Header photo: The drop of a hat by photographer Orson Carter, model M e l a n y and designer Jem Corsets

We love shining the limelight on fabulous creatives in the PurplePort community to share their unique journeys and creative processes.

In this episode of FEATURED, we interviewed M e l a n y, a PurplePort model with more than 7 years of experience based in Bath and North East Somerset, United Kingdom.

Melany's stunning work has been featured countless times in the Front Page Image (FPI) Collection on PurplePort, which you can check out here.

You keep me hanging on by photographer Colin Dixon, model M e l a n y and studio Rawpics Studio

It's not black & white by photographer Somersetman and model M e l a n y

About PurplePort model Melany

M e l a n y is a natural, creative and free-spirited model based in the Southwest of England who approaches her craft with a dedicated, curious and collaborative approach.

With 7 years of experience in freelance modelling, Melany has built up a portfolio of fine art images from an impressive number of outdoor settings both in the UK and overseas.

Melany loves an adventure, and her main passion is art nude modelling in the landscape. From her wealth of experience working in this shoot style, she has acquired a long list of stunning locations to shoot at and is constantly on the lookout for new ones.

The upside down by photographer Ceri Vale (not on PurplePort) and model M e l a n y

Whilst Melany has a natural affinity with artistic nude figure work, she enjoys a range of other styles as well, including authentic vintage and dance-style looks.

She also life models and arranges studio days and events whilst modelling for organisations, including the Royal Photographic Society.

Modelling has become an essential part of Melany's life, and she can't imagine a future without it.

Melany is exclusively available to book through PurplePort, where she is part of a community of like-minded creatives whom she loves developing new ideas with and enjoys much support from the platform's wider community.

Experienced PurplePort photographer Imagesse (also based in the Southwest of England) is someone who has worked closely with Melany and has this to say:

"Melany is a very accomplished model who is incredibly adept at finding imaginative poses that express so much of the atmosphere of a setting

...for me she has redefined what an art model can be."

Suspended sentence photographer Straker and model M e l a n y

FEATURED Interview with PurplePort model Melany

How did you get into modelling?

A friend at my salsa group said I should get into modelling, and I laughed - I realised that I was a bit camera shy, so I thought, let's go for it as I like to challenge myself!

She put me in touch with a photographer on PurplePort, and I was very grateful for the introduction to this amazing world of creativity!

Coming into this scene at 40 seemed to be the right time for me as I was entering into a new and much-needed phase of self-acceptance and confidence. No one mentioned my age, so I didn't think twice about being a 'mature' model!

The drop of a hat by photographer Orson Carter, model M e l a n y and designer Jem Corsets

What did you do before becoming a model?

I've always worked in the charity sector, mainly for environmental causes, as my MSc is in sustainable development.

I'd always wanted to be involved in the arts scene but never found my thing until I started modelling, and then that all changed.

Shaped by the sea by photographer DenBPhotography and model M e l a n y

Do you have a health or fitness regime?

Oh yes!! I am a qualified personal trainer, so I exercise every day, and in my week, I will get through 4 strength workouts, several runs, pilates and yoga sessions.

Having said that, I have a sweet tooth and eat chocolate every day - so the exercise off-sets that!

How do you prepare for photoshoots?

I am a very organised person and love planning, so I do put a lot of prep into my shoots and always turn up with way too much stuff (even for an art nude shoot!).

I start with initial chats with the photographer and then often send through pics of props and/or items I am hoping to use or that fit the brief. I am always packed up and ready to go at least a day in advance!

If I'm shooting at a derelict location, I will take secateurs and a dustpan and brush with me - anyone who has shot in a derelict building will know why!

Fallen by photographer kjt images and by model M e l a n y

What style of photoshoot do you enjoy working on the most?

Without a doubt, art nude in the landscape, preferably on a beach.

I love being outdoors and feel a strong connection to my natural surroundings, which guides my posing as I interact with what's around me. I find it really invigorating and revitalising, even on a cold or wet day!

What's the most interesting photoshoot you've ever worked on?

There are so many great adventures, but it has to be the Cornish Shipwreck. I had read about the wreck on one of my urbex sites long before I finally made it there.

I knew exactly who I wanted to shoot me: it had to be Imagesse, who I met on PurplePort and who has become a good friend. We both share the same sense of adventure and love exploring.

The wreck was a real challenge as it was the summer holidays, and the area was busy. Plus, the wreck itself was an unknown entity, and the tide was coming in fast - it made lots of scary noises! I often couldn't hear Perry, but we used other means of communication and worked so well together to produce a stunning set of images that have since been published.

It was definitely worth the massive effort we made to get there and shoot in this incredible location. 

Tilted by photographer imagesse and model M e l a n y

What do you most enjoy about being a model?

I love going to new places and meeting new people, immersing myself in creative projects (where you don't focus on anything else apart from the shoot experience), getting together with people I have worked with regularly and exploring new ideas.

Most of all, I love the creative outlet that modelling offers me, as I have not had this before, and it has become such an important part of my life.

Seeing the finished pics is the icing on the cake!

What would you describe as your main strengths as a model?

I am a good communicator, very organised, adaptable, hard-working, fun to be around and always give 100% to every shoot. I strive hard to develop new ideas and concepts and am up for giving new things a go.

Regarding posing, I love making shapes and free flow with my posing to get shots that are new and different and do the surroundings or props justice. I keep myself in very good shape and have a great muscular tone, which photographs well.

What's your absolute favourite photo?

Wow, that is so hard. It has to be this one (see below), as it means so much to me. It was only my second ever nude shoot and my first ever art nude landscape shoot.

As soon as I saw this picture on the back of the camera, I realised that I was at the start of a very special journey.

Washed ashore by photographer imagesse and model M e l a n y

Is there anyone in particular who inspires you?

Sylvie Blum inspires me as both a model and by her art nude photography. 

There are many models on PurplePort that provide daily inspiration. I adore, in particular, the work of Lulu Lockhart because she is unique and so in tune with her own talents and abilities - with a similar love for the natural environment that I have.

Lulu works a lot with the photographer Tim Pile, who is also a great source of inspiration.

What advice would you give to a model just starting out?

Spend some time thinking about what style of modelling you would like to offer, and develop a niche around your talents, abilities and interests. Be true to yourself and explore and develop your own unique style - don't ever compare to others, as this will hold you back. 

Identify photographers on PurplePort that will help you develop as a model. I was lucky enough to work with Orson Carter almost as soon as I joined PurplePort, and this was an enormous help in getting used to the site and understanding how shoots worked. 

If you want advice on shooting outdoors or in derelict places, then I could write a book on that, so message me for tips!

One final question. Pineapple on pizza, yes or no?

I love this question. It's a massive yes!! I did hear recently that in Sweden, a favourite topping is curry sauce and banana - surely that's going too far?

That look! by photographer Canonphoto, model M e l a n y and studio Inspire Studios Ltd

Thanks again for speaking with us and sharing your creative journey, M e l a n y.

We hope you all enjoyed this interview. Check out the links below for more of M e l a n y's beautiful work!

Here's where you can find more of Melany's work

PurplePort: M e l a n y

Instagram: selkie_model

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