References for Melanie Bond (Butler)

Jon Taylor

An absolute pleasure working with Melanie for the first time today.

Pre-shoot comms were excellent, and we had a location and the framework of a shoot plan.

Except…we arrive and the National Trust property we’d arranged to shoot in, and it was closed due to staff illness. Unphased, Melanie rapidly organised Plan B, and we drive on to another National Trust stately pile which, fortunately, proved to a fine venue.

Which brings me to the shoot itself: Melanie’s preparation was spot-on, and her commitment to achieving the images was admirable.

Working with the public around is always challenging, but Melanie rose to the occasion and eased into her poses with minimal direction, displaying a quiet confidence and a subtlety that meant we were able to capture the images we aimed for.

Elegance; style; sophistication; poise; Melanie brought all these to this afternoon’s shoot. It was a constant delight working with her as she adapted to each room, each location in the grounds, each moment that offered up the potential for an image. Her professionalism was impressive.

The all-important working relationship developed nicely as we shot; conversation flowed. Melanie’s personality and pure charm make working with her a joy.

Unreservedly highly recommended.

Viv2

Another very enjoyable shoot with Mel. She arrived at the meeting point on time and with the clothing we had agreed on. As usual she was happy to take my direction and added her ideas as well to make for a successful shoot. I have enjoyed every shoot with her and look forward to many more. Recommended.

Nigel Wood Photographs

I have worked with Mel a few times now, usually through a studio. This is the 1st shoot I have done with Mel that she has fully organised herself. She did an amazing job!!

She sourced a colourful American Muscle cat and a great location to do the shoot. She got in touch to see if I was interested and although I couldn't commit initially she kept me updated with how many spaces were left.

Once I was able to say yes, she explained the shoot in detail with great communication before the day. She turned up on the day with a few different outfits and styles. There were a few other photographers and it felt organised, with us each having a turn at positioning Mel with the car.

Mel is full of ideas, but will also listen too - always wanting to make sure you are happy with the images you have and taking a keen interest in what they look like.

It was a great shoot and I look forward to working with Mel again.

Donna Lawson Photography

I have done a few shoots with Mel, the first was a portrait session so we walked around Tewkesbury selecting spots to shoot, the second was a vintage car photoshoot.

On both occasions Mel turned up on time and was great to work with. We had a moodboard beforehand where I suggested some outfits and styles. We then worked together to achieve the look.

Mel is easy going and relaxed when shooting with plenty of poses, she was also happy with some direction.

I would definitely recommend Mel and wouldn't hesitate to work with her in the future.

Glyn Skinner

Melanie and I have worked together on numerous occasions. Melanie has been instrumental in reigniting my passion for photography again after many years away from the industry.

Melanie has always been a pleasure to shoot with, her communication and enthusiasm never fails to please.

We have worked together on studio shoots, as well as environmental shoots, Melanie has succeeded brilliantly in each. Every shoot has always been a fun, enjoyable experience but one that also produces great results!

Mel is extremely organised when it comes to helping arrange shoots – even completely organising our latest car group shoot together, which featured multiple photographers and was a success. Mel also has a great knowledge of perfect locations for photoshoots - which helps create unique and eye-catching photos.

Mel’s a reliable, enthusiastic, and all-round great model to work with! Melanie has a wonderful way of putting you at ease immediately, leading to a brilliant photoshoot. I certainly would recommend Mel to all!

Sam2003

I have worked with Mel a good few times now, and each time I think we have raised the bar, and this is no less true of our latest shoot, we have shot a few times in a studio but I wanted to change things up this time. Communication with Mel is always great, plans are always made in good time, and with a different mood in mind we searched for a new venue and Mel came up with a cracker of a Hotel, absolutely fitted the mood perfectly, the shoot itself was totally straight forward, we both know how each other works, I can direct her to what I'm looking for and she will take it and absolutely run with it, I am confident you will have as much fun working with Mel on a first shoot as I am having, many shoots down the line, totally recommend working with her, you will get a fine set of photos and gain a great friend!

Ridefree 68

This time we set up a co op shoot with Melanie, a very good friend off mine joined us at Batsford Arboretum, as always Melanie turned up early, with her usual array off dress options available. Another thoroughly enjoyable four hour shoot later we came away for a relaxing pint in very good humour, Mel had knocked the ball out of the park again! While we were drinking our pint my friend asked when we could arrange another shoot, he isn't on Purpleport but he asked me to convey his thanks via here. Thank you very much again Melanie, hoping to see you beforehand but the Christmas shoot in Broadway is ON. 100% recommended as always.

Ridefree 68

I've worked with Melanie a lot now and I have no idea when she will run out of locations/ideas for us! As always Mel was very pleasant company as I drove from our meeting point to the Lavender Fields, our chosen location this time. Thursday was a very bright, sunny day to get different angles without blown out or dark images was difficult but I came away with some very good pics again! Thanks again for an amazing day Melanie and I'll definitely be back as soon as finances allow.

TOTALLY 100% recommended! Pete

Alan Bruce

I arranged a Duo shoot with Mel and Miss Rosie Lee for last Thursday. So I hope you both find my reference ok because of including you both like this.

We started off at Hailes Abbey, a very old ruined English Heritage location. I collected Rosie, because she was a 20 minute drive away from me, and we arrived at the Abbey a little before Mel and was able to 'sort out' some spots to shoot.

Mel and Rosie each posed separately and together. Neither had worked with each other before but after a short time were posing great together in a lovely friendly way. Both of the girls brought some simple, pretty outfits to the shoot... I was really pleased with their choices, they 'fitted in' with the location(s).

Mel suggested that we went to Toddington Railway Station for some further shooting, an excellent choice by Mel again. This place was about 8-10 minutes away and had a café so we had a coffee and 'sarnie' break, which I really needed.

Mel and Rosie again gave me some super photos at this location, together with the lovely Station Master who I'm sure liked the two girls posing with him for an impromptu set :)

The whole time together flew by, we got lots of lovely photos and had lots of laughs together. The two girls were both really considerate with regard to my many health challenges... they looked after me really well, so a great big thank you to you both... I would highly recommend both of these girls (young ladies) for Duo or 1-2-1 shoots.

Miss Rosie Lea

I had the pleasure of working with Melanie for the first time last week when a photographer we both know well decided to book us for a duo shoot.

Mel and I had chatted on and off over social media for a while so it was so lovely to meet her finally. We hit it off right away and we found modelling together really comfortable. Mel is very kind and bubbly and I can’t imagine anyone not feeling completely at ease in her company.

The images from the day are great, and I can see why photographers speak so highly of her. I’d recommend Mel myself to other models and photographers without hesitation, and I hope to work with her again in the future.

Thanks so much Mel xx

Simon64

Looking through Mel’s portfolio and reading her, many, positive references can only go so far to showing why you really should book this lovely model.

Melanie’s pre shoot comms were perfect, and she even went so far as to send me images of outfits so that I might choose a favourite.

I obviously chose well, because lovely Mel looked a million dollars. Mel also has a great eye for details and backgrounds and some of her suggestions led to the best images.

I recommend Melanie 100%. Book her and I am sure you’ll enjoy the experience.

TallTog1

I had an excellent shoot with Mel a few weeks ago. Pre-Comms were excellent and we discussed outfits and location and both had a clear understanding of the shoot. She arrived right on time and looked exactly as she's pictured, which was wonderful.

The shoot went smooth and quick and we were able to get a broad range of shots in a short space of time.

Mel is confident in front of camera and a pleasure to talk to and work with. Recommended without hesitation!

Paul Archer Photography

Only a bus service was available to Melanie, as there was some maintenance work on the railway on the day of the shoot, but that didn’t deter our Mel - she got her husband to drop her off and pick her up; now that’s dedication!

In the past we have covered Pinup, Boudoir, Implied/Concealed nude, Outdoor location and Femme Fatale. This time I wanted to try classic Hollywood style and some creative lighting with lasers, and Melanie, as usual, took it in her stride! As it was almost a year since our last shoot, we had a good old natter and catch-up during a very relaxed and enjoyable shoot.

I wonder what we will try next time…….?

Nick Stewart

Mel was one of 4 models I booked for a club shoot. Comms were great and she offered many different outfits. I think it's fair to say her wardrobe must be the size of a house! I asked for a specific outfit (1920s) and she obliged. She was very easy to work with, and we had a chilled and enjoyable shoot. I look forward to working with Mel again. Highly recommended.

Ridefree 68

I've worked with Melanie a few times so we decided to have a change of pace and set ourselves up on a steam railway in the Cotswolds, Melanie certainly knows some exciting and interesting places to shoot around her locale She also brought along clothes that perfectly matched our planned 50's retro style,we've already decided another shoot at a different station along this line has GOT to be organised! Thanks again for a great day out and I'll wholeheartedly recommend Melanie to all as a bright, cheerful young lady who knows her locations exceptionally well. Until next time Melanie x

Adrian Corbett Photography

I booked Melanie for a remote shoot and was so glad I did!

Comms were fantastic from start to finish and I am ecstatic with the results.

Melanie is the consummate professional, extremely attractive and classy-I cannot recommend highly enough!

Would love to work together in future.

Viv2

Mel was punctual, as usual, and we had good communications before the start of the shoot. It is an enjoyable experience being with her and I am always happy to have her input into a shoot. She also takes direction and we have a lot of laughs during the shoot, which always makes the time pass very quickly. I am delighted with the images I have obtained and am enjoying looking through them to see which I wish to use first. We are already planning our next location shoot. Thanks Mel.

Sam2003

I have had another chance to work with Mel, and once more I am over the moon with the set of pictures taken! I picked Mel up en route to the studio, and as usual we chatted freely on the way. once we reached the studio things just rolled out perfectly, I already knew I wanted to do a boudoir styled shoot, but If I'm honest I hadn't felt very prepared apart from an idea of one arrangement. but Mel had packed a selection of outfits, and once we decided which one to start with, things just rolled. we collected a fabulous set of photos to start with, during which I set up the lights for the new set(My idea) and wow did it work far better than I hoped for. Mel was an absolute pro, did everything she could for me to get the shots I needed. Its always fun working with Mel and I've never failed to get a set of photos I'm proud of! I will always recomend working with Mel, great model and lovely company.

DJBPhotography

I had my first photoshoot with Melanie after she put out a bluebell casting in the Cotswolds. Her pre-shoot comms were excellent as was her professionalism during the shoot. She brought along various outfits and although the weather was unpredictable, I was very happy with the images we created and Melanie was able to pose without direction. She is a very friendly, polite, courteous model and it was a pleasure working with her and I hope I will get to shoot with her again. I thoroughly recommend her to other photographers.

Viv2

Another very enjoyable shoot with Mel. She was at the studio before me, brought the costumes she knew would be needed and was very happy to go along with my ideas, and suggest her own. I am looking forward to the next shoot with her in a couple of weeks. Highly recommended.