Mel D. Cole – One Shot Killer

February 25th, 2010

Meet Mel D. Cole, the Jersey City-based photographer who’s making a name for himself by consistently capturing the right image at the right time. With a combination of experience and pure raw talent, he’s prominently one of the hottest event photographers on the scene today.

Extremely talented as well as insanely witty, Mel is in the position that most photographers can only literally dream about, however, this isn’t the case of luck. The style of his photos shows a man with an eye for a good pic who’s dedicated to his craft.

Whether he’s in Tokyo snapping away in the middle of a mosh-pit, backstage (or onstage) with your favorite artist, or at the hottest NY parties or “jumpies” as he likes to call them, Mel’s going to get the shot and the shot will make you feel like you were there instead of just wishing you were.

Always all over the place with camera-in-hand, he’s had the opportunities to shoot the likes of Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Diddy, The Roots, and many more but it isn’t always about the celeb shots. Mel’s ability to create a visual experience with whomever he shoots is what makes him worthy of recognition.

A picture may say a thousand words but one taken by Mel D. Cole speaks volumes.

How long have you been shooting professionally?

Mel D. Cole: About 5 ½ years.

What inspires you to want to get your camera out and shoot?

Mel D. Cole: The tunes I hear, the grime I smell, the skin I want to touch.

Who do you like to shoot the most? Artists, models, club-goers, etc.?

Mel D. Cole: Homeless people right now, they intrigue me most these days. They are walking pieces of art that need to be saved and taken care of. I wish this art form did not exist but that’s life. All I can do is capture it and try to help as much as I can right now.

What is your definition of a great picture?

Mel D. Cole: Hmm, that depends on tons of shit. I guess if I’d have to say, I would say a great picture is one that…see, I can’t answer that; it’s very hard for me. I can give you an example of one of my photos that I think is great.

Your photos in black and white seem to stand out with a classic edge, setting you apart from other entertainment photographers of today. How do you decide if a picture should be in color or B&W?

Mel D. Cole: For about four years, there was no thinking about it, I did everything in black and white. Only in recent times have I been doing more color. I did everything in B&W to set myself apart from the growing pack of photographers, now a bunch have followed my lead. So yeah, I guess nowadays, it’s more about feeling. Every photo is edited differently. I get so tired seeing everything in color, that was another reason why I do B&W. It also gives a sense of mystery to things.

Is there anyone you would love to shoot?

Mel D. Cole: Bruce aka The Boss, Grace Jones ( if I would love to fuck her in her 20s) hmmm who else? There are tons, Obama, The Queen of England and, and, and ummmmm….. These 2 chicks I think are super hot: Natasha from Boston and Susana who lives in BK. Both are two tasty looking ladies.

When you’re not taking phenomenal pictures, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Mel D. Cole: Watch football! Go Bills! I also like to have sex, drink beer, and tattoo my body.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Mel D. Cole: Living in Japan, married, having a studio in Manhattan and being one of the best photogs in the world!

What projects do you have coming up?

Mel D. Cole: Maybe a sneaker, book(s) and show.

Any shout outs?

Mel D. Cole: Nope.