Born in September 24, 1930 in Englewood, New Jersey, USA, he had his first experiences with photography in New York when he was 16 years old. From 1951 to 1953 he served with the US Army in Frankfurt on the Main, after which he moved to Paris. Starting 1958, he worked for the Dalmas Photo Agency, and in August 1966 changed to the VIP Agency as a partner. From 1966 to 1972 he did work for the Magnum Photo Agency. After that he was, among other things, a photo editor for Paris Match Group magazines, and later for the Filipacchi Magazine Group. Melcher lives today in the south of France.
