Through The Lens: Abbie Melle
Abbie is a freelance lifestyle, interiors, editorial and travel photographer with many years of experience and an established style. Based in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, she frequently travel interstate and internationally for her work.
Working with creative agencies, editorial clients and inspiring brands with a story to tell, Abbie boasts an impressive portfolio of stunning work for major publications, private clients and brands to meet their brief and capture their vision.
This summer, we were delighted to welcome Abbie back to Thyme, while she was on a whistle stop trip to the Cotswolds, as part of her UK visit. Throughout her stay, Abbie captured the true essence and raw natural beauty of Thyme and we felt her exquisite images needed to be shared for all to appreciate; Thyme through the lens of Abbie Melle.
“I bring a gentle and thoughtful lens to moments of meaningful beauty”
You grew up in England and Australia, how do you feel this contrast has influenced you and your creative journey in photography?
It was on one of many weekend drives in the English countryside that I was first handed my parents film camera and encouraged to observe and capture. These times of intentionally seeking and creating beauty left a deep impression on how I viewed the world, and particularly fostered a deep love for the English countryside. Returning years later to work for a year as a photographer’s assistant in a tiny Wiltshire village was very inspired by that upbringing, and ultimately sparked the decision to work full time as a photographer. I love the contrast in light that I see when I shoot across the countries, from the harsh outback landscapes in Australia to soft dreamy English villages, and the subtle shift that creates in the images I take.
Your work takes you all over the world to idyllic destinations, is there one particular shoot or location that resonates with you most?
I love capturing the beauty in nature, and often find myself most inspired and happy when I have the opportunity to spend time just wandering and capturing moments without a brief or agenda. Some of my favourite images have been taken on country walks, particularly in England.
Apart from your camera, what are your top 3 essentials you can't travel without?
I always travel with my journal, often daily jotting down observations during my trip; an actual book, as I love reading and spending time away from screens; and wearing a special perfume that afterwards always reminds me of the trip.
You have captured the true beauty of Thyme throughout your stay this summer, what aspect of Thyme was your favorite?
Visiting in summer was such a delight. I loved how so much of the visit was centred around the outdoors … early morning wanders in the kitchen garden, long relaxing hours beside the pool during the midday heat, and ending the day on the terrace with drinks before dinner.
You are having an alfresco dinner on the Ox barn terrace, name 5 dream guests you would like to dine with?
Ohh, so hard to choose! I’d love to share dinner with Annie Leibovitz, the Duchess of Cambridge, Ann Voskamp, Max Richter, and Tom Hanks.
What adventure is next on your bucket list?
I would love to spend time shooting in the outback of the Northern Territory, and I am so keen to visit more of the Scandinavian countries.
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers today?
Spend time each day photographing something, however small. The path to becoming a photographer is not a fast one, it’s truly about the steady, daily practice of perfecting your style through experience.
