Melissa Mills is a Perth-based documentary wedding photographer with an authentic and honest approach. She creates narratives that are real, meaningful and beautiful and leans into chaos and away from the predictable. Melissa Mills builds genuine connections with her couples and moves between a fly-on-the-wall approach and gentle direction. She often travels to Europe and New Zealand and captures weddings worldwide.
Tell us about your business!
I’m Melissa, but most people call me Mills. I’m a wedding and portrait photographer based in Australia.
Rooted in the warmth of my big Italian family, I treat everyone I meet like one of my own. My work is deeply intuitive, shaped by a love for human connection and an ability to see beauty in the raw, the real, and the in-between.
Do you travel for weddings?
I’m based in Perth, Australia but travel worldwide. In particular I travel to Europe and New Zealand (after being based there for 3 years).
I hold both an Australian and Italian passport.
How would you describe your style?
I blend a documentary approach with playful, artful compositions—creating a collection of layered, nostalgic imagery that makes you feel something.
Inspired by art, fashion, and the depth of human experience, my work is driven by curiosity and a craving for authenticity. I believe the best images come from trust, connection, some humour and those unguarded moments where you feel truly seen.
What is your most memorable career moment?
Photographing Sophia and Zara Forrest’s two-day wedding in one of the most remote places in Western Australia was insane.
Equally memorable was documenting a wedding in Italy alongside Norman and Blake and one of my best friends, Natasja Kremers. With my parents being Italian, working in a country so deeply connected to my roots was a full-circle moment.
How would you describe your working style?
On your wedding day, you are at the centre of everything. I create a space where you (and your guests) can feel at ease, let go, trust, and be fully present—allowing real moments and playful collaboration to unfold.
I move fluidly between quiet observation and gentle direction. I observe when moments need space to breathe and step in when I see an opportunity for a more intentional composition. The result is a collection of layered, dynamic images—authentic, candid, and artful—transporting you back to the time and place.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
I’m a hybrid shooter, working with both digital and various film formats. Film is a deep love of mine, and I move between my many film cameras almost like a dance. But I also believe both formats have their place, each serving a different purpose. As renowned wedding photographer John Dolan says, "I don't change my lens, I change my camera."
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
I love offering time to help with timeline prep or any design/logistic questions. After doing this for 14 years I have built up a bank of knowledge and I enjoy being able to pass that on to guide couples in their decision making and make it easier for them. Plus it allows me to really get to know each couples and that makes the connection stronger.
I’m also a massive fan of the wedding album. I have worked with a graphic designer to create a series of album covers that suit all tastes as a unique product that only I offer. In this day and age the art of printing has been lost but there is literally nothing better than seeing your images in print. Having an entire album of your day to look back on at any time is honestly priceless.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
Honestly I am happily travelling anywhere. I spent my entire 20’s travelling the world managing to see 45 countries. Being able to explore and experience other cultures is something that invigorates me. In saying that there are a couple of bucket list places being Mexico, Morocco, Hungary, New York.
Who is your dream client?
Genuine modern lovers who value a art and creativity. Can be spontaneous or happy to go against the grain. Love deeply an openly, who adore family, friends and value the meaning of marriage.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
First and foremost, sit down with your partner and figure out what you truly want. Create a wedding that feels personal to you. Once you have that vision, find the right vendors who can bring it to life.
Key elements like the venue, food, and music set the tone for the day. If your venue is too big, guests can feel scattered, making it harder to create an intimate, energetic vibe. Ask yourself: Will this space help create the atmosphere we want? Consider your timing when it comes to food—stand-up or sit-down? Shared plates or individually plated meals? And music—do you want a DJ, a live band, or both?
On the day, let go. Surrender all duties, be present, and trust your vendors to do what they do best. The last thing you want is to spend your wedding micro-managing, because that would mean you are not fully present.
And when it comes to photography—deep dive. Explore portfolios, read about a photographer’s values, and see if their work makes you feel something. It’s like hearing a song you love, you feel it in your gut. That’s a great place to start.
Melissa Mills
Website: melissamills.com
Instagram: @melissamillsphotographer