Melody, of Melody Joy Co, is an editorial destination wedding photographer based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Her name has become synonymous with her ability to capture a range of emotions in her images, with special attention paid to hidden moments between couples in love. She travels the world with her husband as her second shooter and over the years, they’ve delighted clients all across the world.
We recently had a chat with Melody to learn more about her favorite places, wedding trends she likes, using both modern and traditional techniques, and her love of black and white photography.
On the Wedding Day Process
My wedding day process is just making sure that I am in the background and capturing how the day naturally unfolds. I will make sure to declutter the area if needed (without disturbing the bride) or place the bride in the best light near a window, and I let her converse more with her close friends and family around her rather than being a focal point in the conversation myself. By the wedding day itself, we will have already discussed the details that are most important to the bride beforehand (scenery, glances, family members' reactions, material details, etc.), so I will know going into their wedding day what they would like me to capture, as it can vary from couple to couple. I will also capture everything I just mentioned either way but will make sure there is a focus on their desires first.
On Her Favorite Places
I really love the unique building architecture of cities, so the textures of San Juan, Puerto Rico were some of my favorites, as well as Downtown Chicago and now the city center of Edinburgh, where I now live with my husband.
On Striking a Balance Between Traditional and Modern
I feel as though I can read couples well, especially since I make sure that we connect on a personal level before booking. So on the day of their wedding, I will already have an understanding of what they're comfortable with or what is important to them. I will never ask a couple to do anything that isn't 'them.' And at the same time, almost everyone who books with me enjoys both traditional portraits for memories and is open to any modern ideas. I am more timeless when it comes to photography and I’m not particularly interested in telling a couple to do anything too quirky for them. Candids of the couple walking around and having a real conversation by themselves are some of my favorite moments to capture on a wedding day.
On the Best Recent Wedding Trends
I do enjoy the look of candid blurry photos, but more so because I feel like it looks like a Monet or an oil painting. When I was growing up, I used to love painting, and these types of blurry images that I like to capture on a wedding day remind me of an abstract painting. I love the mystery and nostalgia of those natural moments of movement.
On Using Her Style with Static Subjects
I took photos of static objects and landscapes growing up before taking images of people, so I am more comfortable with those, honestly. My couples tend to get a lot of scenery and details without having to explicitly ask me to include them. My aesthetic is just a color tone or in black and white, so it's easy to document in the same style.
On the Most Important Wedding Moments
Yes, I love documenting hand-holding and sweet glances. I think they are sweet moments to remember and always happen naturally throughout the day.
On Her Use of Black & White
I love black and white imagery because it's timeless. It's been around much longer than color and has a classic feel to it. I also love that it takes away from any color that can be distracting at times, and lets you focus on the moment or emotion that is happening in the still frame. I will always deliver my albums in both color and black and white, for those who love black and white images as much as I do.
