Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tre Nelson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Tre thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
How did you learn to do what you do?
I started photography back in college. At first, I picked it up to complement my graphic design work, thinking it would help me with layout and composition. But then I took a photojournalism class—and I completely fell in love with the storytelling side of it. That class shifted everything for me. From there, I started taking photography more seriously, doing a ton of trade-for-portfolio shoots and investing in myself through lighting and model workshops, especially with Casey Foto. Those experiences helped me refine my eye and develop the unique perspective I bring to every shoot.
Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
Networking through group trade-for-portfolio shoots and investing in lighting and modeling workshops definitely accelerated my growth. If I could go back, I would’ve leaned into those even sooner. Real-world experience is the best teacher. And even now, no matter how far I’ve come, there’s always something new to learn from every person I meet.
What skills do you think were most essential?
A strong eye for composition is foundational, but adaptability and communication have been just as essential. Every shoot is different—whether it’s motorcycles, swimwear, branding, or fitness—and being able to adjust to different environments while connecting with clients and models on a personal level has been key. I also bring a unique perspective to each project, shaped by my background in graphic design and my passion for storytelling through visuals. That combination allows me to create images that feel both intentional and authentic.
What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Time and confidence—simple as that. Early on, I was juggling school, work, and trying to build something on the side. It was chaos. And like most creatives, I dealt with imposter syndrome. I kept questioning if I was good enough, if anyone would care about my work. But here’s the truth: the second I stopped overthinking and start
ed betting on myself—investing in gear, showing up to workshops, putting myself out there—that’s when everything started to shift. Waiting for the “perfect moment” is just another excuse. You learn by doing. Period.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Tré Nelson
I’m a multi-published commercial, automotive, motorcycle, and portrait photographer based in Orem, Utah—known for blending bold storytelling with a fine art touch. My work focuses on capturing the raw essence of motorcycle culture, fitness, swimwear, portraits, model portfolios, and commercial branding.
What sets my work apart is the perspective I bring—not just as a photographer, but as someone who’s lived the lifestyle. I’m a rider myself, so when I shoot motorcycles, it’s more than just a photo—it’s about capturing the soul of the machine and the story behind the person on it. That same energy carries through all my work.
Every session is about more than just a great image. It’s about celebrating confidence, beauty, and individuality. I believe there’s beauty in everyone and everything—and my goal is to capture that in a way that feels powerful, honest, and uniquely you. If that speaks to you, my books are open—and I’d love to help tell your story through my lens.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
I’m currently heading into my third year of business. When I first started, I was focused on selling prints—but pretty quickly, I realized I needed to pivot. That’s when I leaned into portraits and fully embraced motorcycle culture, which felt much more aligned with my style and passion.
I’d say I’m still in the scaling phase. Photography isn’t my full-time job yet—I currently work as a graphic designer for a company called Studies Weekly, where I design educational publications for elementary school kids. It’s a great job, and I’m grateful for it, but my long-term vision is building a full-time photography career.
The dream? Traveling the world, capturing powerful visuals, and getting paid to do what I love behind the camera. Right now, I’m doing the work—balancing both jobs, investing in my craft, and building a brand with intention. It’s a grind, but I believe that hard work and consistency always pay off.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Honestly, it’s seeing my clients’ reactions to their photos. Whether it’s a portrait, a fitness shoot, or a motorcycle session—getting that genuine, positive response means everything. When someone changes their profile photo to one of my shots or tells me how confident they felt during the session, that’s when I know I’ve done my job right. It’s more than just capturing an image—it’s creating something that makes people feel something about themselves in a new way. That connection is what keeps me going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trenelsonphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trenelsonphoto?igsh=c2lyZ24yZXh5ZzE1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DdJCEu61U/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tre-nelson-a74219179?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
Image Credits
Nella Zepeda
Geena Leigh
Marissa Mae Cannon
Rachel Marie
Tayla Cline
Weston Rawlinson