the science behind
the science behind
the lens wordsmith: ty phoenix | @typhoenixlive pantomimE: michael meltser | @4mmfoto
The owner of 4mm Photo, a self-taught photographer who currently calls San Francisco home after migrating from Russia with a Masters in Computer Science seems like an unlikely candidate to be an “artist.” But, for those who know him as a World Class photographer they wouldn’t call him anything but. So, we took a shot and found out more about the Science Behind the Lens with Michael Meltser.
What’s your background in photography/videography? When and why did you get started?
Who are some of your favorite models and designers that you have worked with?
Started photography long time ago when I was about six years old. Was doing mostly.
For Models: Anita Spoljar, Natalie Slavonia, Julie Ernes, Amanda Rose Ecker, Nelli Mamedova, Barbara Desiree Kovach, Khrystiana Kazakova, and Anastasia Bachykala
What is your premiere camera of choice? Nikon. Just happened this way. It doesn’t really matter what camera one uses, it matters how they use it. What 7 words describe you best? Motivated, reliable, responsive, self-starter, focused, friendly, easy-going.
8 | BLUE{TIFUL} | Magazine
As for Designers: Lena Trotsko, Sway Azalea, and RJ Bijoux Which fashion magazines, websites, blogs, and catalogs do you visit most often?
seen here: michael meltser owner of 4mm photo
I do go to other sites as well, but social media sites like Pintrest, Facebook, and Instagram are where I get my inspiration.
BLUE{TIFUL} | Magazine | 9
What’s Your Mantra for success? None really. It’s all a matter of hard work and a good amount of luck of course (laughs).
10 | BLUE{TIFUL} | Magazine
Which fashion magazines, websites, blogs, do you visit? I do go to other sites as well, but social media sites like Pintrest, Facebook, and Instagram are where I get my inspiration.
Your style of photography is very unique and has a lot of depth. If you had name it, what would it be?
As of right now, what is the world like through your eyes?
Difficult to say… Artistic Happiness maybe, even though it doesn’t sound like a good name. haha
A busy place. People hardly have time to notice beauty around them. Hopefully with my work I help them see it.
BLUE{TIFUL} | Magazine | 11
What are some of the publications that you have been featured in?
What distinguishes a good photographer from a bad one?
Dark Beauty Magazine, Maxim, FHM, Lapalme Magazine, Elegant Magazine, Tantalum Magazine, and other local editions.
Really depends on the aspect which you mean here. Different qualities matter in my opinion: being responsible, having an artistic eye, being able to deliver on time - just to name a few.
What’s one little known fact that most wouldn’t know about you?
Why does what you do matter? I put a little bit of myself in my work - the final result matters to me as it carries a part of my soul. It might sound cliche, but this is how I feel about it.
I’m actually very shy and introverted. If anything, what do you dislike about photography?
Who/What are some of the things you consider beautiful?
The way some people look at photographers who work with models. The stereotype about their relationship is just ridiculous. This is my profession first.
In a person, it’s their eyes above all.
What advice do you have for other aspiring models and/or photographers?
What would others say is the most beautiful thing about your photography?
Have fun, passion, enjoy what you do - this will transfer through your work to the viewers.
You would have to ask the viewers. Where have you gotten to travel as a result of your work?
What does modeling mean to you?
I’ve traveled to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and around Europe.
Hard work first of all, even when it seems like fun.
How has being a center of influence changed other aspects of your life?
Finish this sentence. In a perfect world...
I don’t find myself being a center of influence. I’m a photographer just showing the world through my eyes.
I would have a perfect dream.
how do you prepare for shoots? 12 | BLUE{TIFUL} | Magazine
I have to have an inspiration first. Then I need to find the right model, stylist, etc. Only then the actual shoot is planned. Even when everything is planned for - it’s unknown how all parts will work together until the shoot starts. I like to improvise as well.
How else would you like to impact the world with your work?
I don’t want to impact, I do photography because it helps me to see the world in its beauty. Yes, one shot at a time (laughs).
BLUE{TIFUL} | Magazine | 13
the lens wordsmith: ty phoenix | @typhoenixlive pantomimE: michael meltser | @4mmfoto
The owner of 4mm Photo, a self-taught photographer who currently calls San Francisco home after migrating from Russia with a Masters in Computer Science seems like an unlikely candidate to be an “artist.” But, for those who know him as a World Class photographer they wouldn’t call him anything but. So, we took a shot and found out more about the Science Behind the Lens with Michael Meltser.
What’s your background in photography/videography? When and why did you get started?
Who are some of your favorite models and designers that you have worked with?
Started photography long time ago when I was about six years old. Was doing mostly.
For Models: Anita Spoljar, Natalie Slavonia, Julie Ernes, Amanda Rose Ecker, Nelli Mamedova, Barbara Desiree Kovach, Khrystiana Kazakova, and Anastasia Bachykala
What is your premiere camera of choice? Nikon. Just happened this way. It doesn’t really matter what camera one uses, it matters how they use it. What 7 words describe you best? Motivated, reliable, responsive, self-starter, focused, friendly, easy-going.
8 | BLUE{TIFUL} | Magazine
As for Designers: Lena Trotsko, Sway Azalea, and RJ Bijoux Which fashion magazines, websites, blogs, and catalogs do you visit most often?
seen here: michael meltser owner of 4mm photo
I do go to other sites as well, but social media sites like Pintrest, Facebook, and Instagram are where I get my inspiration.
BLUE{TIFUL} | Magazine | 9
What’s Your Mantra for success? None really. It’s all a matter of hard work and a good amount of luck of course (laughs).
10 | BLUE{TIFUL} | Magazine
Which fashion magazines, websites, blogs, do you visit? I do go to other sites as well, but social media sites like Pintrest, Facebook, and Instagram are where I get my inspiration.
Your style of photography is very unique and has a lot of depth. If you had name it, what would it be?
As of right now, what is the world like through your eyes?
Difficult to say… Artistic Happiness maybe, even though it doesn’t sound like a good name. haha
A busy place. People hardly have time to notice beauty around them. Hopefully with my work I help them see it.
BLUE{TIFUL} | Magazine | 11
What are some of the publications that you have been featured in?
What distinguishes a good photographer from a bad one?
Dark Beauty Magazine, Maxim, FHM, Lapalme Magazine, Elegant Magazine, Tantalum Magazine, and other local editions.
Really depends on the aspect which you mean here. Different qualities matter in my opinion: being responsible, having an artistic eye, being able to deliver on time - just to name a few.
What’s one little known fact that most wouldn’t know about you?
Why does what you do matter? I put a little bit of myself in my work - the final result matters to me as it carries a part of my soul. It might sound cliche, but this is how I feel about it.
I’m actually very shy and introverted. If anything, what do you dislike about photography?
Who/What are some of the things you consider beautiful?
The way some people look at photographers who work with models. The stereotype about their relationship is just ridiculous. This is my profession first.
In a person, it’s their eyes above all.
What advice do you have for other aspiring models and/or photographers?
What would others say is the most beautiful thing about your photography?
Have fun, passion, enjoy what you do - this will transfer through your work to the viewers.
You would have to ask the viewers. Where have you gotten to travel as a result of your work?
What does modeling mean to you?
I’ve traveled to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and around Europe.
Hard work first of all, even when it seems like fun.
How has being a center of influence changed other aspects of your life?
Finish this sentence. In a perfect world...
I don’t find myself being a center of influence. I’m a photographer just showing the world through my eyes.
I would have a perfect dream.
how do you prepare for shoots? 12 | BLUE{TIFUL} | Magazine
I have to have an inspiration first. Then I need to find the right model, stylist, etc. Only then the actual shoot is planned. Even when everything is planned for - it’s unknown how all parts will work together until the shoot starts. I like to improvise as well.
How else would you like to impact the world with your work?
I don’t want to impact, I do photography because it helps me to see the world in its beauty. Yes, one shot at a time (laughs).
BLUE{TIFUL} | Magazine | 13
