Howse Family Portraits at their Home [Family Portrait Photography Mosman]

We had the pleasure of photographing the wonderful Howse family at their majestic home in Mosman.  We were able to include the character of their home which is federation in style and over 100 yrs old!

Meet Annie, Kate, Hayden and Harrison Howse out on their spacious rear verandah.

We were thrilled to see the late afternoon light creating intense shadows at what will soon be a grand new entrance to the Howse home.  Kate and Hayden were amused that I chose the part of the house that was about to be pulled apart.  We were very fortunate that the old blinds hadn't been pulled down which created fantastic angled patterns as a striking backdrop.

My inspiration for this series of images of Annie and Harrison came from seeing a recent Alfred Stieglitz Photography Exhibition at The Art Gallery of NSW.  My favourite image was of a glamorous young woman sitting in profile at her kitchen table in her New York Apartment in the early 1900s.  The wall behind her had similar light and shadows presumably cast by blinds or shutters. 

Annie and Harrison are the best of buddies.  We created a series of three images of the children together to reflect their friendship to admire now and in years to come.

Annie and Harrison with close family friend Dale.

Portraiture of our Mentor Suzie White of Mosman

Suzie White

We have photographed family events for Suzie's family over the last decade and become great friends.  More recently she has become a treasured mentor and is about to join our team in a marketing role.  We are very much looking forward to working with her!

Gratwicke [Family Portraits] at their home in Pymble

We would like to share our latest family portraits of the lovely Gratwicke family at their home in the beautiful leafy suburb of Pymble.  As there was torrential rain only minutes after starting our portrait session we focused on portraits inside and went back another time for outdoor portraits in their gardens.  We were able to take advantage of a spacious family room,  and used studio lighting to capture everyone including their superstar Labradoodle, Charlie.

Maddy and Tom with their very cuddly Labradoodle, Charlie.

Maddy, Kate, Adrian and Tom at home

Maddy and Charlie

Tom and Charlie

It had already starting drizzling as we took this image.

QUEENSTOWN

Taking photos for fun - blizzards, snow storms, beautiful rays of light...all in one day

 A 'white out' on the way to Snow Farm, Cardrona, Otago photo courtesy David Patterson

After spending a few days judging at the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography Awards and conference  in Queenstown a few of my colleagues and I went on explorations around the south Island of NZ.  You might set out with brilliant weather and then as you drive higher into the hills wearing totally inapproriate clothes (runnng shoes weren't realy cutting it - nothing like wet socks for comfort and frozen toes) you realise you didn't quite prepare as well as we should have.

Three AIPP Masters of Photography

A note from Tania...   " I got quite a surprise to see myself in this image as I had totally forgotten we had posed for this image.  I was In Perth late last year judging at their State Awards and presenting when I was somehow coerced into sitting for a portrait with two of my fellow Masters of Photography (I was trying to be relaxed and confident but really all I was thinking  was  - do I look like an idiot trying to look cool! ).   Des Birt (far left) took me on a tour of photography studios.  We visited the absolutely divine Sarre Photography in Subiaco.  Garry Sarre is pictured in the centre.  Garry's daughter Odelia was the clever creator of this image."

 

Read what Odelia's thoughts were about it's creation...

"I named the image M.Photog. It is a Portrait of Des Birt, Garry Sarre and Tania Niwa.

Having three Master Photographers in your studio doesn’t happen every day and while I found it extremely daunting at the time I’m so glad we took the opportunity to get them all in FRONT of the camera for a change! I really liked the concept of each of the photographers looking in the same direction but each with their own vision. Each photographer in the image was very different in style and personality yet it was photography that they had in common and tied them together. I wanted to incorporate the “photography” aspect so I shot a Hasselblad body to use as a frame around the subjects.

Des, Garry and Tania have all been in the industry for a long time so when Garry suggested I enter the image into APPA I was terrified! I thought at least I’m not going to APPA [Australian Professional Photography Awards]  this year to see it in person.  I am glad that I did as for this Portrait I received my first National Award on my third year of entering – a Silver. I also entered this image as part of my folio for the Western Australian awards and received a Silver Distinction. "

Latest Portraits

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. 

Bonnie Winchester, 19yrs old of Avalon

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

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. 

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  

 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].

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.

See link below of my earlier article about the magnificent Stephanie Brown http://niwaphotographysydney.blogspot.com/2010/03/latest-portrait-projects.html

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."

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. Erin's portrait was a featured image in the Maori Art exhibition. Erin's mum is originally from Ghana and Dad is from Sth Africa, with English / Scottish heritage.

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 Sydney photography courses.

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 photographer improving your skills and knowledge, our Northern Beaches photographic workshops provide hands on opportunities, encouraging you to explore your creativity.

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:

• location portrait photography
• wedding photography
• photographic lighting techniques
• landscape photography
• travel photography
• digital SLR photography techniques

Niwa Photography offers photo workshops for all levels and skills. Click here to match your equipment and experience with a corresponding Niwa photography workshop.

Stage 1 Courses

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.

Stage 2 Courses

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.

Stage 3 Courses

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.

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!

Your leaders - We will applaud and appreciate your attention to detail and process skills.

Your role - You’ll have a great mix of liaising with clients, as well as supporting the production department. You will also train to assist on location sessions with Tania.

The experience - You’ll be involved in some of the most exciting and superior photographic production in Australia.

A friendly environment - We are a mutually loyal team and our customers often become our friends.

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:

You have a keen interest in working with and entertaining children and families.

You possess great personal presentation appropriate for our designer studio environment.

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

Tania & Lauren have just returned from the annual Australian Professional Photography Awards held in Brisbane where Tania received 2 silver awards in the portrait category.

The Canon Australian Professional Photography Awards (APPA) attracts over 2000 entries. Professional photographers from Australia and New Zealand compete for a number of industry awards by submitting four images, which are judged by a panel of their peers.

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 Australia's professional photographers and promotes the endeavor of professional photography in Australia.

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:

Tania Niwa Photographer

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

Kids By Niwa

Our alternative kids portrait division specialising in babies, kids and teenagers with our expertly trained team of photographers. Affordable packages available.

Niwa Corporate Photography

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.

Click here to see the Kids by Niwa Gallery

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.