Photographing people in a way that lets them recognise themselves.

I'm James. I shoot portraits from my studio in Manchester. Actors, creatives, founders, people building something worth being seen for. Natural, thoughtful portraits for wherever life takes them next.

Booking

Portrait of a woman with short curly hair wearing a black silk blouse and gold earrings, posing against a dark background.

A woman with long, curly dark hair and a big smile, wearing a black lace top, posing against a plain gray background. Portrait of an actor photographed in a Manchester studio by James Melia

A black and white portrait of a young man with wavy dark hair, wearing a dark shirt, looking directly at the camera. Portrait of an actor photographed in a Manchester studio by James Melia

A man with short brown hair and light-colored eyes wearing a dark blue denim shirt looks directly at the camera against a dark, blurred background.

Black and white portrait of a young man with wavy hair, wearing a dark sweater, looking at the camera.

Black and white portrait of a woman with dark hair, wearing large hoop earrings and a patterned scarf. She has a contemplative expression and light-colored eyes, with natural makeup and visible freckles.

Close-up portrait of a young man with curly black hair, light brown skin, freckles, and facial hair, wearing a light blue shirt, looking directly at the camera against a neutral background.

Black and white close-up portrait of a man with a beard and curly hair, looking down with a serious expression. Portrait of an actor photographed in a Manchester studio by James Melia

A woman with brown hair tied back, standing against a white wall, crossing her arms and holding a pencil in her right hand, wearing a beige button-up shirt and black high-waisted jeans.

A young woman with long brown hair, blue eyes, and hoop earrings sitting against a beige curtain backdrop, wearing a black top.

A woman with long, curly dark hair poses with her hand on her face, wearing a white sleeveless top and a flowing skirt. There is a rainbow-like light effect across the image, creating a soft and artistic atmosphere.

Close-up portrait of a woman with blue eyes, brunette hair, and a neutral expression, wearing a black shirt.

A black-and-white photo of a woman with dark, wavy hair looking to her left, with soft lighting highlighting her facial features.

Black and white portrait of a young man with curly hair, wearing a sleeveless shirt, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression.

A young man with dark curly hair, a beard, and wearing a beige sweater, gold necklace, and earrings, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression

A young person with short dark hair, wearing a translucent white blouse with a necktie detail, sitting on a wooden chair, resting their chin on their hand, looking contemplative against a plain background.

Black and white portrait of a woman with curly hair, seated, looking over her shoulder against a plain background.

Black and white portrait of a woman with short hair, looking over her shoulder, wearing a spaghetti strap top.

“First time getting professional portraits done and James made me feel at ease the whole time! Super friendly, kind and professional but still made the shoot a fun session throughout. He always checked in on what you liked or wanted to change and listened to your thoughts and ideas with plenty of patience. Will definitely be coming back!”

— Megan

About

Portrait of an actor photographed in a Manchester studio by James Melia

I’ve been a photographer for over fifteen years. Which sounds very established and sensible, but really it just means I’ve spent a long time being quietly obsessed with light and people.

Before this, there was film. Travel. A lot of watching. I’ve always been curious about people. The small stuff. The micro expressions. The tiny shifts in energy when someone relaxes and forgets they’re being looked at.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all. It's honestly where most people start. A big part of the session is just slowing things down enough that you stop performing for the camera. The goal isn't perfection. It's finding the version of you that looks back at a photo and thinks, yeah, that actually feels like me.
No. Some people arrive with moodboards. Others just know they want something better than what they've got. Either is fine. We figure it out together.
Yes, completely. I'll guide you when it helps and step back when things are working naturally. You won't be left standing there wondering what to do with your hands. That's a promise.
Most sessions run between one and two hours. Long enough to settle in, try a few different things, and not feel rushed. The best shots rarely happen in the first ten minutes.
Honestly, most people just know from the work. If the portraits on this site feel like the kind of thing you're after, and a calm unhurried session sounds more appealing than a conveyor belt approach, we'll probably get on fine. If you're still not sure, send me a message. No pressure either way.
Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.
Yes, absolutely. A lot of people do. Sometimes it just helps to have a familiar face in the room, especially if it's your first time doing something like this. Just worth knowing that occasionally it can make people perform a little more, rather than less. I think it depends on the person. Either way, totally fine.

Portrait of a contax T2 photographed in a Manchester studio by James Melia

“James is so talented with his craft. We worked together throughout the session to ensure I got the images I was hoping for and reviewing them regularly. He takes a real human approach to it, creating natural conversation and making me feel at ease and not rushed. James sent over the full gallery very promptly afterwards, with portraits I’m so pleased with. Thanks James, and look forward to working together again!”

— Reiss

How it works

You don't need to have it all figured out. Most people don't. Drop me a message or go ahead and book. We'll work the rest out from there.
Before the shoot I'll send some guidance over. Clothes, what to expect, that kind of thing. If you want to talk it through first that's fine too. Some people do, some people don't.
More relaxed than you'd expect, I think. I'll guide you when it helps and step back when things are working. The best stuff usually happens when you stop thinking about it. That's kind of the whole point.
You'll get a private gallery to look through. Take your time. Most people change their mind at least once. That's completely fine.
Edited and sent over ready to use. Websites, press, casting, LinkedIn, wherever they need to go.
Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.

View of a cityscape with cranes and tall buildings seen through a window at sunset, with silhouetted trees in the foreground.

Based in the heart of Manchester, ten minutes from Piccadilly.

Studio Address

Manor Street Factory
Graphite house
Paddock Street
Manchester
m12 6ht

“James is an absolute pro! I hate sitting still for formal photos. Despite this, he managed to put me at ease and made me feel really comfortable. He captured shots that feel like me while we were just chatting away. Will forever recommend!”

— Abi