Adventurous pup guides photographer's career path and hikes

by Shiloh Francis

Jesse Brown Nelson can remember running through the park as a child. His mom, not far behind, camera in hand, doing her best to capture as many moments of his fleeting childhood as possible. But nothing could compare to the first time he had the chance to press the shutter.

He was seated on the tour bus next to his mother. They were greeted by ornately carved bears on the beams of the Bear Country entrance. His mom turned to him and handed him a disposable camera. “I think I filled the entire camera roll before we even left the entrance,” he recalled. “I was instantly hooked.”

More than thirty years later, Jesse still hasn’t put the camera down. And thanks to the help of his best girl, Marley, he’s been able to capture the beauty of the Black Hills and beyond in unimaginable ways.

Jesse always knew he wanted to work in a photography-related field. After graduating from Central High School he went on to Black Hills State University where he pursued a degree in Mass Communications and Journalism. An avid lover of all things outdoors – hiking, biking, snowboarding, rock climbing – and a strong tie to friends and family, the Black Hills checked a lot of boxes. “The outdoor opportunities are just so accessible here,” Jesse explained. “The ease of access to so many trails means it’s easy to be alone with nature. You’re not stuck waiting at a crowded trailhead like other places.”

While he had no intention of moving from the Hills, one thing remained on his list to find: the perfect career. He and a friend were able to combine their love of photography with outdoor adventure to create their own snowboard magazine: Atmosphere Snowboarding. This ended up serving as the launchpad for his first photo-related job with Maverick publishing. He traveled across the United States to cover various motorcycle rallies and to photograph cool and unique bikes. “I would travel as much as ten times a year, but the more I traveled the more I appreciated, loved, and missed my home here.”

Jesse was spending a summer working construction. His apartment shared a yard with one of his friends who had a dog that doubled as an escape artist. One wrong escape and a rendezvous with a neighbor’s dog they thought was spayed, and suddenly there were some adorable, fluffy puppies running around this shared yard space.

“I wasn’t looking for a dog at all,” Jesse said. He was living in an apartment, working, and traveling after all. “But she walked up to me with her bright blue eyes, and I was hooked.” He spoke with his boss to get the okay for Marley to come to work with him, and not a day has gone by without her by his side.

Marley has not only been Jesse’s best friend, but he also credits her for helping him discover his photographic style. “I had always been more of a roadside photographer before Marley,” he explained. “She was a hyper dog, so it forced me to get out hiking more to help burn off energy. But at the same time it really allowed me to get to know the Black Hills more intimately.”

This adventurous pup (who legend says is even part coyote) has led him on more adventures than he could count. There have been run-ins with mountain lions. And she’s befriended goats. “I was busy taking photos one day when I realized I couldn’t find Marley. As I looked around, I saw her sitting on top of a boulder across from a mountain goat. It looked like they were having a conversation!”

Marley not only helped Jesse find his path with his photo career but she’s also helped him find his way on the trail. “There was this time in the Badlands. I knew it was getting dark and started to turn around. When it gets dark out there, everything starts to look the same and I wasn’t completely sure where the trail was,” he recalled. “I was able to rely on Marley and her nose to get us back to the car. I just kept asking her ‘Marley, where’s the car?’ and she led us right there. I always say, when in doubt, follow Marley.”

With his incredible talent and eye for photography, Jesse has had several offers over the years that would take him away from the Black Hills. “I’ve never chased the money,” he said, “and I think that’s what keeps me happy in life. I’ve traveled all over, and nothing rivals the beauty that exists here.”

It’s not just the Black Hills, family, and friends that make Jesse appreciate living in the area. It’s knowing he has a community that both he and Marley can enjoy. “Rapid City is such a pet-friendly community,” he said. “She gets to come to work with me every day at Evergreen Media. She even has her own couch in the office and only hops down for treats and to greet people that visit.” With six off-leash dog parks, there is a variety of ways to spend their lunch break in town. But with the Hills only a short drive away, they aren’t limited to the dog parks. “Our favorite thing to do is spend our lunch breaks out at Falling Rock enjoying the views.”

“There are a lot of businesses, especially downtown, that are dog-friendly,” Jesse added. “In the summer a lot of them even put out water bowls on their patios. I think that’s just so welcoming.”

After fourteen years of adventuring together, they may slow down a little. But Jesse’s new puppy, Mya, has brought new energy into the home – with Marley quick to get her back in line. Eventually, Jesse hopes to have his own gallery space in Rapid City, where people can see and purchase his work. And he may even go back to his roots of the snowboarding magazine to someday start his own outdoor adventure magazine for the Midwest.

One thing remains certain: no matter where he goes, he’s sure to have his dog by his side, making sure he finds the right trail.

To see Jesse’s work visit jessebrownnelsonphotography.com or check out Jesse Brown Nelson Photography on Facebook and Instagram.