In the realm of artistic expression, few subjects stir as much intrigue and controversy as the human body.
For the past decade, art nude photographer Lola Melani has masterfully captured the essence of this timeless subject matter through the lens of her camera.
Their portfolio showcases a stunning collection of images that celebrate the raw beauty and delicate intricacies of a woman’s body.
Lola Melani skillfully navigates the delicate balance between art and sensuality. Join us as we delve into the world of this art nude photographer, exploring her unique view on fine art photography, artistic expression, and the power of visual storytelling.
Q.1 Your portfolio features a diverse range of subjects, from family portraits and artistic motherhood sessions to fine art nudes and Boudoir photography. Do you have a favorite type of photography to work on or a subject that you find particularly inspiring?
Ans. My heart lies in capturing the transformation of pregnancy and motherhood – it’s what ignited my passion for photography and keeps me coming back for more.
As a woman, I understand how challenging it can be to feel good about yourself during this beautiful, yet sometimes difficult time in our lives. That’s why I find it so rewarding to be able to empower and build up my clients by showing them their innate beauty and strength.
I take pride in making art that helps women see their bodies in a new, timeless way. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about celebrating the unique features that make each woman special and showcasing them in a way that is both powerful and breathtaking.
I started my studio photography journey by photographing pregnancy and motherhood and I never looked back. This is my passion.
Q.2 You’ve worked with many influential figures and A-list celebrities. How do you approach photographing someone with such a public image, and what challenges does that present?
Ans. I began my career as a studio maternity photographer without a clue of who my clients were. I steered clear of pop culture and worked in my own little creative world. It wasn’t until I saw some of them on TV or in articles that I realized how many low-key celebrities there are out there.
But here’s the thing – celebrities or not, I approach all my clients the same way. For me, it’s all about creating a personal connection with them, understanding their story, and feeling their energy. That’s how I capture their portrait, no matter who they are.
Now, when it comes to celebrities, I do have to get creative. They’re often very creative people themselves, and they love the chance to express themselves. As their photographer, I make sure I always bring something fresh and new to the table, something that will help them express themselves in a unique way. I experiment with different techniques and styles that haven’t been done before, all to create an iconic image.
But of course, shooting high-profile people also means being efficient. They have jam-packed schedules, so I need to be in control of the shoot. With my experience and natural ability to interact with subjects, I can maintain control while still accommodating their needs, no matter what surprises the shoot may throw our way.
Q.3 Many of your photos on your website have a unique, dreamlike quality to them. Can you tell us about your creative process, and how you approach capturing that feeling in your work?
Ans. While my photography is typically bold and contrasty, I do love to add a touch of whimsical enchantment to certain shots. Motherhood is especially inspiring for me in this genre. To achieve this ethereal look, it takes a mix of elements – the perfect pose, expression, lighting, setting, background, and props. For example, during a recent photo shoot in my NYC studio, I wanted to capture a mother and her 1-year-old son in a glass field at dusk with the gentle moonlight illuminating their faces. I always strive to create something unique and extraordinary within the confines of a typical studio setup.
Q.4 You have also done fine art nude photography. How do you collaborate with models to bring their individual personalities and stories to life in your nude photography?
Ans. I believe in capturing simple, emotional moments through my photography. Nude photography has become a way for me to express my creativity and bring something personal to the world. When working with my models, I prefer to take away all the fluff – no outfits, accessories, or props. I find that stripping it all down brings out the true beauty and vulnerability in the person. This connection helps me capture powerful and personal images that are meaningful to us both.
Q.5 Your own journey from immigrant to world-renowned artist is inspiring. Can you tell us about some of the challenges you faced along the way and how you overcame them?
Ans. At the start of my photography career, one of my biggest hurdles was communication. English wasn’t my strongest suit and my accent made me self-conscious. For the first two years of running my studio, I didn’t even answer phone calls or voicemails because I was that scared to talk. But I realized that this was all in my head and had nothing to do with the beautiful experience and photos I could provide my clients. So I transformed my “flaw” into a strength, embracing the beauty of accents.
Another challenge was learning how to value my work and price my services accordingly. It took me some time to truly appreciate the experience I offered my clients and find a pricing system that felt right for me.
And like many artists, I also experienced burnout from taking on too much work. It wasn’t long before I realized that taking photos actually represents a very small part of what most professional photographers do on a daily basis. But I learned to delegate and prioritize my time in order to achieve a healthy balance between work and family. By focusing on what I love and outsourcing what I don’t enjoy, my business has grown exponentially. Saying “no” is a powerful tool!
Q.6 In 2018, you launched the Lola Melani Academy. Can you tell us more about the academy and its mission?
Ans. The Lola Melani Academy is all about mentoring fellow photographers to help them find their own style and take their art and business to the next level.
Starting my photography studio in my living room in NYC back in 2012 wasn’t easy. But fast forward to today and I’ve built a successful business and achieved my biggest dreams. That’s why the Lola Melani Academy has such a special place in my heart. It’s a way for me to inspire and support other creative entrepreneurs to help them achieve their goals, transform their lives, and make a difference in the lives of others.
Through a variety of online courses and in-person mentorship, I teach my signature process for creating stunning maternity, motherhood, boudoir, and fine-art nude photography. From setting up the perfect shot to editing the final result, my goal is to help aspiring photographers elevate their craft and become unstoppable in achieving their dreams.
Q.7 Your style is often described as blending editorial, fashion, and fine art. How do you balance these elements in your photography, and what is your creative process like when developing a concept for a shoot?
Ans. When I’m behind the camera, it’s all about the vibe, the people I’m working with, and what inspires me in that moment. I crave balance – sometimes I’ll go for bold colors and dramatic fashion lighting for a maternity portrait, while other times I’ll take it back to the classics and channel early 20th-century photographers. And there’s always room for soft, whimsical looks with no shadows. I’m all about variety. The key for me, though, is to create a consistent feel and vision across all of my diverse work. To do that, I ask myself three things for each photo I take: does this belong in a fashion magazine, is the portrait elegant, and is it timeless? With that trick up my sleeve, I make sure my unique blend of styles always dazzles.
Q.8 Your photography often features women as subjects, particularly in your maternity and beauty work. Can you speak to the importance of highlighting women in your photography?
As a photographer, I’ve always been inspired by the grace and strength of women, as captured by legendary photographers. But growing up, and even as a young woman, I didn’t always feel confident in my own skin. That’s why I’ve chosen to focus my lens on real, everyday women, showcasing their inner beauty and vulnerability through editorial-style portraits. It’s my mission to make every woman feel empowered, radiant, and confident in her own unique way.
Q.9 Your photography has been featured in publications all over the world. Is there a particular place or publication that you’ve always dreamed of seeing your work in?
Ans. I used to dream of being featured in the pages of Conde Nast, but these days, my goals have taken a turn. More than fame, what really gets me going is seeing my photography students soar. Their success is what truly makes me feel like a star.
Q.10 What do you like to do other than photography?
When I’m not behind the camera, you can usually find me playing the piano, sewing up a storm, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, and having fun chasing after my kiddos. Plus, I love spending quality time with my favorite people.
Q.11 Finally, can you discuss any upcoming projects or goals you have for your photography, and what you hope to achieve in the future?
Ans. My photography goals involve expanding the Lola Melani Academy with fresh, imaginative educational offerings. I’m also planning an epic retreat for photographers that’ll focus on mindset, energy, manifestation and creativity. Stay tuned!
Artistic nude and fine art photography is a tricky niche and requires a lot of inspiration and a vision quite unique from the crowd. It needs a key element or aesthetic that sets you apart from the rest.
When you’re trying out a new niche like art nude photography, it is important to look at a lot of work of various art nude photographers and take in the elements and ideas really speak to you and inspire you to create art.
Photography interviews give you an insight into what goes on in the mind of the artist while creating their masterpiece.
Like this interview? Check out more on our blog.
