My name is Andrew Nerness, and I’m a hobbyist photographer based in North Saint Paul, Minnesota.
What I love about photography is how it forces me to slow down. It helps me see the beauty in everyday places—details I’d otherwise rush past.
My name is Andrew Nerness, and I’m a hobbyist photographer based in North Saint Paul, Minnesota. I’m 41 years old, married to my wife Martha, and we have a daughter who, along with our two cats, gets plenty of time in front of the lens—though you won’t find those photos in my collections here.
WHEN
When did you start taking photography seriously?
I’ve been seriously shooting since 2012, but my love for photography goes back much further. In high school, I was the one always reaching for the family camcorder or DSLR.
WHO
Who inspired you to pursue photography?
During my dental residency, a co-resident named Scott Sutter brought his camera in every day and sparked a new level of passion for photography in me. We went on photo hikes together, and Scott patiently taught me the technical aspects—composition, exposure, shutter speed, aperture, and focus.
My sister Laura Nerness, a professional photographer, is also a major inspiration with her gift for capturing compelling candids and emotive compositions. You can view her photos at https://laurakochphotography.com/
WHY
What do you love most about photography?
What I love about photography is how it forces me to slow down. It helps me see the beauty in everyday places—details I’d otherwise rush past. I also love the technical challenge of capturing high quality emotion-inducing compositions and difficult subjects such as birds in flight.
WHERE
Where do you typically take your photos?
Most of my photos are taken where we spend our time as a family: the backyard, local parks, around Saint Paul and the greater Twin Cities, and wherever we travel together.
SUBJECTS
What types of subjects do you photograph and what draws you to them?
My work spans a range of subjects: landscapes, wildlife, macro shots, and lately, the challenge of capturing birds in flight. I’m drawn to content that’s surprising, emotive, and beautiful—images that spark curiosity and invite the viewer to pause and feel something.
BEYOND PHOTOGRAPHY
BEYOND PHOTOGRAPHY
What are some of your hobbies outside of photography?
What do you hope people feel or experience when they see your photos?
Beyond photography, I enjoy songwriting and making music with my wife and daughter. I’m a morning person, moved more by sunrise than sunset. I love Minnesota summers, paddleboarding, swimming, and anything that brings me close to the water.
My hope is that these photos bring joy, peace, or a moment of awe to anyone who comes across them. If even one image offers a spark of hope or a lift in someone’s day, then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.
Fact 1
I love Minnesota summers, paddleboarding, swimming, and anything that brings me close to the water. My last name “Nerness” has Norwegian roots that refer to being near the water’s edge.
Fact 2
Beyond photography, I enjoy songwriting and making music with my wife and daughter.
Fact 4
I am a dentist by trade. At my practice, Nerness Endodontics, we specialize in endodontics - root canal therapy!
Fact 3
I’m a morning person, moved more by sunrise than sunset.