A day of ‘Pages & Play,’ Through the Lens of Nick Mele 

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August 6, 2024

Carly Long

From misty morning strolls and afternoon swims, to a vibrant museum debut and the last sip at a new hotel lounge, this photo diary offers an intimate glimpse into the life and artistry of one of today’s most imaginative photographers, Nick Mele. 

Renowned for his whimsical take on American luxury, Mele’s work most frequently captures the interplay between upscale interiors and their inhabitants, blending old-world glamour with a touch of modern cheekiness. His solo exhibitions have graced some of the country’s most prestigious spaces, including a takeover of the entire 7th floor at Bergdorf Goodman in New York. Now, his latest exhibition, Pages & Play, is on display at the Newport Art Museum through October 20, 2024 — a setting that perfectly complements Mele’s fusion of historical charm and sophistication.

Curated in collaboration with esteemed designer and author Danielle Rollins, the interactive exhibition features bold backdrops inspired by the Mele family’s Palm Beach home, using bold Brunschwig & Fils fabrics, wallpapers, and furnishings. Visitors are invited to step into Mele’s world and experience his timeless photographs in a living, dynamic context, where everyday moments become extraordinary scenes.

Nick Mele’s opening exhibit photo diary:

What’s your morning routine? Is there a particular way you like to start each morning?

My morning routine is so boring!  I’m much more of a night owl, but I still try to wake up by 8AM to see my kids before camp. I check my email and my Instagram, and start the day with a coffee and a smoothie made with bananas and peanut butter (thereby grossing out my whole family).

What does “home” mean to Nick Mele – a place, a feeling, or both?

I’ve lived all over the place, so home to me is where my family is; it’s where my friends are; it’s where all my creature comforts are. Palm Beach has become that. Newport will always be that.

Do you have a favorite spot inside – or outside – your Newport house?

In Newport, I love the rocks and ocean at the bottom of our property. They are part of Newport’s cliff walk and the first place I go when I come up for the summer.

Photographer Nick Mele, sitting on rocks at Newport Beach with his two sons in an very overcast, almost foggy setting so the colors of this photo and very neutral and gray.
A foggy morning walk on the rocks with my boys.

What kind of camera did you shoot this ‘day in the life’ on?

Normally, I shoot almost everything on my Canon 5DS or a Fujifilm GFX 100II.  However, I recently purchased a small pocket camera, the Ricoh GR III, which I shot all of these on.  It’s my new favorite camera for everyday life.

Photographer Nick Mele, posing in front of very large, very dark emerald green shutters holding a tennis racket standing next to his wife.
Then it’s time for mid-morning tennis with my wife.

You haven’t joined the pickleball craze yet?

I love pickleball!  But I have a feeling it might be a passing fad. And you can’t go wrong with the classics.

Photographer Nick Mele, on a walk with his dogs under a bright blue sky around the Newport Beach area.
A white dog with brown spots walking along a rocky beach with a blue collar.
Next: An afternoon swim with the dogs.

Have you always lived near the water?

I actually grew up in the middle of Washington, D.C. I’m a city boy at heart. I loved living in New York in my 20’s. However, Newport has been a constant in my life and there is no place I’d rather spend my summer. I’ve been lucky enough to spend most of my time for the last ten years in Palm Beach, and I don’t see myself leaving any time soon.

What’s the most luxurious thing in your life that’s free? 

That’s a tough one. Free luxury almost sounds like an oxymoron. I would probably have to say the freedom I have to work from home (or abroad) and spend time with my family.

Back to my day… I got tired of waiting for my wife to get ready for the party, so I left without her.
Photographer Nick Mele leaving his Newport house through the front door that is painted a brighter blue and his house is white. The man is looking to the left of the camera frame out into the distance, smiling while walking and buttoning his sport jacket.

How long do you take to get ready?

I’m pretty quick. I usually wait until about 10 minutes before I’m supposed to leave. Or even 10 minutes after…  I’m horrible with time management.

Did your wife help you pick out your outfit?

Never! I love to get dressed up, and I’m very particular with my personal style. Occasionally, she’ll let me know when I’ve gotten a little out of hand with the different colors and patterns.

Arriving at the Newport Art Museum for my show. (Not fashionably late, this time.)

Can you share a memorable experience or challenge you faced while working on your latest exhibition, ‘Pages & Play’?

Unfortunately (or fortunately?) not. The team at the Newport Art Museum made it easy and fun. They really pulled together the idea of an interactive exhibit, where viewers could put themselves inside the world of my photographs.

How do you choose the subjects and settings for your photographs? Is there a particular story you aim to tell?

I try to show luxury and opulence in a relatable and whimsical way. So few people get to experience life behind the hedgerow and beyond the wrought iron gates, but it has just as much love, dysfunction, silliness, and tradition as the rest of the world.

How does the environment of Newport influence your artistic vision for this exhibition?

There are few American towns that have hung on to a unique identity despite the encroaching sameness of the rest of the country. Newport is a place whose very name brings forth an entire aesthetic that is all its own. It is full of history. The houses and people are teeming with character. It is easy to shoot in Newport because most of the work is already done for me.

Photographer Nick Mele, sitting on the floor inside the Newport Art Museum signing a stack of his books, "A Newport Summer".
Meanwhile – pre-signing a stack of my book ‘A Newport Summer’ before the start of the party.

Set the scene for us here. Did you have music going on in the background? Or was this a moment of peace to prepare for social activity to come?

I really just thought I was going to sign a handful of books before the party, but every time I got through a stack of books, someone just plopped down another. I felt like Sisyphus pushing the boulder up the hill. It was almost comical.  

Guests outside of the museum having cocktails…
And more guests (including my wife who finally showed up) inside the museum, talking and enjoying the exhibit.

What were you feeling in this moment, seeing a room filled with people – all there to admire your artwork?

It’s really a weird experience. On the one hand, I do like being the center of attention – but on the other hand, I have no idea what to do with compliments. I’d probably much rather be a fly on the wall.   

Do you have a favorite moment from the exhibit you would love to go back to?

I always like the time leading up to an opening much more than the actual event.

Me, demonstrating the interactive portion of the exhibit. Visitors to the museum are encouraged to interact and take pictures in my style. (Your turn!)

How would you define ‘your style?’

Irreverent, whimsical, romantic, elegant, timeless, relatable, natural.

A quick change and then dinner with family at Flora’s restaurant at the new Gardiner Hotel downtown.

What’s the best thing on the menu? 

The food has a lot of Spanish influences, which you don’t see very often. I love the pounded filet of beef with shishito peppers. The cheesecake dessert is one of the best I’ve ever had.

Do you prefer eating out – or cooking at home?

My wife and I are homebodies at heart. We like to order in. My perfect evening is eating dinner in front of a good movie with the family.

The late-night scene at Flora’s after dinner.

What’s your go-to cocktail? 

I get killer hangovers so I don’t drink very often. When I do, it’s more for purpose than pleasure. I’m either at a really boring party or a really fun one.  And then it’s just straight vodka.

Any other Newport spots you frequent?

I love The Black Pearl and Castle Hill Inn. In a former life, I spent many late nights on the third floor of the Clarke Cooke House.

What a day! Can you share something people might not realize about life as a photographer?

Just like any other job, you get back what you put into it. Talent will only take you so far, the hard part is getting people to see your work and to create something worth remembering.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on a few new series from places like Nantucket and Middleburg, VA, and something fun involving vintage board games. I’m going back to Bergdorf Goodman this winter with an exhibit on their 7th Floor, and I also have a collaboration in the works with a furniture company. 

To keep up with Nick Mele, follow him on Instagram @nickmelephotography and @a.social.life.  

Credits:

Written by Carly Long | @bycarlylong

Photography by Nick Mele | @nickmelephotography