Latest Portraits
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| Hannah Winchester, 21yrs old of Avalon. I last photographed Hannah and younger sister Bonnie at Warriewood Beach about 13 years ago. Hannah is about to graduate as a primary school teacher, while Bonnie is studying to be a nurse in Canberra. We have worked with their talented Hair and Make-up artist mum Melinda McEvoy over the last 15 years for weddings, commercial shoots and portraits. Melinda was in charge of hair and make-up for the girls at our studio using natural window light. |
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| Bonnie Winchester, 19yrs old of Avalon |
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| Petra Woodley (nee Bayfield) of Whale Beach subtly shows her pregnant belly. Petra and her hubby are expecting their second bub in 3 mths. We have photographed Petra and her family many times over the past decade. |
Baby Buds Mother's Group of the Year - Forest Winners
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Baby Buds (a fabulous online gift store for baby gifts www.babybuds.com.au) ran a contest to find the Mother's Group of the Year. Frenchs Forest Mothers group were the winners, with a letter written by Lija Arthur (third from left). NIiwa Photography were commisioned by Bab Buds to capture the group for a feature in 'My Child Magazine' Spring Issue. |
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Here are the beautiful winning words Lija Arthur wrote about her Mother's Group: "One of the best things in life is our mothers group friends. We have grown to care for our own as well as each others bubs. We share our fears, crises, stories of poo, laughter and love. We support each other on broad shoulders and warm hearts. On a regular basis we can depend on each other to listen with care and lift our spirits when feeling sick or depressed. In a community where one often doesn't know your neighbours and where help in the form of family may be far away. I can depend on the sisters I never had. My children enjoy the security of a park filled with friendly faces. They can learn to share and not to pull hair. It's nearing the time for our first birthday party. This year has literally screamed past in the blink of an eye. Although many have to return to work, the friendships we've made will endure. I hope we will one day celebrate their 21st birthdays and congratulate each Mother for a job well done and reflect upon the pieces of each other we can see in the characters of our young." |
Next Photography Workshop 17th August 1pm
Group Photography Tuition: 4 hrs 1pm – 5pm ***Just one spot left ***
Saturday 17th July 2010 $250.00
Saturday 17th July 2010 $250.00
You will learn simple but effective portrait photography techniques to significantly
improve your photos of people in all occasions (every day and special events).
Workshop covers composition/posing, working with people, understanding technical
aspects of your camera.
The first part of your workshop will be at our studio, and the second part will be
off-site on location so you can learn the techniques of outdoor portrait photography.
Workbook also included with ‘easy to understand’ technical information and tips.
Lunch will be provided.
JENNY GREEN SCULPTOR STUDIO SHOOT
Jenny Green who has her studio in the same complex as Niwa Photography commissioned us to update imagery of her sculptures for use on her website and for exhibition catalogues.
Jenny’s sculpture is typically abstract and figurative using a variety of materials including bronze, resin, plaster, ceramics, and welded steel. Jenny is President of the Sculptors Society www.sculptorssociety.com. Her latest images will be on her website soon www.jennygreen.net
HIGHEST SCORING PRINT AT NSW PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS
My portrait of artist Stephanie Brown with her own self portrait.
Stephanie thought it apt to call this image "My former self".
I received a GOLD DISTINCTION at the NSW State Professional Photography Awards recently. Judges were unanimous in awarding the image with the distinction scoring 97 out of a possible 100 points, (which doesn't happen very often).
One judge Daniel Capobianco was fascinated at the composition. He commented that having her [Stephanie] perfectly set in front of another painting gave the impression that she was in fact a painting too. He also noted that her [assertive stance with her arms like and 'A' shape] mirrored that of an easel.
Another respected guest judge from QLD Ian Poole commented that the wooden screen on the left draws the viewer into the image and acts as a frame for the portrait, and that the image was very 'real and honest' [and not giving the feeling of being highly retouched, which it certainly wasn't].
One judge Daniel Capobianco was fascinated at the composition. He commented that having her [Stephanie] perfectly set in front of another painting gave the impression that she was in fact a painting too. He also noted that her [assertive stance with her arms like and 'A' shape] mirrored that of an easel.
Another respected guest judge from QLD Ian Poole commented that the wooden screen on the left draws the viewer into the image and acts as a frame for the portrait, and that the image was very 'real and honest' [and not giving the feeling of being highly retouched, which it certainly wasn't].
Stephanie and I decided to use her garage as the setting for her portrait which had just had walls patched ready for painting. Just like Stephanie has transformed in her personal self confidence in her ability as an artist, her garage is about to be transformed into a beautiful working studio/gallery space. It seemed like the right place to use as her setting.
For interested photography enthusiasts here's how I set my lighting... I used three lights: a snoot on Stephanie (placed to the left side of her and up high pointing down to her) that also spilled onto the painting to let the painting glow; on the right side behind me I positioned a simple umbrella on a flash head to fill in the shadow area created by the snoot; on the lime green painting behind Stephanie I used a grid (looks like honey comb) on the flash head. Thanks Kayell Australia for letting me try to grid set - a must have for any studio kit.
DO YOU KNOW OF A GREAT REDHEAD OR ALBINO FOR TANIA'S LATEST SERIES?
Meet 12yr old Otto Flaherty of Tamarama. Do you think he looks bored? Well he was pretty bored, and that's what Tania delighted in capturing. Tania said "I am so accustomed to photographing people looking very happy and presenting their very best side, that it was a nice change to capture 'normal adolescent' behaviour. Otto is wearing a shirt his mum got him in Guatamala (which he had never worn before and wasn't too impressed with) and his old fluoro board-shorts which are his favourite.
I bumped into Otto and his dad Tim when we were photographing a family at Tamarama Beach. Otto's vibrant hair and features were like a beacon and caught my attention, as I had been eagerly looking for redheads to start my new portrait series." If you know of any redheads or Albino folk that have a unique look, and would like to be considered for upcoming concepts please ask them to email a pic to tania at info@niwaphotography.com accompanied by a little personal info. Tania is interested in writing about the heritage of each redhead she photographs.
Otto is the only one in his family to have red hair. Otto's mum Jacinta Lynch said her background is Danish/Polish and Irish and husband Tim Flaherty is Irish. "We used to argue who was responsible for red hair both claiming about three or four generations back there was a redhead but of course we are both responsible as you need two recessive genes to make a redhead. It is thought that redheads will die out in about 100 years as less people with the recessive genes are meeting up."
Otto is the only one in his family to have red hair. Otto's mum Jacinta Lynch said her background is Danish/Polish and Irish and husband Tim Flaherty is Irish. "We used to argue who was responsible for red hair both claiming about three or four generations back there was a redhead but of course we are both responsible as you need two recessive genes to make a redhead. It is thought that redheads will die out in about 100 years as less people with the recessive genes are meeting up."
NEW PORTRAIT SERIES OF 'ARTISTS AND THEIR SELF PORTRAITS' BY TANIA NIWA
Tania has started a series of portraits of artists and their 'painted self portraits'. Here Tania has captured expat New Zealander, Stephanie Brown of Narrabeen (pictured). Steph who is a former production manager of Niwa Photography is a full time professional artist who has been accepted into a number of high ranking national exhibitions including the 2010 Salon des Refuses at Observatory Hill (selected from all Archibald entrants).
Stephanie has titled this photograph 'My former Self'. Steph's self portrait shows her at the beginning of her career in 2008. Now in 2010 Steph has really established herself quickly with acceptance into highly ranked exhibitions and so many commissions to keep up with. When Steph worked for us she really had no idea about how gifted she was. As a team we worked on creating individual vision boards and setting goals. This is when Steph started being drawn towards her true calling as an artist. Tania commented, "I know that three years ago there is no way Steph would have even wanted me to photograph her as she was so shy. She was happy when there was no attention on her. Steph is now a very strong and quietly confident artist, as you can see here."
PAINTING CREATED OF TANIA NIWA BY ARTIST STEPHANIE BROWN
Tania has been very lucky to be asked to be have her portrait painted by talented former employee Stephanie Brown www.stephaniebrown.com.au. 'Steph' worked as Production Manager for Niwa Photography a couple of years ago, until she became a full time professional artist. Steph has chosen to portray Tania's important New Zealand Maori ancestry. You can see Tania's Tribe's sacred Maori Meeting House called "Owae Marae", sitting before the rise of Mount Taranaki and spiritual representations of her Grandmother Miriama Niwa who died when Tania's dad was 9yrs old. Directly below her you can also see Tania's Great Great Great Grandfather Te Porikapa, a warrior scout for the pacifist Taranaki Tribe. Te Porikapa had a full facial tribal moko (tattoo).
Tania said she is deeply moved by what Steph has achieved in her portrait. "It has taken me a while to get used to seeing myself larger than life and with an intense gaze but I am also very humbled that Steph wanted to paint me as being someone who has influenced her. Seeing myself in this painting has been a very confronting and maturing experience but has brought home to me the central importance of heritage and place in my own life. What Steph has encapsulated really does reveal who I am and where I am from."
Steph set out to create a dark, dramatic and intense portrait of Tania. The artist commented that it is always a shock in the beginning to be confronted by oneself. Steph explained, "The painting is about being away from New Zealand but still being connected to culture and family. It's those moments of reflection we remember with a slight ebb of melancholy, pride and longing. New Zealand has a moody, dramatic undercurrent that can cut right through you and I've intensified the drama in your eyes and forehead and find the culture within and around you." Narrabeen based ,Steph is originally from Matamata in the Waikato of NZ.
Niwa Photography Tailored Workshop
Recently Tania Niwa ran a tailored workshop for an avid photo enthusiast Joslyn Davis. Joslyn is a member of the North Sydney Camera Club and wanted the experience of photographing portraiture in a studio environment under Tania's guidance using my models with French/African/German heritage.
NIWA PHOTOGRAPHY HAS NEW STUDIO SPACE IN BROOKVALE
Niwa Photography are enjoying their new space on Old Pittwater Rd in Brookvale, with lots of space to have an indoor shooting studio. Tania has been busy photographing all sorts of portraits, and is now also offering funky, fun studio portraiture that will appeal to the 17 to 35 year age bracket. See images above of Swimwear Designer Sophie Daly of solbellow.com. Sophie trained with Tania when she was at University.
EXHIBITION IN NEW ZEALAND FOR TANIA NIWA
Tania returned to New Zealand as an exhibiting artist for Maori Art Market in October 2009.
The Maori Art Market event was led by a unique partnership between Toi Maori Aotearoa (New Zealand Maori Art body) and its national artists' collectives and Porirua City with its extensive arts and cultural profile.
Tania exhibited 4 pieces in the show that had it’s first show two years ago and attracted thousands of visitors including international guests and artists.
The image above is of 6 yr old Erin Adwoa Gaw of Cromer, Sydney Australia.
NEW ZEALAND AWARDS
Tania was rewarded with a silver and three bronze awards for these images at the New Zealand Professional Photography Awards in Wellington (held late August).
Palm Island Elder (Silver Award)
Steve Clisby – Soul/Jazz Musician (Bronze)
Mere Boynton – Maori Diva (Bronze)
Jahmilla Gensen (Bronze)
SPECIAL OFFER FOR NIWA PHOTOGRAPHIC CLASSES
Click here to book online and 'bring a friend'. Receive 10% off for you and your friend's next photography workshop.
Niwa photo classes are proudly supported by Canon, Better Photography Magazine & Kayell
Niwa Photography Workshops
Would you love to learn how to take beautiful photographic images and use your camera to its fullest potential? Look no further, AIPP Master Photographer Tania Niwa will lead you through all of the fundamentals to rapidly fast track your photographic skills with our Niwa Photography workshops will provide you with friendly tuition by master trainers and professional photographers as well as the inspiration and technical skills to improve the quality of your photographs. Private camera tuition and group photography tuition is available on location. Contact us to find out availability. Niwa Photographic workshops cover a variety of topics including: Niwa Photography offers photo workshops for all levels and skills. Click here to match your equipment and experience with a corresponding Niwa photography workshop. Simple, non-technical and easy to understand workshop is designed to suit beginners. Your own digital ‘point & shoot’ camera can be used. We will run through the basics of using your digital camera including downloading and sharing your images. Learn about the different shooting modes, how to compose better photographs and basic downloading. This hands on workshop is designed to suit if you have already mastered the basics. You will be able to use your own digital “prosumer” camera or digital SLR camera. This hands on workshop is designed to suit if you are a competent photographer. Great for keen amateurs wanting to break into professional photography or if you are developing a small photography business. You will be able to understand and use your own digital SLR camera. Help fine tune your wedding photography and portrait photography skills.
Whether you join one of our beginner courses designed for those who are new to photography or one of our more advanced courses as a serious amateur photographer improving your skills and knowledge, our Northern Beaches photographic workshops provide hands on opportunities, encouraging you to explore your creativity.
TRAINEESHIPS/WORK EXPERIENCE POSITIONS WITH NIWA STUDIO
We have traineeships and work experience positions available throughout the year depending on our studio schedule.
If you answer yes to the following questions then we would love to hear from you. Are you...
Passionate about photography and dedicated to learning?
Organised, detailed and focused on your priorities?
Interested in developing your people skills in a friendly environment?
Enthusiastic about exceeding client expectations?
Then here’s the top four reasons why you’ll love work experience with us!
And here’s how you’ll know you qualify:
You appreciate the flexibility and variety. You enjoy a supporting role in a fast paced studio environment.
You embrace responsibility.
You enjoy an independent position which requires a high level of organisation.
Essential:
Preferred:
A keen eye for design and detail.
How to Apply
Email letters/applications only, attention to Tania, at info@niwaphotography.com
NIWA PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS
Would you love to learn how to take beautiful photographic images and use your camera to its fullest potential?
Look no further, AIPP Master Photographer Tania Niwa will lead you through all of the fundamentals to rapidly fast track your photographic skills.
Niwa Photography workshops will provide you with friendly tuition by master trainers and professional photographers as well as the inspiration and technical skills to improve the quality of your photographs.
Whether you join one of our beginner courses designed for those who are new to photography or one of our more advanced courses as a serious amateur improving your skills and knowledge, our workshops provide hands on opportunities, encouraging you to create experiential learning and creativity.
Spend some time with interesting, like minded individuals who also love photography. Best of all, our courses are small so you get personal attention and lots of hands-on practice with your own camera.
Gift Vouchers available starting from $190.
Click here to view workshop information
APPA 2008, Brisbane
The Canon Australian Professional Photography Awards (APPA) attracts over 2000 entries. Professional photographers from
The awards are a platform for the development and promotion of professional photography. Competitive peer judgment drives excellence and creative experimentation and a magnificent book of winning images celebrates the achievement of
Click here to view Tania’s award history
Tania & Lauren being interviewed by Fujifilm
Autumn Newsletter 2008
We have changed our studio name…
Tania Niwa Photographer is now ‘Niwa Photography’. We have grown to incorporate two new divisions to our established studio.
Our three divisions include:
Our signature division continuing to specialise in all forms of portraiture including families, teenagers, children, newborn and fine art photography with Master Photographer Tania Niwa
Our alternative kids portrait division specialising in babies, kids and teenagers with our expertly trained team of photographers. Affordable packages available.
Our commercial division specialising in contemporary corporate and event photography with Tania Niwa.
Kids by Niwa
“dedicated to capturing the charm of your children…”
Niwa Photography introduces ‘Kids by Niwa’. Our creative team of photographers have been skillfully trained by our Master Photographer -Tania Niwa to create an affordable option with the classic and timeless style.
Niwa Photography is proud to introduce photographer Joy Hughes for Kids by Niwa.
Kids by Niwa is an alternative portrait division specialising in photography of babies, toddlers, kids and teenagers. Choose from a range of simple, affordable packages and custom options.
In choosing Kids by Niwa you can be assured of a passionate team committed to technical excellence and integrity.
Corporate
professional – approachable - contemporary
Our commercial division bringing you contemporary corporate and event photography with Tania Niwa & Photographic Producer Lauren Miles.
Our professional and friendly team delivers contemporary, creative and customised corporate portraiture that conveys the right business message to strengthen a company’s profile.
If you or anyone of your associates requires corporate photography created before July 2008, we’d like to offer a special on mention of this article.
Book your executive portrait online through our website enquiry form and a second person is free. Save $240 (photographed consecutively in a similar style, at the same location)
Click here to see the Corporate Gallery
Red Cross Teaching Role at Palm Island
Tania and Studio Manager, Lauren recently visited Palm Island, an indigenous community on the far north coast of Queensland, near Townsville.
Palm Island was made a reserve in 1914 and regarded as an ideal place to confine Aboriginal and Islander people who were regarded as ‘problem cases’. Around 1630 people from 40 different Aboriginal groups across Queensland were removed by the QLD Government and deposited on the Island.
Red Cross and Fuji Film Australia invited Tania and Lauren to be part of an educational project which culminated in a community concert and photography exhibition.
The project was created to help build self esteem in the younger members of the community. Other creative specialists were also brought in to run workshops in dance, drama, musical writing, recording, art and photography. Tania commented that the photography component was a powerful and fitting way to record the island’s history through the teenagers’ own eyes.
The concert was hosted at their Community Centre. Here the images taken by the teenagers, and visiting photographers were unveiled to an eager audience of budding artists, friends and families. A selection of the participants’ images will also be exhibited at the Qld State Library.
Tania said “Our arrival was very timely as Parliament’s official apology to the Indigenous people of Australia took place the day before we arrived on the island and there was lots of emotion and excitement. It was meaningful to see that the apology was appreciated by the community including the Elders some of whom were of the stolen generation. Lauren and I feel much richer for being welcomed into this community and for being able to share our knowledge.” Tania and Lauren plan to return in June.
Event - NZIPP Awards
Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography awards.
Press - Arts Hub
Arts Hub, Australia, May 2007
Arts Hub Australia congratualtes Tania and other Australian portrait photographers on their success at the WPPI awards in Las Vegas. Australian photographers including Tania dominated the awards receiving 23 from 59 awards.
Read the article here.
Event - Australian Professional Photography Awards
Australian Professional Photography Awards
Melbourne, Australia
Guest Judge
Press - WPPI Showguide
WPPI Showguide, March 2007
The WPPI Showguide featured a glimpse into Tania's work with an article about the making of one of her most celebrated Tribal Fine Art images.
Click to read the full article.
Maori Market
Maori Market, Wellington, New Zealand
Maori Market will be the largest assembly of contemporary Maori art from over 100 leading and emerging artists when it opens the doors for the first time at Wellington's TSB Event Centre on Queens Wharf from April 27 to 29.
Tania has been invited as one of the top Maori artists to exhibit her finest tribal portraiture. This will see her given the opportunity to been seen by international art buyers and also make contact with other Maori artists.
Maori artwork is rapidly becoming a 'hot' new industry and export earner for New Zealand, with international promotion and marketing being led by the artists themselves.
www.maoriart.org.nz/events/maori_market
Event - Photographic Society of NZ
Photographic Society of NZ
Guest Speaker
New Plymouth, Taranaki NZ
Press - Taranaki Daily News
Taranaki Daily News, NZ, April 2007
The Taranaki Daily News congratulates Tania on becoming the WPPI commercial photographer of the year, and looks into Tania's continuing links with New Zealand and her tribal heritage.
Click to read full article.
Event - First Ladies of Photography
Las Vegas USA.
First Ladies of Photography: A Forum Tania Niwa joined a group of the top women in photography who gave their insights on achieving the highest levels of success in a very competitive profession.
WPPI Awards
Wedding Portrait Photographers International (WPPI)
WPPI Awards in association with Rangefinder Magazine
Convention and Trade Show
Guest Platform Speaker
Tania during WIPP event in Las Vegas after winning three major awards, Las Vegas, USA.
Platform Speakers: Tania and Studio Manager, Lauren presented the principles of image and branding to reach new levels of success in portrait photography. Tania also gave an insight into her groundbreaking collection of tribal portraiture, which combines a unique blend of documentary and high design.
Press - First Ladies of Photography
WPPI First Ladies of Photography, March 2007
Tania was featured in the WPPI First Ladies of Photography Booklet showcasing the top women in photography who gave their insights on achieving the highest levels of success in a very competitive profession.
Click to view article.
Press - Rangefinder Magazine
Rangefinder Magazine, February 2007
(Reprinted courtesy of Rangefinder Magazine)
Rangefinder Magazine looks into Tania's heritage and background and her artistic journey from the Waitara Marae to Mosman...
Click to view article.
Press - Better Photography Magazine
Better Photography, February 2007
Masterpieces- "Tribal Portraits" Gain an insight into a selection of Tania's most coverted and highly awarded tribal fine artworks.
Click to view article.
Eternal Thead Exhibition Opening
Tania Niwa and Photography Studio Manager, Lauren were recently invited to an exhibition opening 'Eternal Thread' in Christchurch.The world-class exhibition returned from its groundbreaking and highly successful international tour of the USA, showcasing the very best of traditional and contemporary Maori weaving.
The show has toured the western states of the USA over the last three years. Native Indians art leaders, accompanied by university and museum educators from Alaska, California, San Francisco and Seattle supported the show in its final exhibit.
See more images from the Eternal Thread Exhibition here.
News
Tania and Rt Hon Dame Silvia Cartwright PCNZ, DBE, OSO in her final term as Governor General of New Zealand at Government House, Wellington NZ 2006.
Invited to the residence of Ambassador William and Gail McCormick.
Darcy Nicholas - The Maori Picasso
At the studio of 'The Maori Picasso' Darcy Nicholas, Wellington, New Zealand.
Invited to Darcy Nicholas' residence - 'The Maori Picasso'
NZIPP Awards
Tania after receiving Gold Bar to Fellow NZIPP, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Received Gold Bar to Fellow
Received Gold Award People Category
Event - Ronald Woolf Memorial
Wellington New Zealand.
Guest Speaker Ronald Woolf Memorial Event in association with the NZIPP (Wellington Branch). Gala Event to honour Melanie Burford (winner of Pulitzer Prize) and other NZ photographers including Tania who have gained international success in 2006. In association with the Photographic Society of NZ (Wellington Branch).
Press - Qantas Magazine
| Qantas Magazine, November 2005 Spirited Away" A retrospective glimpse into Tania Niwa's tribal heritage, her beginnings as a world class photographer, and the tribal artwork which started it all. Click here to read article. |
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