When I heard wind of Mel's "Empowering Women" project, I knew it was something way outside of my comfort zone, but I also knew it was something I wanted to do. I arrived at Mel's studio full of nerves and not at all sure she was going to manage to get any decent shots of me. Mel has a wonderful ability to make you feel calm and comfortable and before I knew it, I was enjoying being in front of the lens! And not only that, the images she captured were amazing! Mel and her camera have given me a little more confidence at a time in my life when I definitely needed a boost. This project is so very important - In a world where women are constantly told how to be beautiful, we need to be reminded that we are all beautiful as we are; no makeup needed. Thank you Mel, you are a wonderful photographer and a magical human xx
Carlee
Mel is a true master of photography - the images she captures are raw, simple, beautiful and honest. She has a caring, friendly and professional attitude to her work which sets you at ease as soon as you meet her. I normally shy away from cameras but enjoyed the sessions I had with Mel and the pictures will be a treasured memory of this time in my life. Thank you Mel.
Claire
Mel's, approach to the photography session is to understand both the things that you are comfortable about yourself and the things you are not. She has such a supportive way of exploring what you are going to do in the session that you feel very comfortable. It is obvious from the moment that you arrive that she has prepared for the session but there is no feeling that the session being just an automated process she works with you to bring the best out of what you would like to show the world. Then she start's taking photos and the magic starts! I highly recommend every woman regardless of where she is in her life taking a few hours out to just be herself and get Mel to show the world the real you.
Tracey
Mel I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to be a part of your amazing project. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I felt at ease and ready to be the fabulous woman that hides deep down. Thank you xx. We're in a world where photos on social media rarely go up without retouching, and body enhancers are the norm. It is amazingly refreshing to see photos of women with all their perfect imperfections looking so beautiful and powerful! It reminds me how special natural beauty truly is. Mel will help you find your beautiful. You'll be amazed at how easy it is.
Joanne
I loved being a part of Mel’s Empowering Women of Today Project. I was a little unsure of what to expect at my photoshoot, but I needn’t have worried. Mel had sent a great outline of items prior to the shoot and made me feel immediately comfortable upon arrival. We talked through the process and she was happy to answer any queries I had about the shoot. I didn’t expect to have so much fun… but I did! Mel made me feel comfortable throughout the range of poses and I felt that she really thought about what suited me and my personality – and I think this really shines through when you look at the individuality of Mel’s greater works for this project. This experience was something I chose to participate in, just for me. Approaching my 40’s, I wanted a special keepsake and representation of something that was characteristically ‘me’. Mel certainly captured this! I was spoilt for choice when I went back to view the images – authentic, raw, black and white photographs that I can keep forever. More importantly, I feel like the images really capture the natural essence of me. Thanks for such a special experience Mel!
Laurie
I loved being a part of Mel’s Empowering Women of Today Project. I was a little unsure of what to expect at my photoshoot, but I needn’t have worried. Mel had sent a great outline of items prior to the shoot and made me feel immediately comfortable upon arrival. We talked through the process and she was happy to answer any queries I had about the shoot. I didn’t expect to have so much fun… but I did! Mel made me feel comfortable throughout the range of poses and I felt that she really thought about what suited me and my personality – and I think this really shines through when you look at the individuality of Mel’s greater works for this project. This experience was something I chose to participate in, just for me. Approaching my 40’s, I wanted a special keepsake and representation of something that was characteristically ‘me’. Mel certainly captured this! I was spoilt for choice when I went back to view the images – authentic, raw, black and white photographs that I can keep forever. More importantly, I feel like the images really capture the natural essence of me. Thanks for such a special experience Mel!
Laurie
"'Wow! What an experience Mel! I was so nervous, but you created a beautiful space for me to just be...and what you captured was magic! This was a wonderful way to embrace and love all the unique parts of me. The whole process of working with you was focused on maximising this very personalised experience, from the thoughtful handbook on how to prepare for the shoot, the collaboration with Emma from Statement Styling to select outfits that would pop in the black and white photographs to the beautiful unveiling of your work. This experience and the finished product far exceeded my expectations. Thank you for this wonderful experience and the gorgeous photographs I will treasure!"
Amy
What an amazing experience having a photo shoot with Mel! Mel's photography shows your natural personality & raw beauty. No make-up. No PhotoShop. Just yourself - in your element. Photos that are REAL which is very rare these days ! Thanks Mel for the empowering experience and these beautiful photos.
Carmel
Coming into the experience I was very nervous. The nerves turned to excitement the closer I got to shoot day. Mel's gentle manner and her holistic approach to the photo shoot really helped me connect with myself and prepare myself well for what was to come. Arriving at Mel's I was welcomed so warmly into her beautiful space, we sat and chatted about what would happen, the outfits and the process. Once we got into the studio, it didn't take too long until I was smiling, dancing, expressing myself in front of the camera with Mel's encouragement. Mel has a very beautiful quiet way about her that helps bring out your authentic self.
I left feeling incredibly uplifted and beautiful within my skin. The final images are beyond what I ever expected. I knew that I had a lot of fun in the studio, but the way that Mel has captured my essense is breathtaking.
Cara
I had a brilliant time from the beginning to the end of my experience with Mel Watt Photography. I felt supported, encouraged and safe throughout the entire experience. I didn't expect to have as much fun as I did and I suspected I would have felt uncomfortable but that was not the case at all. As a women who wears makeup daily I was hesitant about the photoshoot and the outcome of the photos but if anything this made them more valuable to me as I feel beautiful and proud of my photos. Miss S.
Shannon
Coming into this experience I was anxious, yet secretly excited. I booked this on a whim. I'd seen the photos Mel had taken of my cousin and I was wooed. They were amazing! I've never seen myself the way that others have expressed how they see me. I'd look at a photo and I find fault. In the end, I had nothing to be scared off. The whole experience was a lesson in trust and belief. I have LOVED every single moment of this journey. Mel cocooned me in a safe place, and I floated out of the studio the day of the shoot. I left their feeling like the most beautiful woman on earth. She had to go and ruin the experience though by taking the most amazing photos. So amazing, that I didn't know which ones to choose! But true to Mel's form, her patience, calming reason and honesty got us through that. Through Mel, I have been able to see me, the real me. I am beautiful! I am strong! I am vulnerable! I am worth this experience and I am grateful I was lucky enough to have Mel navigate me through it. Miss J.
Jodie
It was an extremely grounding experience. Self love is something I preach to my clients and this experience really made me realize how important it is to continue to talk about it. We will always find flaws but we need to re-frame so we can focus on the beauty instead. The photographs exceeded my expectations. I had no idea how the images would turn out but they were even more beautiful than I could have imagined. Miss T
Tiara
My experience with Mel was undeniably liberating, whilst feeling very safe in her warm and friendly presence, she encouraged me with integrity and the way in which she ‘sees’ me, allowed me to be open and vulnerable. The photos I got represented a strong funny and warm women of character with a sense of adventure, and now I see that in me through Mel’s work and I have ‘proof’ Acceptance of self is a huge part of life’s journey, Mel’s gift and talent beam through the lens and lands with love onto her subject, it’s very clear in the results. I recommend this experience to every woman who wants to see her true and beautiful self.
Angela
I’m a confident person and very content in my own skin but seeing my portraits and moody shots through your lens has given me such a greater appreciation of my own uniqueness. I honestly had to look at a few of the images twice to realise the gorgeous pose or laughing lady was me!! I’m so impressed at how you managed to capture such a wide variety of moods, expressions and poses that all reveal one of the many sides of me. It’s been a really insightful experience!
Elise
I absolutely loved my photo shoot with Mel! I have a stunning print hanging on my wall which I am so proud of. While it was Mel's eye and talent that resulted in the beautiful prints, I feel like we worked together to create photos that I felt comfortable with. Mel uncovered an empowering, feminine side to me which I didn't know I had. Thank you so much Mel.
Megan
Mel has such an incredible ability! I wished to shed my self-belief patterns for so long! The whole experience was divine! I was just sooo comfortable! I loved how you caught so many incredible angles and you directed me and made me feel so safe and supported through the process. I feel I was so much more connected to my inner child in the way we created a play situation for self-expression. I also feel I have embraced my body so deeply now! In was I had not seen before! I felt raw, vulnerable yet deeply supported in such a safe environment. I would recommend Mel to everyone and anyone!
Sharna
It was amazing! It only took a couple of photos to completely relax. Mel made feel right at home from the moment I walked in the door. I usually hide away from cameras, but I completely forgot it was even there! I absolutely loved being a part of this project.
Gemma
From the age of 9 I was the butt of jokes from my stepfather who thought it was funny to tell me how ugly I was. The feeling of being ugly has carried with me my whole life and no matter how many times my husband would tell me how gorgeous I was, I couldn't see it. Now after having these photos taken by the beautiful Mel, I can see what he is talking about and I love it. I loved having photos taken by you Mel and it has definitely changed me in a positive way. I realise that I'm not ugly and surprisingly that is quite empowering. I have my photos proudly displayed in my home and I'm now becoming more accepting of who I am and how I look. My daughter had been suggesting I do this for a while and I'm so pleased that I did. If you are thinking about it, go for it, you won't regret it.
Katie
The photoshoot with Mel was empowering and liberating, not to mention freeing. It was an experience that was nothing short of superb. Mel is fabulous and gets into a groove of creative flow, tapping into your individual essence and the unique nature that reveals us, and exposes us authentically, and vulnerably. I felt energised and invigorated through the opportunity to express myself in a safe environment, supported by Mel’s gentle words of encouragement. Mel took the time to check in and suggest ideas, but also insure that I was completely comfortable. The end product? I feel she captured my energy and drew it out from my womanhood. I actually “saw” myself as a grown woman, but felt the energy of my younger self coming through in a fun way, and a sexy way. I highly recommend that you treat yourself to this experience as an exploration of “YOU”. I will never forget the first moment that I saw the images it was an experience of wholeness and connectedness to me as a woman. I was deeply moved and had to really compose myself. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Mel and I will always remember you leaning on the wall and sliding down on the wall while holding your camera your camera, trying to get the right angle, it was absolutely hilarious.
Eveline
Getting to spend some time in front of the lens of Mel’s camera was engaging, captivating and liberating. Mel works effortlessly to make sure that you are comfortable in the space you’re working in and comfortable in your own skin. Simple adjustments in outfits and lighting staged different backdrops create an incredible and interesting space. To the emotional nature of the shoot I would have to be honest and say I was unsure what I was in for but Mel has everything covered with everything from a change room, bathroom and a selection of music so it was amazing to shift from nervous to loved in no time. During the shoot something amazing happened, as I moved and played my inner child came out who I haven’t seen for years. It was wonderful. Touching. It will always be a beautiful piece of my soul. Mel is a Woman who works for Women and knows her clients with an intuitive understanding to say thank you is an understatement. It was love at first snap. Try it for yourself, you won’t be disappointed xx Emma
Emma
I never expected that a portrait experience would be something I would feel comfortable doing. Mel’s intuitive & kind nature allowed me to relax and be fully present within my own skin, celebrating my personal uniqueness from the inside out. Embracing the body I find myself in, imperfect and interesting, finding what I thought was lost, re connecting with my spirit, my joy & my resilience. Should I forget myself again, I now have these powerful images as reminders of how I felt in that moment - honest, raw & real. No make up, masks or facades. Thankyou Mel, for your creativity and the important work you do in this world.
If this is something you would like to explore, I wholeheartedly encourage you to get in touch with Mel & follow her journey of women’s empowerment. Nicole Fi
Nicole
My empowering experience with Mel was one to remember. Mel makes you feel warmly welcomed and comfortable from start to finish. The passion to capture you at your natural best is evident through her process of understanding what makes you tick, listening to your needs and being open to creative requests. I asked if she would be willing to photograph me with loose glitter and her enthusiasm to make it work helped me be more at ease in front of the lens. There was a moment near the end where I became lightheaded and dizzy and even then, she flawlessly transitioned from photographer to nurse to make sure I was looked after. So I can confidently say yes, she sure exceeded my expectations! Lisa-Marie
Lisa-Marie
I was initially hesitant about doing my photo shoot - I worried that it would be awkward and my photos would show me looking stiff and posed. From the moment I entered the studio all of those thoughts left my mind. Mel was very welcoming and made the whole shoot so relaxed and FUN! It was really fun to focus on me for a while, and Mel ended up getting so many beautiful photographs showing so many versions of me. The shoot, and the beautiful photos, were a lovely treat to myself and helped me see myself again, without that image being blurred by all of the different roles I have in my daily life. I would highly recommend Mel to anyone looking to take a little break from daily life and focus on themselves for a while.
Tanya
Like many women I do not like having my photo taken and the number of photos I like of myself a very few. The idea of having professional photos taken with no make-up and in black and white was scary (*HELL NO) and liberating at the same time. Mel's talent behind the camera is pure magic and the energy she creates with you during the session is extraordinary. I loved the experience and my photos. My challenge was which shots to select! Miss J.
Jasmine
What a beautiful empowering experience. I am enough, I have always been enough, I just didn’t always believe that. I am so pleased that I chose to have these photos done with Mel. I would highly recommend the experience to other women. Mel made everything seamless, from the initial contact through the final pick up of my chosen shots. Mel clearly explained everything that would happen and made me feel very welcome and at ease. I felt like I had been seen and accepted exactly how I am and who I am. Throughout the process I felt admired, delighted in and supported by Mel. The experience was fun and freeing. Really loved it! Miss H.
Hayley
Mel, you have an amazing talent for photography - your photos are some of the most beautiful I have seen. Yet I believe you have a bigger talent and that is how you make your clients feel comfortable, at ease but most importantly, beautiful!! Thank you for that because that can help someone more than you know – Miss M.
Megan
Thank you so much Mel, it wasn’t really as difficult or confronting as I thought it would be. The whole process has made me realise how low my self-esteem has always been. Your sensitive, tasteful and artistic portraits have really helped me shed some of that negative emotion and made me realise how shallow that superficial like or dislike about our physical appearance really is. I have definitely gained strength and a better understanding of myself doing this. I love your work and the passion you have for it. You deserve to be proud. A big heartfelt hug from me.
Monica
I realise it can be hard to trust yourself to a stranger, particularly when you are feeling vulnerable... I can assure you that Mel is extraordinarily gifted and extremely passionate about empowering women to celebrate their uniqueness in an elegant, sexy and authentic way. She is a master of the lens and I love myself a little more for trusting her to capture the real me.
Philippa
I was delighted to see myself in a new light. I was post partum and still breastfeeding at the time. It helped me see my changed body as a thing of beauty. The results were beautiful, and it really gave me a boost. Mel made me feel very comfortable. She struck an awesome balance of making it fun and giving me helpful direction.
Hannah
What an AH-MAZING experience! Mel captured my personality beautifully. Every time I look at my photos I see a reflection of qualities I want to be reminded of on a daily basis - elegance, sophistication, courage and strength. Sometimes I think… is that really me? She is beautiful! These are photos I know I will be proud to be staring back at for years to come, and I’m so happy to have this captured in time. Mel’s ability to bring out inner beauty and physical beauty is next level and something I’m so grateful to have experienced. Her direction and skills are to be trusted and admired.
Estelle
Mel is a very thoughtful and patient photographer. She makes you feel at ease with who you are and is then able to capture stunning natural photos. I wasn’t so sure about the ‘no makeup’ rule but went with it... didn’t matter because the way Mel uses light to enhance your natural features is amazing and I love my photos. I would not think twice about recommending her or suggesting other women enjoy this wonderful experience!
Katrina
To say that this photography shoot was way outside my comfort zone is an understatement. But Mel’s calming soothing approach to discussing it with me finally gave me the courage to go ahead. Still recovering from the draining impacts of breast cancer surgery and treatment, I felt even more self conscious than previously and although I don't wear much makeup up, attending the shoot without any was pretty daunting. Oh my goodness! What a wonderful, empowering experience it was. I am so grateful to Mel for her encouragement and I am also a little bit proud of me. The photos are just divine, so personal and emotive. Mel has the ability to capture things that you don’t see in yourself very often or at all. I am so glad I embraced this opportunity and absolutely love my beautiful wooden photo box. Thank you so much Mel.
Lee
I’ve had a number of photoshoots for personal and professional purposes and have never experienced ANYthing quite like the Empowered Women Portrait Experience!
Mel’s creative vision and process is really unique. She shoots exclusively in black and white and, in a counter-cultural move, captures her female subjects makeup free to set them free from societal constraints and highlight their inner beauty.
In the lead up to the shoot Mel took the time to connect with me, to find out what makes me tick, how I’d like to see myself captured, and any reservations or fears I may have about the process. The entire process felt nurturing rather than invasive and enabled me to relax and place my trust in Mel on the day of the shoot.
The photoshoot itself was a huge amount of fun and surprisingly emotional; we even shared a few a few tears at one point.
The photoshoot felt like it was a culmination of the inner work I've been doing over the past decade. Mel was able to bring out a sense of lightness freedom and radiance in me, capturing the changes that have taken place in my body, mind and soul. This seminal experience will be forever imprinted on my heart and the fact that the memory is captured on film is the icing on the cake!!!
Georgina
I can’t say how glad I am to have come across Mel and to have had photos taken with her. I have always wanted to have some gorgeous photos taken of myself. You know how there’s just those fleeting moments in a day, moments which aren’t expected but where you catch a reflection of yourself and you’re astounded at how great you look? I wanted someone to capture that. My sister had recently had a shoot with Mel and raved about the outcome but I wasn’t sure about the premise of no makeup!! Surely I needed makeup to look good in photos?! Then I looked at Mel’s gallery and talked to her and it sounded right up my alley!! Emma the stylist helped me pick 3 outfits that highlighted my personality and made me feel at ease. I really enjoyed the self care leading up to the shoot - the exfoliating and moisturizing really helped me feel soft and sensual. Then on the day, it was like I’d known Mel forever and we just chatted while she snapped away and gave some gentle positional advice. It was all so easy and I had a lot of fun! I really felt like it was a special day for me, kind of like a spa day! Then I got to see the photos. OMG. No makeup. No artificial lighting. Me looking stunning. In every single photo. I kid you not. I wanted them all!! Mel captured me in ways that I really only ever get to see myself usually. But now I have these stunning photographs to show to EVERYONE. I really feel that this is something all women should do. For themselves. It really is empowering. If you allow yourself to take the journey with Mel and open up to her eye and camera, you will be rewarded with seeing yourself in ways you never thought would be captured. That is priceless.
Peta
What a fantastic experience - great fun from start to finish. I felt totally comfortable with Mel - we laughed, we chatted, and in amongst it all she managed to work her magic behind the lens. I normally cringe when I see photos of myself - but I genuinely struggled to pick my prints as I loved them all!
Gemma
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. This provided confidence within myself, and the photos provide undeniable evidence of this. As humans we naturally do not see the beauty within ourselves, doubt our own beauty and criticise our bodies. This experience I would likely recommend to anyone. I know that in the future I will reflect and go through these photos and still be amazed with the prints and be so extremely proud and grateful that I was blessed with this session and a photographer who captures such beautiful shots. From the bottom on my heart, thank you for sharing your talent Mel!
Bree
I had a very special photography experience with Mel. I said I felt like the most beautiful woman in the world which is something I have never said and felt before. The experience with Mel was above my expectation, it increased my confidence and self image. It was perfect. Miss H.
Haiyang
It was really very empowering now that I look back. I was nervous prior to the experience but Mel was truly wonderful in making me feel relaxed, special and valued. As a mature woman it reminded me that I have not become invisible and have strengths that I value. Mel's professionalism and lovely manner provided the level of guidance I needed to get the most from the experience. Miss B.
Bronwyn
What an amazing experience! Mel is professional, personable and highly talented. From the very beginning she guided, informed and nurtured me, making the process easy, fun and entirely enjoyable. Not to mention the end result: photographs of me in a way that I have never before seen. I couldn’t be more satisfied and would strongly recommend Mel’s service to all women. Any hesitation you may have, Mel will talk you through it. She is literally brilliant! 15 stars out of 5! Miss M.
Marilyn
My experience with Mel was awesome. I was a bit worried when I had heard that my husband had organised the experience as a present - but once I saw Mel’s work, looked at inspirational images I was on board. I feel like I got to experience my true self again - not a two time cancer survivor, not a mum, not a wife, not the invisible older woman. Mel was able to cut through the noise of these roles and found me through the lens. I feel very empowered.
Amanda
