PHOTOGRAPHER | Melissa Mills

Melissa Mills is a documentary wedding photographer from Perth known for her genuine and candid style. She crafts stories that are authentic and artful, embracing real moments rather than predictability. Melissa Mills forms true connections with the couples she photographs and is present when needed and observant when it matters. She frequently travels to Europe and New Zealand, capturing weddings across the globe.

Tell us about your business!

I’m Melissa, but most people call me Mills. I’m a wedding and portrait photographer based in Australia.

Rooted in the warmth of my big Italian family, I treat everyone I meet like one of my own. My work is deeply intuitive, shaped by a love for human connection and an ability to see beauty in the raw, the real, and the in-between.

What would you like couples to know about you?

Spending a day with me will feel like a day with an old friend. I will be there when you need me and step back when it matters.

Where are you based?

I’m based in Perth, Australia but travel worldwide. I travel to Europe and New Zealand, after being based there for 3 years. 

I hold both an Australian and Italian passport.

How would you describe your style?

I describe my work as observational photography with an editorial sensibility.

Inspired by art, fashion, and the depth of human experience, my work is driven by intuition, curiosity and a craving for offbeat moments. I believe the best images come from trust, connection, some humour and those unguarded moments.

The result is a collection of layered, dynamic images—authentic, candid, and artful— creating a collection of layered, nostalgic imagery that makes you feel something

What is your most memorable career moment? 

Working as an assistant to some of my hero’s like Norman and Blake, Samm Blake and KT Merry. It  allowed me a glimpse of weddings in a realm of their own and I got to see first hand how the people I admire work.

With my parents being Italian, shooting in Italy for the first time, a country so deeply connected to my roots was a full-circle moment.

What inspires you?

Travelling. The strength of human spirit. Being in Nature. The feeling I get when I see things that transport me back to my past. People that are comfortable and confident in who they are. Animals because they love us unconditionally. Visiting Art Galleries. Listening to music. Being a parent.

How would you describe your working style?

The most important thing I will do on your wedding day is pay attention. I am present when needed and observant when it matters. 

Much of my work is driven by my intuition or curiosity. I say ‘yes’ to everything on the day and let moments play out. Whilst at times also offering gentle direction for a more intentional composition. This combined approach helps my couples feel comfortable and free yet supported and never gets in the way of the heart of the day.

Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?

I work with both digital and various film formats. 

I have been collecting film cameras for the last 15 years. Unlike digital cameras film cameras each have their own individual aesthetic. I take time to understand each camera so that on a wedding day I know which one to use at every given moment to bring my vision to life. 

I believe both formats have their place and that it shouldn’t really matter what format your images are delivered in. The most important thing is for your couples to love the way we see.

Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?

I have base packages that can be customized according to couples needs.

What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?

 I love offering time to help with timeline prep or any design/logistic questions. After doing this for 16 years I have built up a bank of knowledge and I enjoy being able to pass that on to guide couples in their decision making and make it easier for them. Plus it allows me to really get to know each couple and that makes the connection stronger.

I’m also a massive fan of the wedding album. I have worked with a Graphic Designer to create a series of album covers that suit all tastes as a unique product that only I offer. In this day and age the art of printing has been lost but there is literally nothing better than seeing your images in print. Having an entire album of your day to look back on at any time is honestly priceless.

Where would you love to travel to for work?

 Honestly I am happily travelling anywhere. I spent my entire 20’s travelling the world managing to see 45 countries. Being able to explore and experience other cultures is something that invigorates me. In saying that there are a couple of bucket list places being Mexico, Morocco, Hungary, New York.

Who is your dream client?

I am drawn to weddings that feel alive. Couples who are interested in creating an experience rather than hosting an event. I love couples who enjoy fashion and design but also prioritise being in the moment. They understand that style matters most when it supports genuine connection.

What is your advice to couples getting married?

My good friend Melle (who also shoots weddings) recently got married. Her ceremony was absolutely wild. She broke tradition and had her guests seating facing each other rather than the norm of side by side. It created such an intimate ceremony by the very fact that we had direct line of sight with other guests.

When Melle arrived at the top of the isle there was a screen of curtains. Suddenly the curtains dropped and Melle appeared. Her parade down the isle to “Somebody To Love” by Queen was like nothing I had ever witnessed in 16 years of shooting. The guests were locked into this electric moment screaming, clapping and singing. It was THE most glorious thing I have witnessed, not just because it was my good friend, but because it was truly magical. The next day I couldn’t stop reliving that moment.

After our wedding debrief I described how incredible that experience felt. She told me that she wanted that moment to break the ice for her guests and one of the easiest ways to do that was to make them laugh, scream and celebrate. She understood that if she did that, her guests would instantly feel comfortable and relax into the day and that’s exactly what happened.

There are many elements that make a great wedding but some aren’t always so obvious. Think beyond the knowns like great venue, beautiful aesthetics, great food, music and insane vibe. A great wedding day is a collaboration between you and your guests. Think about what would stir you up and do that. Ultimately trust your vision, find the right vendors and bring your day to life.

Melissa Mills

Website: melissamills.com

Instagram: @melissamillsphotographer