BIO
Natalie Finney is a photographic artist based in Melbourne whose work explores the ways we shape, collect and construct our understanding of the world. Working across fine art and immersive installation, her practice examines themes of memory, identity, domestic culture and our evolving relationship with the natural world.
Rooted in carefully staged imagery, her practice blurs the boundaries between authenticity and artifice, inviting viewers to question what is manufactured, and what we choose to value. Her recent projects explore ideas of imitation, abundance and accumulation, using familiar objects and constructed environments to reveal the complex emotional and cultural narratives embedded within everyday life. Natalie’s work is united by curiosity, nostalgia and wonder while exploring stories of objects, people and place. Through richly detailed compositions, she encourages moments of reflection that are at once intimate and subtly unsettling.
In addition to her art practice, Natalie offers portrait sessions for individuals, creatives, artists and families, applying the same intentional, story-led approach that defines her personal work. Whether through creative branding, analogue heirloom portraits, or family sessions, she works collaboratively with clients to create images that feel both artful and deeply personal.
Natalie has received national recognition for her work, including winning the Bluethumb Art Prize 2023 (Photography), and being named a finalist in the Olive Cotton Award (2021) and National Photographic Portrait Prize (2020). She was ranked #3 in Capture Magazine’s Emerging Portrait Photographers of 2020, and her work has been featured in a range of Australian and International publications.
While she often employs analogue techniques, her photography transcends medium — embracing both film and digital to craft emotive, atmospheric imagery that blends realism with a dreamlike quality. Her photographic series are available as limited-edition fine art prints.
National Photographic Prize 2020 Finalist Entry - photo credit Marg Alexander
AWARDS & GRANTS
2026
Shortlisted, Australian Photography Awards 2026 - Open
2025
Recipient of the Frankston City Artist Project Grant for 2025-2026
2024
5th place finalist, The Capture Awards 2024 - Landscape & Environment
9th place finalist, The Capture Awards 2024 - Art & Conceptual
Finalist, OptiKA 2024 Photography Award
2023
Winner, Bluethumb Art Prize Photography Award
Shortlisted, Australian Photography Awards - Experimental
2022
Semi-finalist, Head On Portrait Award 2022
Named in TOP 101, ‘The International Portrait Photographer of the Year Awards 2022’, presented by Peter Eastway
Top 10 finalist, Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Awards 2022, Portrait Category
Top 20 finalist, Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Awards 2022, Single Shot Category
2021
Shortlisted, Australian Photography Awards - Portrait
Semi-finalist, Head On Portrait Award 2021
Finalist, Olive Cotton Award 2021
Named in TOP 101 ‘The International Portrait Photographer of the Year Awards 2021’, presented by Peter Eastway
Shortlisted, Creative Photo Awards / Siena Awards
Top 30 finalist, Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Awards 2021, Portrait Category
Top 30 finalist, Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Awards 2021, Black and White Category
2020
Finalist, National Photographic Portrait Prize
Silver award, Rise International Photography Awards Children category
Top 20 finalist, The Mono Awards, Capture Magazine, People Category
3rd place, Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Awards 2020, Portrait Category
Top 20 finalist, Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Awards 2020, Art Category
Top 20 finalist, Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Awards 2020, Single Shot Category
2019
Honourable mention, Australian Photography Awards, Portrait category
Honourable mention, Australian Photography Awards, Open/Illustrative category
Honourable mention, The Mono Awards, Capture Magazine, People Category
Top 20 finalist,Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Awards 2019, Portrait Category