Interview

of

Vanelli Melli

Initially published in Others Magazine print issue 4.

How did you get started into photography?

I was interested in photography from an early age - when I was 13 I started my blog and had a school intern- ship in a photography lab. I took all my classmates’ yearbook pictures, pictures of Berlin, and of myself back then, for example. It was probably in 2016 when I got really into it, when I got my Leica Minilux and finally had some more time and money to experiment and dive more into it.

Has the process of taking photos changed the way you look at things?

I feel like it makes you able to see beauty in almost everything.

How do you work out a photograph?

Usually it is just a feeling, to be honest. Most of my photos happen spontaneously, but when something is planned the most important part for me is the light. When the light is right it sets the vibe.

What is the most important to you in what you do?

That there is always room for improvement and learning something new.

Tell us about an instance where failure set you up for success?

The one thing that comes to my mind is that I didn’t listen to my parents or grandparents when I finished high school. They wanted me to study something ‘proper’ right after graduating and I failed their expectations. I went to travel for a year and did this blog/instagram thing no one understood at the time. I was working hard and now I am living a beautiful life that makes me happy.

Do you prefer photographing or being photographed?

I do prefer photographing, because I can realize exactly what’s on my mind.

That’s also why I only work with photographers that I am very close with when I am being photographed. I often have an exact image in front of my inner eye and it is a lot easier communicating that, when you know someone very well. And the fusion of two creative minds works beautifully, I think..

When and where are you the most creative?

When I am somewhere away from home (Germany) is where I get most inspired. Preferably somewhere warm with a beach or an interesting and beautiful city like Paris or Tokyo. But last winter when I was emotionally a little lost I tried to transform that feeling into photos and got very creative. I stopped believing that you can only be creative when you’re sad - not true!

What were you doing ten years ago?

I was still in high school, loving geography and writing my blog.

What are you working on right now, projects or activities?

Hopefully releasing first prints soon and working on a ‘zine. I also want to work more in my darkroom. I started black & white prints earlier this year and would love to get more into the process of color printing - fingers crossed.

What inspires you?

Everything and everyone around me. Obviously, I do get inspiration online on instagram and tumblr, but often it is a certain moment, movie scene, or song lyrics that spark an idea.

What is the most powerful picture you’ve ever taken or that has been taken of you? Why?

I am not a big fan of the term ‘the most,’ if I am being honest. But I really like this picture that Ruben Jacob Fees took of me earlier this year. I don’t know exactly why, but it’s very me - with the orange light, my films in the fridge, and the shorter hair - that has made me feel most like myself so far.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever given and received?

Given: (I don’t know if I give good advice hahaha)

Received: Be with people who believe in you.

What is the most challenging to accomplish in a project?

To actually be satisfied. I am a big perfectionist and I needed to learn that sometimes you need to accept that even though something could be better, or different, it is still good how it is. Everything is a process and every step on the way deserves its recognition.