The Muse: Annie Nelson, from the Unraveled Academy

muse (noun) a person or personified force who is the source of inspiration for a creative artist

The Muse is our way of bringing inspiration to the creative world. Seeing a photographer for just one picture is not the whole picture… so we are bringing you more, to give you a deeper look into the artists who inspire us and we call, muses.

Annie Nelson

Based in Owatonna, MN

Annie Nelson is the heart behind Annie Nelson Photography. Her passion for photography began at a very young age, but it truly came alive after the birth of her second daughter, when she purchased her first DSLR with the desire to capture every fleeting detail of her girls’ childhood. As she documented the real, raw moments of their lives, her love for photography deepened. She practiced constantly—most often on her two (now four) daughters—and invested in continued education, taking courses and applying new skills to every session.

Annie’s work is rooted in capturing real life as it unfolds: the joy, the snuggles, the tears, and the moments that pass too quickly. What began as documenting her own children has grown into a heartfelt commitment to preserving these memories for every family she photographs. To Annie, these aren’t “just photos”—they are pieces of your life, art made of movement in golden light, laughter caught in the wind, tear-stained cheeks after a tumble, the kiss on a scraped knee, the lullabies whispered at dusk. It’s your life, beautifully remembered.

What was your “muse” or inspiration for this shoot?

Backstory: I had been dying to do a Narnia-inspired shoot for several years, and one day I was telling someone all about it. That very day (like within the hour), my sister texted me and asked if I'd want to do a session for her and her kids, maybe something magical like with Narnia vibes. That was all I needed to hear! I started planning the mood board, collecting materials, crafting/sewing, researching snow making machines, and this is what we came up with!

What gear did you use for this shoot?

Canon eos r, sigma art 35 and 24

How were these images edited?

I used my new "northwoods" presets. For this particular session I used #10.

Do you have any advice for other photographers when it comes to documenting your children?

I'd recommend letting them help you with things like the styling and coming up with ideas. My kids are so much more invested in a session when they've had a hand in the creative process.. and they actually get excited when I pull out my camera!

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