Sometimes one photograph can make you fall in love with a photographer’s work. That’s what happened between Them Frames and Columbia-based photographer Gerry Melendez. It was a portrait of a man looking towards the ground, we found it so striking; it was as equally powerful as it was sensitive, and it encouraged us to reach out to Melendez.

Upon further research of Melendez’s work, we learned it doesn’t matter if it’s a portrait or a candid frame, it’s going to be a strong image. He knows how to capture the moment and communicate through imagery in a manner that makes you feel something, whatever that something may be.

With 25 years of experience in the creative fields, Melendez has seen how both creation and consumption have evolved. Unlike some, he’s not one to become stuck in certain ways and is open-minded enough to go with the waves of life. That’s why his work is available as NFTs, and in this interview, we ask him what his experience has been like so far, in a section of the arts that is polarizing, yet incredibly exciting.

Them Frames: What attracted you to NFT Photography?

Gerry Melendez: Initially, I was excited to see a new platform to showcase my art and photography. Once I did more research I was intrigued at the possibility of reaching a wider audience and having more control over secondary sales.

Them Frames: Tell us about your process when choosing images to mint as NFTs...

Gerry Melendez: We're all in the infancy stages of NFTs. So, everything has been a learning process. I try to choose work that is meaningful to me or true to who I am as an artist.

Them Frames: What has your experience been like on the NFT marketplace so far? Share the good and the bad.

Gerry Melendez: As with anything new there have been growing pains. The marketplace is a slow grind unless you have a team behind you or are already established. Everyone for the most part is starting from scratch so you have to build a community around your work. That's the good part. You connect with a lot of wonderful artists and collectors. The bad part is the grind, and the time devoted to this can lead to burnout. There's also a lot of amazing work in the marketplace and it's easy to develop imposter syndrome. Or feel like your work isn't good enough.

Them Frames: What helps you be at your creative best?

Gerry Melendez: I try to produce work that inspires me as an artist. Whether it's an idea or a concept I try to make sure I do work that is meaningful to me. I also think it helps to surround yourself with creative people, that way you can bounce ideas off of each other.

Them Frames: What do you think NFTs mean for the future of print photography?

Gerry Melendez: That's hard to say. It's having an impact on the art world and traditional gallery models. In regards to print photography, I think it's created a way for underrepresented artists to have a voice, which is great. But NFTs are just another lane for artists. They are just another platform to share your work.

Them Frames: From portraits to photo essays, you photograph a mix of genres and subjects, but in which genre do you feel most at home?

Gerry Melendez: Great question. I love long-form storytelling. It's what I have been used to producing through my documentary work. So that's where I probably feel most at home. At the same time, I love exploring new ways to grow as an artist. Whether it be a portrait series or incorporating film/video into my traditional work. I want to push the envelope of who I am as an artist.

Them Frames: Which image or series are you most proud of?

Gerry Melendez: Right now, I'm most proud of the portrait series, "Whole," that I'm producing. It's classic portraiture with an element of video. It's pushing me out of my comfort zone which is good.

Them Frames: What's in your camera bag right now? Why does this work for you?

Gerry Melendez: I shoot with Fuji, Canon and Blackmagic Design for video. I love the Fuji and Canon for street, portrait, or documentary work. I try to have the least amount of gear on me so I don't stand out. Usually, it's two cameras, a wide and a telephoto. For portraits, I use fixed focal length lenses.

Them Frames: What are your current short-term and long-term goals in photography?

Gerry Melendez: Short term, I want to finish my recent portrait project and also produce another short film. I'd like to see how my photography will fit in this new NFT world. My long-term goals have always been the same. To continue to grow as an artist and always push myself.

You can see more work by Gerry Melendez by visiting his website, Instagram and Twitter.

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