Mike Mellia
Portrait | Last Updated: April 4, 2024
I like to keep it simple. I have a Mamiya RZ67 pro ii. I can seamlessly switch from shooting film to digital on set just by changing out the back. The camera itself doesn’t have any modern amenities like autofocus or any electronics for exposure metering, just the fundamentals.
Mamiya’s selection of lenses is extremely limited for the RZ system, so I have a normal (Mamiya Rz 110mm F/2.8) and a wide (Mamiya 50mm f/4.5).
Having an iPhone on hand is essential, primarily for music! Growing up I played jazz piano and my father was a jazz saxophonist. Some of my favorites are Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, Bach, Beethoven, early American Rock & Roll, Kurt Kobain, & Eddie Vedder.
Occasionally I use a Sekonic Lightmeter L-308S but in recent years with experience, it has become easier to approximate correct exposures without a light meter.
Pocket Wizard plus iii triggers are very reliable, and I also have a Manfrotto 055XPROB & Manfrotto 498RC4 Ball Head. In my NYC studio, I use 27” iMac desktops running Photoshop.
My website, business cards, and marketing materials were created by Laura Lanteri New York. They did a great job understanding how to bring an analytical business approach to a creative presentation.
I believe in art the most important thing is to always follow your own vision.
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