Fiona Muirhead Photography
I started developing my craft from an early age. Photography has always been a part of my life with a grandfather who was constantly making home movies, and parents who snapped albums full of family photos. When I was at high school the art teacher set up a dark room and I spent all my time in there, which gave me a love for it – not just taking but the developing side of it as well. After completing my film and photography study at Queensland College of Art, I branched out by starting a freelance business traveling through United Kingdom, Europe, Ireland and Canada. Following this I managed a number of photographic development businesses, undertook project management, production and professional laboratory work on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia and produced film and video for non-government groups.
With a first-hand understanding of my subject, I specialised in child and family portraiture. I go to people’s homes and take them in their own environment, mainly using natural light. While many photographers steer away from working with children I enjoy it. It can be a challenge but I find that if you have patience you can wait for the right moment. It’s not just about capturing kids smiling at you but it’s watching what they do and getting all the different expressions too. I enjoy shooting intimate weddings such as beach and country weddings, and have taken pregnancy and modelling photographs. I'm also a member of the Australian Institute of Photographers. Over the years I have developed a reputation for family portraits that express the essence of the family members, no matter what age. I specialise in child portraits, new borns, families, corporate, group portraits, pregnancy-birth-new born journeys, school formals, family celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries, naming ceremonies. I like to work with families, new parents and mothers and all couples. I love working with children. I work on creating powerful eyes and family love in my photographs. Black, white and colour photographs in an informal, no hassle and natural environment.
I'm continuing to establish contracts with a range of organizations to produce “fit for purpose” photographs for use in their publications. Still to my surprise, I recently won the Premier's Queensland and Lord Mayor's Photographic Awards. I am continuing to establish commercial contracts with a range of organisations to produce “fit for purpose” photographs for use in their publications. Most recently I have been invited to photograph political and sporting leaders and heros from a different angle. I have also had the opportunity to photograph iconic structures such as at the opening of the Gateway Bridge.
Over the past few years I have created a niche market for smaller weddings, especially those conducted at non-traditional and less formal venues including places like church weddings with smaller, informal receptions held at home or outdoors, the beach, parks, civil ceremonies conducted at venues such as wineries, resorts and islands. I particularly like to work with clients who wish to capture “the story of the day” rather than a series of posed photographs, young professionals, people entering into second marriages, people who are flexible and want an “easy going” approach which include both posed (formal) and natural (informal) photographs that express “who they are”.
