READING TIME: 4 min 2 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/22/2024
UPDATED: 11/06/2024
Vienna-based photographer Melanie Nedelko has spent the last decade creating a unique blend of art and storytelling through her lens. Specializing in weddings, Melanie’s work captures the essence of love in a way that feels both timeless and personal. In this interview, Melanie shares insights into her craft, her journey, and the joy she finds in documenting life’s most intimate moments.
For Melanie, photography is more than just a career—it’s a passion that has shaped her life. "Photography is my great passion, my dream job. I couldn't imagine anything better," she explains. Living in Vienna with her husband and three children, she has managed to balance her family life while nurturing her creative aspirations. Over the past 10 years, she has developed a style that is both elegant and natural, a style that speaks to her love for documenting life’s precious moments.
Her photography journey began with a love for capturing emotions and connections between people. "Experiencing and documenting one of the most important days in a couple’s lives, traveling to new places, and nourishing my creativity is more than I could have ever asked for." This deep connection with her craft is what sets her work apart, giving each photo an authenticity that resonates with the viewer.
Melanie’s photography style is a delicate balance of documentary and editorial, where moments are captured naturally but with an artistic touch. She describes her approach as "timeless documentary style with a touch of editorial," finding the perfect harmony between minimalism, art, and playful romance.
This blend allows her to create photos that not only tell the story of the day but also feel like a work of art. "I aim to keep the photos as natural as possible, allowing the true essence of the moment to shine through." Her use of black-and-white imagery adds depth to her work, stripping away distractions and highlighting raw emotions.
In an era where technology is rapidly advancing, Melanie remains grounded in her choice of equipment. She primarily uses the Canon R6, a mirrorless camera known for its versatility and quality, alongside the medium-format Contax 645 film camera. "I work with mirrorless Canon R6 and medium-format film camera Contax 645," she shares, emphasizing her love for the nostalgic feel of film photography. The use of film adds a softness and texture to her images that digital cameras sometimes lack, giving her work a timeless quality.
When it comes to editing, Melanie prefers a minimalistic approach, ensuring the natural colors and emotions remain intact. "As less as possible. I try to keep the colors as natural as possible in my photos." Lightroom and Photoshop are her tools of choice, but the real magic happens in-camera, where she aims to capture the moment as authentically as possible.
For Melanie, the joy of photography extends far beyond the technical aspects. It’s about the human connection—the love, excitement, and joy that couples bring to the table. "Working with people—especially with happy people who are in love—is the best part of my job," she says. Over the years, she has learned so much from the couples she has photographed. "They inspire me again and again."
Her approach to working with clients is deeply rooted in creating a relaxed and enjoyable environment. "I try to create a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere during the shoot," she explains. Melanie believes that the key to beautiful, natural photos is helping her couples feel comfortable in front of the camera. "I give my couple time to warm up," she says, which allows the emotions to flow freely and naturally.
Every wedding is unique, and Melanie ensures that her photography packages reflect that. "I only offer customized packages. Just as every couple is unique, so is the wedding." She works closely with her clients to create a package that suits their specific needs, taking into consideration factors such as travel, overnight stays, and whether a second shooter is required.
Melanie also enjoys the process of planning with her clients, often creating a mood board to align expectations and preferences. "I love to create a mood board with the couple. It makes it easier for me to give them instructions to deliver the desired results."
Although based in Vienna, Melanie has a deep love for travel and destination weddings. "I would like to work abroad more in the future. It hasn't been possible for the last few years because of my children. But now I’m so ready to jump on a plane!" She mentions some of her favorite destinations, including Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, France, and Norway, though she admits it’s hard to choose just one. "Every country is beautiful."
Destination weddings offer Melanie the chance to explore new landscapes and cultures, incorporating them into her photography. The diverse backdrops and natural beauty of these locations complement her minimalistic style, adding another layer of artistry to her work.
As Melanie looks toward the future, she’s excited to continue growing as an artist and storyteller. With her children growing older, she’s ready to embrace more opportunities abroad and expand her portfolio of destination weddings. But at the heart of it all, her focus remains the same: capturing love, joy, and the essence of life in its purest form.
For Melanie, photography isn’t just about the images—it’s about the stories those images tell. "I have learned so much from my couples over the last few years. They inspire me again and again." And with each wedding, she continues to weave new stories, creating timeless memories for couples to cherish for years to come.
To see more of Melanie’s stunning work, visit her portfolio and explore the beautiful moments she has captured through her lens. Whether you’re planning a wedding in Vienna or a romantic destination abroad, Melanie’s passion for photography and storytelling will ensure your love story is documented most elegantly and timelessly possible.
