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Mell Bell, Photographer
I’m Mell Bell…yes, THE Mell Bell with the bright curly hair, freckled, jiggly body, and cellulite. All 218 pounds of me! #noshame
I understand the complicated feelings we have with our bodies. BUT I firmly believe that EVERY BODY is beautiful. EVERY SINGLE BODY is freaking gorgeous simply because it exists. My body is WORK OF ART. And so is YOURS! If you’ve been trash talking your body, it’s time to apologize and start speaking lovingly to it. It’s the only body you have, so you are priceless. Just as you are.
And let’s be honest. Getting your photo taken is awkward. It’s weird. But guess what? I’m AWKWARD too, and I’m fluent in weird. But my SUPERPOWER is making you feel COMFORTABLE and CONFIDENT in front of the camera and in your own skin. And when we have fun, and we laugh together, and suddenly the awkwardness turns into genuine laughter… I LOVE LAUGHTER! Laughter is sexy, plus it gives you the most adorable eye crinkles. I believe YOU are beautiful at every age and every stage of life. I am a proud mother of two daughters, and I want them to fight the negative body stereotypes and be confident in who they are too.
I’m a artist, photographer, wife, mother, dreamer, expert model poser, and so much more with lots of big plans! I’m always thinking of the little and BIG things to make the mellBella Experience even better. What will I think of next? Let’s chat!
Some of my favorite things include:
- YWCA Greater Charleston— Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women (what’s not to love about that?)
- Dance Parties, but only at Home or in the Studio
- Flip flops (it’s hot here in South Carolina)
- Embracing the Awkward… somebody’s gotta do it
- Finding books to read and taking forever to finish them
- Drinks- Coke Zero, Champagne, and Tequila
- Food- Pizza, Sea Salted Caramel, Ice Cream, and Pasta
- Playing Dress Up (I’m always adding new things to the mellBella Closet)
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History Behind The Studio
mellBella Photography is my company namesake (adorably named by my husband, Nathan). As a sister company of the acclaimed Charleston studio Richard Bell Photography, mellBella specializes in boudoir, pinup and fine-art photography. I still photograph a few weddings on the side with our brother company, Richard Bell Photography.
I (Mell Bell) got started as a wedding photographer at RBP back in 2008 along and my dear friend Wanda who joined us in 2009. From there, we hatched a plan in 2010. We schemed, dreamed, planned, and photographed the mellBella Photography Brand into existence officially in January of 2011. Over the years we’ve been perfecting boudoir photography, pioneering retro pinup shoots, experimented with fine art styled sessions, expanding into our 2000 sq ft. studio with salon and private boudoir dressing room, and developing dozens of sets and concepts. And each year, mellBella adapts to elevate the mellBella Experience.
I love coaching our clients on a journey from from self conscious to confident, from embarrassed to empowered. Most importantly, I want you to appreciate and celebrate. the body you’re in. It’s the only body you have and it deserves so much love and respect. I love showcasing the imperfectly beautiful bodies we all have. I love creating, collaborating, and crafting art with you to showcase your relationship with yourself. Also, I love blessing marriages and relationships with sincerely and uniquely personal gifts.
Our Daniel Island Marina Village Studio
