Welcome to my website.
I'm Melanie Smith a freelance photographer (from Newton Le Willows) based in the North West, with over 14 + years of experience in the music industry. Check out this Observer piece from April 2023
"Back in the punk days, Smith sneaked a cheap Kodak plastic camera into
gigs and would take candid shots of Blondie and Siouxsie Sioux. But it’s
important, Smith says, not to get stuck in the past. In 2008, she set
up Mudkiss, a fanzine and photography project, and today she photographs
bands influenced by punk’s great youth roar as well as being a house
photographer at Manchester gig venues O2 Victoria Warehouse and O2 Ritz.
“It’s following all the new bands that keeps you engaged,” she says,
“you can’t get dragged down by the day-to-day and stuck in the
soundtracks of your youth”.
My photography spans various areas, including photoshoots with bands, artists, and models, though my primary focus has always been capturing live events such as gigs, festivals, theatre, burlesque, and ballet. I am also passionate about promoting female artists.
I offer customized photography packages to meet your specific needs. Clients often describe me as easy to work with, professional, and possessing a great sense of humour. Feel free to explore some of the testimonials below.
If you're interested in any of the following, please don't hesitate to reach out:
A) Purchasing a print (note that some photos may be subject to copyright restrictions)
B) Booking a photoshoot (bands, artists, actors, models, or individual sessions)
C) A live performance shoot for your band
D) Documentary photography for events, festivals, recording sessions, or behind-the-scenes coverage
E) Licensing a photo for commercial use, either in print or online
Please contact me at mel@mudkissphotography.co.uk with full details of your request, and I will respond promptly.
Please note: A deposit is required for all bookings, payable via PayPal or bank transfer. Full payment must be made before the shoot day.
Testimonials:
“An absolute pleasure to work with, her photography truly peaks Louder Than Words... I can’t recommend her highly enough” - Dr Jill Adam (Louder Than Words Festival Director)
"I love your photos" - Brix Smith
"Your talent is never-ending” Jordan Mooney (Punk Icon)
"Mel worked on two photoshoots for us and produced striking original images, a pleasure to work with!" - Joe Murphy - Blang Records
"What she delivered was beyond anything I ever dared hope for. Absolutely brilliant!" - Heath Common
"Mel is amazing at capturing the spirit, combining atmosphere, passion, and person into a single shot" - Florentine Sidery (designer)
"You took some amazing photos of my costume at the Vogue Ball last year. They are such FAB photos!!" - Liz Sheard (costume designer)
"Great stuff Melanie, as were your Roses shots. Well done." Brian Cannon (Microdot Design Company)
"Your live shots are some of the best we've ever had" - Avec Sans
“Mel’s
photography is truly in a league of its own" - Mike Green, Kings Place, London
“Her instincts for what makes a great shot,
attention to detail, eye for a great setting, patience and sensitivity
are second to none.” - Zoe Howe (Rock & roll Author)
"You rock, your pix are brill, over and out" Ray Burmiston (photographer)
“Mel
is without a doubt the best photographer I have ever worked with.” Keith Levene
"Everyone thinks they are a "photographer", but obviously not. The difference being you need the eye, which you have proved time and time again." Howard Toshman - Manager of The Courtesans.
“We were amazed by the shots.” Nancy Doll (The Sex Pissed Dolls)
"Mel is more than a photographer; through the lens she captures the essence of her subjects, their hopes, dreams and substance" Nina Antonia (published writer & author)
"Melanie's live photography is excellent!' - Toyah
"Mel brought out the best in me, no plastic surgery, how good she must be, at pho-tog-graphy" - Viv Albertine
"Mel never fails to bring out the attitude, style and class with the artist she photographs." - Sam Woods (The Hyperjax)
“Mel
is alive in the
music and sees things that other photographers would miss.” Becky Sowray (Manager of the band Stipe)
"You did an amazing job capturing the true essence of the House
of Suarez Sugar Ball 2015." Darren Suarez - House of Suarez
"Every photo you take is magical" - John Robb
"Mel
is an easy-going, creative photographer with a perfect eye for a
classic shot.!" - Carol Hodge
“A very talented photographer!” – Aziz Ibrahim (Stone Roses, Paul Weller, Simply Red)
“Ur pics are incredible, very talented” - Trash Mcsweeney (Red Paintings)
"I would recommend her to anyone wanting a
unique and very personal rock photography service" - Kyle King (owner of Vinyl King Records, Leeds)
"Melanie captured the atmosphere of our show perfectly" - Betty D'Light, Production Manager, The Burlesque Ball UK
"Melanie
Smith’s work is up there with the very best of them" Jay Taylor (The Ruby Lounge, Manchester)
"Amazing, very suggestive, gorgeous photography, you have it Melanie Smith! " Joe Stevens (legendary photographer)
"Mel is held in high regard as one of the best photographers on the North West music scene." - Andy Von Pip [Von Pip Musical Express]
"I recommend Mudkiss Photography if they wish to achieve some beautiful images" - Bink (Pearls & Swine)
"These are amazing! I love them, thank you so much. I'm so happy with them." - Louise Distras
"You are one of the best photographers I have met in ages, impressive!." - Jordan Reyne
"Mel has such a talent for capturing a magnificent setting and making it her own. I was blown away by the result!" - Heidi Jo Hines: (Earth Prayer)
"Mel was fantastic, brimming with ideas, creating some stunning photos.” Shell Zenner
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