (including sleep?) Thanks again, Jerry Nelson!"

Brian Sneedon
Asheville Vaudville

"Wow! Jerry, you do an excellent job of capturing a mood and a moment in time. Thanks for all your work!"

Patsy Keever
Candidate for NC House 115