References for Melanie Bond (Butler)

LIT Photography UK

I had the pleasure of shooting with Mel recently, and she was a pleasure to work with, very willing to be directed but also had a really nice natural posing style which made everything easy.

She had great communication and was very reliable on the day,

We will definitely work together again soon

Phox Photography

Mel and I arranged a shoot with the intention of getting some location shots of the Bluebell woods and Rapeseed fields. The weather gods were against us but thankfully we had a plan B.

Mel arrived on time, fully made up and hair immaculate. We spent some time discussing the shoot plan and started with one of the outfits intended for the outdoor shoot. The venue was well decorated with strong colours and sufficient furniture for a variety of sets. With only a couple of hours to confirm the details Mel was able to bring a variety of outfits that matched and complemented the venue.

We were able to get great shots with the natural light and using constant lights. Atmospheric images made easy by Mel’s intuitive posing. The shoot went by in a flash. Mel was easy to get on with. Down to earth and full of enthusiasm, contributing to the shoot to make it a great success. A grade results from a plan B

Privileged that Mel is using the output of the shoot on her port. Hope to be able to shoot the Bluebell and Rapeseed locations before the season is over but will definitely shoot with Mel again

Highly recommended.

Steve Mitchell

My second shoot with Melanie; this time at my local studio Far Forest. Our first shoot together the previous year had been for just two hours but during that time I realised that our personalities just clicked and also just how creative Mel can be with her styling. This time we chose to work for five hours, starting with two pinup sets and then gradually moving to lingerie and boudoir, altering the lighting with each set to create a more moody atmosphere. A testament to how great the shoot was, is that the time just seemed to fly by. Mel is highly recommended and a real pleasure to work with. Looking forward to seeing you again in June at your sold out model day at Penguin Studio.

Tugmaster

Attended a Lowkey group shoot at Alastair Currill’s Studio last week and luckily Melanie was our model for the evening.

As always she had some wonderful outfits for us, posed perfectly for the shoots we were trying to achieve and took any direction that might be given in her stride.

Melanie was at ease interacting with the group and got on well with a all the participants, even if she was working with them for the first time.

I think this is the 5th time I have shot will Melanie and can honestly say she is one of the most professional and hard working models it has been my privilege to work with and I would highly recommend her to any photographer…

Vintage Photography

Another enjoyable shoot with Mel, this time a group shoot using low level lighting which ws her idea. Mel produced some great poses and was friendly and chatty throughout to all attendees. The evening flowed easily and I got some very nice shots.

FotoNomad

I met Mel for the first time today for a spring blossom portrait style shoot at the Arboretum. Mel turned up very well presented and looking absolutely stunning, in an outfit colour matched to the environment. She was easy to get along with, a lovely personality and a professional model who knew how to strike a pose, making our shoot flow from setting to setting.

This was my first shoot back after a few years break during the pandemic so I needed a model I could flow with and help me get back in the swing, Mel was perfect.

I recommend Mel as a model and I would love to work with her again in the near future.

Steve Upton

This was my 4th shoot with Melanie and my first ever one to one.

I was a bit nervous at the start as normally shoot in groups.

As soon as we started i was put at ease and the ideas started to come into my head.

Mel has some great ideas and is open to suggestions, is easy going and ever so easy to get along with.

Melanie takes the time to see the finished shots and is very complementary.

I will definitely shoot with Mel again and would highly recommend that others don't miss the chance to shoot with this wonderful model.

Steve

SciroccoPhotographic

I thoroughly enjoyed working with Mel at her boudoir workshop at Penguin Studios. Mel was very easy going and responsive to direction even when I wasn't sure of what I wanted. The hour flew by but we managed a really good set of images with which I am very pleased. I would definitely recommend Mel and look forward to shooting with her again.

Penguin Stu6ios

We had the pleasure of hosting Melanie for a studio day at penguin. We've had Melanie in a few times now and I can't recommend her enough, her personality and interactions are so welcoming and help create wonderful art as a result. A very easy going attitude helps create a great relaxed atmosphere

Ridefree 68

I've worked with Melanie on numerous occasions now so we're really relaxed and chatty when we get together for a shoot, so much so that when I suggested we use a sword my kids had bought for me on a shoot she promptly organised a medieval style shoot, a style she'd never done before, within four days of this I went for my first ever boudoir shoot with her at Penguin studios. Mel is a great model to work with, chatty, knowledgeable and keen, always a pleasure to work with, wholeheartedly recommended to all photographers, however far along they are on their journey! Have fun and stay safe until next time Mel!

David Lowe Photography

Had a great first shoot with Melanie, the conditions were not great, it was cold and very little light available and number photographers that were new to her but Melanie worked through the difficulties very professionally.

Melanie came to the location very prepared with the right costumes, make up etc to make the shoot a success.

Melanie contributed greatly with ideas and suggestions to get the best of the set we had and always remained cheerful making it a very pleasant day.

I am looking forward to working with Melanie again in the very near future, hopefully in warmer conditions, and I fully recommend Melanie to anyone interested in period costume images and especially location work.

Strawbales

I had a great time shooting Melanie at the Walsall Transport Museum. It was really cold in there but Melanie just shines like a summers day!

Very professional, very well presented and lovely to work with it did not feel like we had just met and were shooting for the first time.

I will look forward to another shoot with her, highly recommend!

Thank you.

Graham.

J9 Studios

Mel graced the studio today for the first time, for a shoot with Paul (Tugmaster).

I made myself scarce once Mel and Paul were settled, but enjoyed chatting with them prior to this and once their shoot was finished for the day. From my perspective I couldn't have asked for more, they were on time, friendly, were respectful of the studio and it's props, and left it in the state they found it.

Hopefully Mel enjoyed her time at the studio, and I would absolutely have her back here!

Tugmaster

Had a great shoot with Mel today, our first time in the studio 1 on 1. Our last shoot had been on location last year which if I remember was rather chilly, so it was nice to shoot in a nice warm studio. We had been discussing the theme for this shoot on and off for a while and as always Mel’s pre shoot comms were excellent.

Had wanted to get several types of images this time and I was very pleased that we managed to do everything we had planned. My initial look at the images they seem great and as always Mel needed little direction and was full of ideas for props and outfit combinations.

I find Mel to be an exemplary model, she works hard to give you the shots you want, is very good company and I would have no hesitation in highly recommending her to any photographer…

Vintage Photography

I have worked with Mel several times and have enjoyed every shoot. Mel's pre-shoot communications are first class, and she always shows up on time and ready to shoot. My first time at Betty Noir Studio and it was with Mel's recommendation. Mel is very communicative and easy to talk to, she takes and offers advice and so each shoot is very collaborative and fun. Mel takes good care about how she looks and what she wears for a shoot, which makes it so easy to take the photos. As usual it was a very enjoyable and productive 3 hours. Many thanks Mel, I'm sure we will meet up again soon.

Paul Archer Photography

Mel is just lovely! I always look forward to seeing her - it's more like an old friend visiting for a chat and catch-up, rather than a photoshoot! She is always bubbly, eager to pose, and excited to start creating - and this shoot was no exception. Pre-comms started late last year, when I suggested a few ideas based around some high and low key boudoir style implied and concealed nude sets, A mood board was created, and Mel's enthusiasm overflowed right from the start. A great start to a new year of shoots! 🙂

Alastair Currill Photography and Studio

MEL MEL MEL! What a great shoot. Really got into the fun, punk, bold colour theme with the right outfits and poses. Great comms before hand and helped advertise the event. Highly recommend.

Donna Lawson Photography

I have worked with Mel a few times now and this time was just a great as the others, Mel turned up on time, hair & make up done with a nice range of outfits, Mel is truely a pleasure to work with, lots of different poses and happy to take some direction.

Nigel Wood Photographs

I have shot with Mel on several occasions now. Mel always comes with enthusiasm and is well prepared, always having 3-4 outfits to add variety to the shoot.

She is easy to get on with and has the ability to pose very well, but always willing to take on new ideas and try something new too.

Mel always wants to ensure that you are happy with the images and will always offer to try again if she thinks the shot can be improved.

After the event she always checks how you felt it went and is happy to share pictures on social media with full credit.

I always look forward to working with Mel

Alan Bruce

This shoot with Mel was a little different to our usual shoots… it was at Alastair Currill studio but I wasn’t actually there, it was a tethered shoot using Alastair’s gear. So this was a first for us both, very enjoyable it was. Mel did a super job, and the images taken during the session gave really good portraits, even SOOC (straight out of the camera)… Mel looked fabulous.

It’s always a great time to photograph Mel, usually at a location site, but was good to do so at Alastair’s studio. It will be good to shoot Mel again outdoors again, but when the weather’s much kinder to us, hehe. :)

Mel is a super model and I thoroughly recommend her to all types of photographer, thanks again Mel xx