Interview of Frédéric Mélotte

Through The Lens Of

Frédéric Mélotte

The first interview of the PAPM blog is that of Frédéric Mélotte, who co-founded the Facebook group itself, along with Yannish Naik.

Name: Frédéric Mélotte
Watermark: F.Mélot Photography
Age: 22 years old
Years active in photography: 4
Nationality: Mauritian
Current location: Malaysia
Classification: Portrait

1. How did you discover photography? What got you started? 

I was introduced to photography by my father who bought a Nikon F3 HP, 30 years ago. Since he was not so serious about photography, the F3 was sitting in a closet for a long time. When I was 12, I took it out and had my first photography experience. I was hooked ever since. 

Taking up photography felt totally natural to me, as I was interested in all things artistic from a very young age. I’ve always loved drawing, building scale models and such. 

Now, I am studying Interior Architecture which is also an artistic field. I believe all art forms are linked in some way or another. 

2. What was your first camera? Who gave it to you? 

My first camera was a Nikon F3 HP. It was the Nikon D3 of film SLRs at the time. It was even more special because it was a gift from my Dad. At that time, 10 years ago, I didn’t quite know how to use this beast. I used it for some months before putting photography aside temporarily. 

3. What are the elements that make a simple picture, a great one? 

It’s is the little something that catches your eye and makes you stop to stare at it. For me as a portrait photographer, it’s all about facial expressions. A picture might be absolutely great in terms of composition, lighting and settings but if this expression factor is not present, the picture would feel empty. It’s all in the eyes of your subject. 

4. In your opinion, what is the best shot you have ever taken until now? 

I think I have yet to reach my full potential. 

5. What actually do you like to take a picture of? 

My speciality is Portraiture Photography. 

6. How would define your style? 

Natural, authentic and accessible. 

7. What do you believe make your pictures “special”? Are there any particular elements that make a picture of yours, great? 

I believe what makes my pictures special is that they are authentic. I try to bring out the personality of my subject in any portrait. I mainly use natural lighting as my source of light. 

Also my pictures are always very simple, nothing fancy. My clients do not always have that model look, but it doesn’t matter. They are people like you and me. They are just ordinary people who want nice pictures as souvenirs. 

So most of the time, the portraits are full of expression, funny. And that is what I love about it. As I said earlier, it’s very accessible photography. 

8. How about your opinion about the use of Photoshop or the like? For or against? 

I’ve always thought this debate was pointless because manipulating a photograph is nothing new. If you look into history, it has been done since the beginning of photography itself. It’s nothing new, it has just evolved. 

I believe Photoshop is a great tool to enhance a picture, that’s why I use it. Since I only know the basics, I generally don’t retouch my photos that much. 

It is my belief that we should know when to stop when editing a photo. I have seen tons of photos that were over-retouched. Sometimes models are made to look like dolls with no texture on their skin. Their facial structure is also sometimes altered too much. It creates a beauty standard that is impossible for ordinary girls to live up to. 

So photographers need to be responsible with their Photoshop editing. Photoshop is a great tool but don’t abuse it. Know your limits. 

9. What are the pictures you think define your style the best? 

The pictures that best define my style would be one of those from my last photo shoot. 

It was for my friend Serge. We can truly see how happy and easy-going this guy is. He is an artist working in the field of music production. He is a very talented guy and full of personality!! 

Serge

by Frédéric Mélotte

As photojournalism is my root, I could not miss ‘’The Urban Monk’’. It wasn’t easy to get as it is very difficult to take pictures of monks here in Malaysia.

The lighting also that day was very challenging. It was already dark but luckily I had my very old Nikkor 50mm 1.8 ai fixed on my body. I also got a vintage look because of the fungus in the lens.

The Urban Monk

by Frédéric Mélotte

Then I have some portraits of my Muse. All the portraits you are going to see are mostly spontaneous shots with natural light and fast lens.

The Muse I

by Frédéric Mélotte

The Muse II

by Frédéric Mélotte

10. Who is that “muse” you’ve mentioned above?

It is undeniably my fellow photographer and favourite model that I’ve known for 2 years. Her photographer name is Sham Jolimie. She’s my main and greatest inspiration in terms of expressions and poses. I have shot my most beautiful portraits with her. And since we share the same passion for photography, we help each other to improve. Our chemistry is what makes her portraits so good.

We also work together most of the time. Apart from shooting, she teaches models how to pose and makes them comfortable. She also teaches them how to smile with their eyes, which is far more crucial that you’d think. It’s a skill that comes from being both a model and a photographer.

Sham Jolimie

by Frédéric Mélotte

11. Your model is ...

Photojournalist, Ami Vitale.

12. What camera(s) do you use and what are your equipments?

I use a Nikon D90 and a D40x as a back-up. I use a series of prime lens such as 20mm 2.8 af-d, 24mm 2.8 ai, 50mm 1.8 ai, 50mm 1.4 af-d, 85mm 1.8 af-d. Then I have a zoom lens which is a 24-85 2.8 af-d.

My future investment would be a full frame d700, and the 80-200 2.8 af-s zoom lens, to complete my collection.

13. Do you have the G.A.S (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)?

I wouldn’t say I have this syndrome, but as I am working in this field even its part time, I need the best possible equipment to overcome limitations and match what I want to do. But so far, I prefer to invest in lenses, as I am really satisfied with the D90.

14. What is your favorite lens?

My favorite lens is the 50mm 1.4. I use this lens most of the time. It suits nearly all my needs in terms of photography. I can shoot whatever I want, it’s wide enough and the range is long enough. It’s as sharp as a knife and it’s damn cheap compared to the other lenses I have. If you are sure of your talent, you can’t miss photos with that lens.

15. What is your "dream picture"? Anybody or anything you would love to photograph?

I don’t really have this obsession of the ultimate picture or the dream picture. I shoot for pleasure of course and as far as I like what I am shooting, I am a happy photographer. Of course I try my best to improve my skills shooting after shooting so that I keep improving my photos too. But of course I would love to shoot something or someone that has never been shot before.

16. Could you describe yourself in five words?

Photographer. 

Architect.
Artist.
Learner.
Creative.

17. If you could be invisible for one day with your camera, what would you shoot?

If I could be invisible for one day, I guess I would go on the city streets and just shoot people around me. They would be in their natural character. They wouldn’t play any role.

18. Could you show us one particular picture, the one you love most and tell us why that picture is special to you?

I don’t really think have one that I love most but if I must choose one, it would be ‘’Beggar Boy’’. I took this with my Nikkor 85mm 1.8 AFD, in Bukit Bintang, the most central place in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Beggar Boy
by Frédéric Mélotte

The boy sitting on the pavement was begging for money with a plastic basket. His arms were crippled. He reminded me of the children in Slumdog Millionaire.

This experience was very humbling. Some people are simply wishing for food to survive, while I take it for granted.

19. What are your ambitions? 

My ambition is to become an Architect as soon as I graduate. And of course to be able to pursue my photography so that it becomes a bigger part of my life. I am expecting to set up my own company so that it becomes something more concrete. I’d also like people to remember me as a talented photographer who has his own style.


20. Anything you want to say to other amateurs out there?

Just grab your camera and shoot. Be open to criticism, good or bad.

21. And the last question, if you had one wish, what would it be?
A wish haha! It would be to lead a very happy life, nothing to complain about. Maybe something that would make my life easier.

Les Fils de Kewal Nagar

by Frédéric Mélotte

{Interview carried out by Sakura}