Meet the two pals who are encouraging Highlanders to express themselves in an uber-empowering and super fun way!
Many of us get pretty nervous when we step in front of the camera right?
What do we do with our arms? How do we even smile again? Yep, we’ve all been there!
Meet Mel and Shelle, two amazing locals who are all about helping us embrace our elegance and beauty in the most relaxed and easy-going way.
We had a great chat with them about their new venture, Embrace Elegance Photography, and why they believe just about everyone should give something like this a shot [pun intended obvs].
And after our convo, we just couldn’t agree more.
1//OK guys, starting from the beginning. How did you guys meet?
Mel: I started event photography around 5 years ago, I do equestrian photography and in 2020 I was looking for staff. Shelle was an applicant, she’s an amazing photographer and we just got along really well. So, I worked on training Shelle up and we grew our event photography biz Elegant Exposures which has taken off.
Shelle: We’re both very artistic though and we wanted to work in that as well. We also wanted to provide Highlanders with a chance to express themselves artistically, but in front of the camera, not just behind it. That’s when we decided on Embrace Elegance Photography.
2// And you are both big believers in creative expression as a support for mental health, is that right?
Mel: Definitely. I originally began using photography as a way to support my mental health. I have complex PTSD and this form of creative expression has been very healing for me.
Shelle: Many of us are on a mental health journey and we just want to raise awareness of how an inclusive experience of a shoot like ours can be such a boost and that no matter what you’re going through you deserve to express yourself.
3// And what made you choose boudoir, alternative and cosplay photography?
Mel: A few reasons actually. One thing we found is that locals who wanted to have this kind of photography done had to head all the way to Sydney or Canberra for it and they were paying what we consider to be exorbitant amounts of money for these shoots.
Shelle: Also, we just really believe in this style of photography. We think it should be fun and it should be for everyone. No matter your shape, size or identity.
Mel: Boudoir is an art form, and we’re bringing it back to its traditional roots. We want to create beautiful, gorgeous photos of our clients that they can put on their walls and be proud of who they are. We want anyone who comes to our studio to feel comfortable because we know that’s what we would want for ourselves.
Mel: It’s just so important for us to make people feel comfortable. In any kind of shoot, not just boudoir. Portraits, weddings, family photos, whatever the occasion.
4// And how did you guys set up such a comfortable space?
Mel: We decided to have the studio on my property, we think this is much less daunting and more inviting than walking into somewhere like an office block. We are also mobile so we can come to people’s homes if they prefer.
Before we started, we both got in front of the camera and had our own shoots. We wanted to experience and understand what it felt like to have the photos taken so we would know how our clients felt when it was their turn.
Shelle: We know some of our sessions can be intimate, especially the boudoir style so we wanted to make sure we knew first-hand what that felt like. I usually don’t like being the one in front of the camera so it was hard for me at first. But Mel and I worked together on what felt right and what didn’t and after I actually felt really empowered. I think we learnt a lot about what we need to feel comfortable when there’s a camera pointing at us and what we can do for our clients to feel the same.
Mel: We always ask our clients if they’re comfortable before we come into their space. Complimentary bubbles on arrival help too, ha-ha!
5// And what kind of Highlanders do you think would benefit from a shoot with you guys?
Shelle: Honestly, I think this kind of photography is for everyone. Like I said, before I got in front of the camera, I was nervous and now I feel so much more confident.
Mel: I’ve become so passionate about photography as a way of capturing memories and I think we can all benefit from that. Lives can suddenly change at any time so why not capture what you have now? We’re always taking photos of our food or our kids, so why not ourselves? We’re not just about boudoir, there are so many other ways you can express yourself with photography and we’re open to it.
6// Are there any types of shoots you guys love to do?
Mel: We love it when there are special events throughout the year because there’s just so much fun you can have with it. Christmas is always a great time to have a shoot, not just your classic shots but maybe something a little different like a boudoir-themed Christmas shot for someone special, or even just for yourself.
But it’s not just all about Chrissy, Halloween is a really fun time for us, so if you love dressing up why not capture it right? We’ve decorated our studio with pumpkins and gothic windows to go with the theme, we love it!
Shelle: We also encourage couple shots, and friend group photos, even hen’s parties, we want everyone to have the opportunity to take some awesome photos. We offer different types of packages for different needs.
7// What do you guys love most about running this biz?
Shelle: We love that we’re breaking the stigma around people who suffer from the challenges of mental health, we love opening the door and empowering so many people.
Mel: We love seeing our clients overcome their worries about being in front of the camera, the joy and pride they feel afterwards just can’t be beat.
8// And you just know we’ve gotta ask, what do you love most about living and working in the Highlands?
Mel: I think it’s a great place to run a small business. There’s so much support for locals here, I’ve tried to purchase all my products for the biz locally too. We want to invest in the community that invests in us. I wouldn’t live anywhere else.
Shelle: We love being authentically Southern Highlands. Although we are mobile and can travel pretty far outside for clients’ needs, this is our base and we love it!
Thanks for the chat! We’re super excited about the idea of booking our own photoshoot now, and we’re sure many other Highlanders are too.
We’re ready for our close-up Mel and Shelle!
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