I was born a Natal boy and brought up in the heart/slums of the West Coast in South Africa.  I left college for the UK to launch my career in cooking… After a few months I was firing as a Sous chef throwing down some serious Stevie Wonder tracks to a dancing kitchen of friends.

I spent 2009 on the Kiteboard Pro World Tour as event and media manager…  Traveling, writing, shooting and meeting crazy kiting adventurers from all over the world.

I have been forcibly removed from the Sistene Chapel for sneaking a picture, watched the sun set over Venice, kissed a beauty on the Eiffel Tower, tossed a Rand coin in the Trevis fountain, driven through the Sahara with a crazy rasta friend who likes to drive with his eyes closed, Float planed onto a lake in Queenstown, Water skied the Thames, Spent a week with a Brazilian goddess of love, snowboarded NZ ski park at night, Ballooned over London, cooked all over Europe, surfed the Blue Lagoon, Samba’d the Rio Carnival, spent 6 weeks on Everest, jumped out of a plane and bungi jumped off the highest bridge in the world. smiling all the way! Life is something special. Take pictures!

My pictures developed through years and years watching and learning from the professionals. I have worked in advertising and fashion as a production manager/producer for 7 years. After patiently watching the creatives and learning compositions, lighting secrets and as much as I could, I slowly developed my work.

I have always been pushed towards documentary style shooting and photojournalism. It is such an opportunity to represent yourself and how you see the world. I am passionate about using natural light and love my silhouette/ backlighting work. I love creative, stylish, imaginative and beautifully lit pictures.

Through the years of producing I have developed logistical skills that are a huge benefit to understanding the team and what your work entails. I know the value of how important good relationships are and do my best to accommodate all on set. I believe atmosphere is of high importance.

Use what you have by utilizing your light, believe in your ability and know your lenses well. I am building my portfolio as I grow in confidence. You have to start your career somewhere. This is your opportunity to watch me give you what you want.
“I love the feeling of being absolutely terrified and completely safe behind the lens.”

Some of the biggest influences in my life and who I have worked with.

Nigel Riches. “that Brit changed my life”

Rainer Hosch.

Kalle Gustafsson.

 

Have a look at my pictures,

Richard Mellon