I’m so excited to share more from my Women in Photography Series. Meet the amazing Mell Bell (and yes, that is her REAL name), Charleston’s premier boudoir photographer, owner of mellBella Photography. I’ve known of her and her work for many years, but only since a group of us Female Photographers of Charleston banded together for support (and a few Zoom happy hours) at the beginning of the pandemic did I get the opportunity to know her much better.
I’m always fascinated by photographers who excel in different genres and how we can be so passionate about our own. Mell is incredibly creative and artistic – the sets she creates and customizes for each client just blow me away! She is an extremely talented photographer who makes each person feel completely at ease in front of her lens (not an easy thing to do when you may be wearing next to nothing). Most importantly though, is that she is one of the kindest and most compassionate people I’ve met in our industry. I feel like she is the sweet mother hen to our little group, always checking in on us, taking the pulse of our mental health, offering encouragement always.
Mell is not only a fantastic boudoir photographer whose main goal is to empower every beautiful person she has the honor of photographing, but she’s a pretty awesome human, too. Read on to learn a bit more and why YOU should consider a boudoir session someday 😉
Q: What led you to becoming a professional photographer?
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Well, my grandfather was a photographer, and I actually found a fine art nude that he had photographed . As a child, I loved photographing and playing with my little 110 cartridge film camera. In college, I took some photography classes, and at college is where I met my husband, Nathan. Nathan was already a photographer for his father’s business, Richard Bell Photography. Richard was battling cancer, and Nathan would go to college during the week then travel home to photograph weddings on the weekends for his father. But I was the first one to officially hire Nathan of Richard Bell Photography. He took my senior college portraits, and about a year later, we started dating. We got married, and of course, when you marry into a family business, you end up working your regular job and then helping with the family business. So from 2005 on, I was helping out by being a second photographer or assistant. And finally in 2008, I made the switch to full time at Richard Bell Photography, and I officially shot my first wedding as a lead photographer in 2009. I photographed my first boudoir session in 2010, and then founded mellBella Photography in January 2011 (sister company to Richard Bell Photography). mellBella started as a boudoir business focusing on empowering women through photography, and over the years, I’ve added pinup, styled, and are expanding our brand in new ways every year. And in 2020, I photographed my first male boudoir session.
While we mainly photograph women (including transgender), we also photograph males (including transgender) and non-binary individuals.
We welcome ALL people.
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about your approach to Boudoir Photography? I imagine that clients often feel vulnerable during these types of sessions – how do you make them feel at ease?
My approach to boudoir photography is this: I want to create and celebrate each person’s unique beauty and personality through photography. I understand the complicated feelings we have with our bodies. BUT I firmly believe that EVERY BODY is beautiful. EVERY SINGLE BODY is freaking gorgeous simply because it exists. The body is WORK OF ART. It’s the only body you have, so you are priceless. Just as you are.
mellBella Photography is for EVERY body. And let’s be honest. Getting your photo taken is awkward. It’s weird. But guess what? I’m AWKWARD too, and I’m fluent in weird. But my SUPERPOWER is making you feel COMFORTABLE and CONFIDENT in front of the camera and in your own skin. And when we have fun, and we laugh together, and suddenly the awkwardness turns into genuine laughter . . . I LOVE LAUGHTER! Laughter is sexy, plus it gives you the most adorable eye crinkles. I believe YOU are beautiful at every age and every stage of life. I want to fight the negative body stereotypes and help people be confident in who they are too.
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Q: When is a good time for a Boudoir session?
Every single day! Most of my clients choose to do a session to celebrate something like themselves, a birthday, health or fitness goal, wedding, anniversary, sobriety, or just because. They also do it as a way to reclaim their bodies and themselves like fighting/surviving cancer or other diseases, getting out of a bad relationship, mental health, or just to feel comfortable in their own skin.
Q: What are some important things that clients should know about preparing for a Boudoir session? How do you guide them as a professional?
Find someone whose work, philosophy, and personality you LOVE ❤️. This person is probably going to see you without many clothes on, so it’s vital to have a trusted professional.
Make sure you check out reviews and recent work. Boudoir is supposed to be an amazing uplifting experience, so run from any boudoir photographer if you get any creeper vibes. You should never have to do anything you don’t want to do.
In terms of preparation for a boudoir session, I have lots of samples of what to wear on the blog, and I also send a few emails with ideas and tips on how to prepare before the session. Most of the time, I do an in-person or phone consult with potential clients, so we can get to know each other a little better and check out the studio before they even schedule a shoot.
After they arrive at their session, I give them a tour of the studio, let them get pampered in hair and makeup, and then we always have a talk about their shoot and what to expect before I take any photos.
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Q: What types of products are popular for Boudoir clients?
Albums! I have a variety to choose from, and I’m hoping to finalize a new exclusive album later this year.
Wall Art! When you love a photo of yourself, why not put it on the wall too? I also work with a local artist who can create a custom sketch of your favorite photo.
And my new fave my Legacy Box! It is a stunning box with fine-art matted prints that you can display or keep them secret 😉.
Q: Where can people find you online?
Wesite: www.mellBella.com (I’m in the process of revamping the website, so there will be some little changes here and there and more fun to come!)
Instagram: @mellbella
Facebook: @mellbellaboudoir
Google: https://g.page/mellbella?gm