Hello.
I am a professional photographer living in London. I shoot because I love it; it gives me utter joy to see people come alive in front of my camera. I enjoy making people feel and look amazing, and what began as a hobby of taking pictures backstage has swiftly become a thriving business of art, creativity and love. My aim is to capture YOU, the real you.
Drop me your questions, send me your ideas. Let's create.
Drop me your questions, send me your ideas. Let's create.
Testimonials
"It was an utter joy to work with Mel. I was already a big fan of her work and my shoot with her exceeded my expectations. She was collaborative and kind and I am thrilled with my new headshots."
- Sam Phillips, Actor (The Crown, Bridgerton 2)
"Mel made me feel incredibly comfortable and at ease. I was extremely happy with the headshots Mel took and felt she really captured who I am and what I really look like!"
- Carly Thoms, Actress (Little Voice, Matilda)
"We put on my favourite tunes and the time flew by. I've had some refreshing tapes since updating my shots, and I think Mel has played a big part. She takes great care in her work."
- Tom Gill, Actor (Vigil, Peterloo, Othello)
"Melanie creates a relaxed environment perfect for capturing the very best of you. I'm delighted with my new headshots!"
- Debbie Kurup, Actress (The Cher Show, Girl From The North Country, The Bodyguard)
"My shoot with Mel was by far the nicest experience with having headshots taken. She's an absolute pro, makes you feel so comfortable and gets the best out of you because she cares and clearly loves what she does. Cannot recommend enough."
David Breeds, Actor (Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time, Dear Evan Hansen)
"Mel is such an asset to a team. She really listened to what we were trying to do with our production photos and worked to collaborate with us to make sure we achieved what we wanted. Her pictures were bright, striking, dynamic and colourful and it was a joy to have her in the room with us."
- Kate Golledge, Director
"I had such a lovely session with Melanie! We started with a convo talking about what I was looking for in the photos which really took the pressure off. We then spent the rest of the time chatting and listening to music whilst getting the photos done. It was a super chill and friendly experience which is reflected in my headshots. I would highly recommend Melanie Gail Photography for anyone looking for great shots!"
- Ryan Carter-Wilson, Actor (Jersey Boys, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Choir Of Man)
"I loved my headshot session with Melanie! She has such a lovely personality and her enthusiasm when taking pictures and looking at the result was a real boost of confidence. She made the session very fun and also listened to my needs and what I wanted from my new headshots. I also really liked that she added a full length shot as it's something that isn't much offered. 100% recommend working with her!"
- Camille Krieg, Actress (La Femme Aux Yeux Rouges, The Count Of Monte Cristo)
"I have never felt so comfortable on a shoot! Mel has got such a natural skill with both the camera and the person in front of it! I'd love to keep her in my pocket to take my pictures all the time."
- Jodie Steele, Actress (Heathers, Rock Of Ages, Six, Bonnie & Clyde)
"Melanie always manages to create a relaxed and fun atmosphere in her studio. Her personable approach, positive vibes and artistic flair create the perfect environment for making the most of a session snd getting some incredible shots."
- Tyrone Huntley, Actor (Jesus Christ Superstar, Dreamgirls, Small Axe)
"Our shoot was effortless - Mel has a brilliant eye and knows what makes a great image; she gets the perfect shot by making adjustments and suggestions in an open, relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Thoroughly recommended."
- Matthew Daw, Actor (Marnie: ENO)
"Mel made me learn to appreciate my face again. I think we all naturally have bits about ourselves we find awkward or don't like... so it was beyond refreshing to find someone with such a kind eye and encouraging soul to shoot and edit several photos that I absolutely love, for use for my personal and professional portfolio. I felt comfortable throughout and she knocked any element of self consciousness out the window during my session with her. Highly highly recommend Mel."
- Genevieve Tawiah, Physio (Strictly Come Dancing, War Horse On Stage, Sam Fender)
"We all want those shots that say: this is me, being me, on a really great day feeling awesome! Mel effortlessly makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera, making suggestions and catching you in those ‘special’ moments to accurately capture the real you."
- Sophie Barker, Actress (The Holly Kane Experiment, False Witness, Fly Tipper)
"Everyone hit up Melanie Gail Photography for affordable and lovely photos. Quality banter also!"
- Matthew Harvey, Actor/Writer (Oklahoma, Murder Ballad, The Hi Marks)
"I am very happy with the pictures I got back from Mel. She is able to create a fun , easy relaxed atmosphere straight away and because of this I got the exact headshots I wanted."
- Ottis Pickard, Actor (The Canterville Ghost)
"Mel is the one! I got all of the shots I was after, including many more I hadn't thought about. Her knowledge of the industry from both behind and in front of the lens was invaluable in securing the best shots and the biggest variety. I've updated my portfolio and the results have been career changing!"
- Tom Self, Actor/Musician (Salad Days, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Age 13 1/2, Brief Encounter)
"I felt super at ease, sexy and she just totally captured me. She's EPIC, the end."
- Laura Baldwin, Actress (Big Fish, Eugenius, Waitress)
"I knew that my photoshoot with Mel would be a good one, but it was better than I could have hoped. Relaxed, professional and put me at ease effortlessly. I promise you won't be disappointed with the results. Class... pure class."
- Mark Isherwood, Actor (Jersey Boys, Tarantino Live)
"My session with Mel was extraordinary. She created a safe and playful space and captured many authentic facets of me. My time with Mel will stay with me. A talented creative and curious soul and artist with a desire to seek and capture her subject. I will be returning and no doubt dancing again, Mel."
- Anne Marie Cavanah, Actress and Poet Performer (Exposed, Angel)
"Mel created such a wonderful, relaxed and safe environment. I think I actually had FUN, which is no mean feat for headshots! Will definitely be back."
- Lauren Lockley, Actress (School of Rock)
"Active, stunning shots. Capturing the life and pulse of any production or person. Not just shooting an image but also a feeling. Very vibey images."
- Connolly and Clift, 21 Chump Street - London
"Mel is a legend. I was quite nervous before getting my headshots done - hours of research into do's and don'ts hadn't really helped. Once I had met Mel my nerves settled completely. She makes you feel so comfortable and at ease, answers questions and is very encouraging. You leave with a big smile wondering why you were ever nervous in the first place. And the shots? Brilliant. So much range between them and beautifully taken. The only difficult part of the whole process was picking between them - so many intriguing ones. This couldn't have been a better experience, and I will definitely be going back to Mel again and again!"
Freya Green, Actress (Oxford School Of Drama)
"Relaxed, professional and put me at ease effortlessly. I promise you won’t be disappointed with the results. Class… Pure class…"
Mark Isherwood, Actor (Tarantino Live, Jersey Boys)
"Mel immediately put me at ease with such a chilled-out and friendly vibe and a beautifully light studio. I felt really comfortable for the whole session and I'm really happy with my new headshots. Will definitely be back for an update!"
- Jamie Scott-Smith, Actor/Videographer (West End Video)
"I had such a blast working with Mel! She made me feel so relaxed & comfortable throughout, I loved that we picked out the music together. Most importantly I was so happy with the results! Would definitely recommend!"
Sally Rudd, Actor-Musician (Mountview)
"I had an amazing photo session with Mel. She made me feel confident and safe, we had an absolute laugh. I loved the pictures! I cannot recommend enough!!"
- Natalie Green, Actress (Wicked, Hair, Mandela)
"Mel made me feel totally at ease with myself and her camera. She gets the absolute best out of you and just wait until you see yourself in the edits! This girl is seriously FANTASTIC! I highly recommend!!"
- Steph Clift, Actress (Little Shop of Horrors, Mamma Mia, Call The Midwife)
"Amazing shots, with an easy, enjoyable experience behind them. Can't recommend enough."
- Rob Houchen, Actor (Les Misérables, The Light In The Piazza)
"Melanie was fab to work with, she made me feel super comfortable and made it fun. And she got some perfect shots to top it off. Couldn’t recommend anyone more."
- Jade Foster, Videographer
"As a ballet dancer, flattering lines are hard to capture but Mel had such a brilliant eye for it as well as the light and a creative background. I was made to feel so at ease whilst having fun and I'm absolutely thrilled with the final pictures! Such a versatile photographer."
- Zoe Arshamian, Dancer (An American In Paris, Phantom Of The Opera)