0O5A0310-Edit-Edit_SQUARE_COL.jpg

BIO

Natalie Finney is a fine-art photographic artist based in Melbourne whose work explores the themes of nature, youth, and connection to the outdoors, often evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder.

Her imagery captures the delicate interplay between innocence and the natural world, recalling her own childhood spent exploring the Australian bush. Her photographs invite viewers to pause and reflect on the fleeting moments of youth, often portraying how children interact with their surroundings in ways that feel both timeless and immediate.

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

2024

The Capture Awards 2024 - Landscape & Environment 5TH PLACE

The Capture Awards 2024 - Art & Conceptual 9TH PLACE

OptiKA 2024 Photography Award Finalist

2023

Bluethumb Art Prize Photography Award WINNER

Australian Photography Awards - Experimental SHORTLIST

2022

Head On Portrait Award 2022 SEMI-FINALIST

Named in TOP 101 ‘The International Portrait Photographer of the Year Awards 2022’, presented by Peter Eastway

Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Awards 2022, Portrait Category - TOP 10 FINALIST

Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Awards 2022, Single Shot Category - TOP 20 FINALIST

2021

Australian Photography Awards - Portrait SHORTLIST

Head On Portrait Award 2021 SEMI-FINALIST

Olive Cotton Award 2021 - FINALIST

Named in TOP 101 ‘The International Portrait Photographer of the Year Awards 2021’, presented by Peter Eastway

Creative Photo Awards / Siena Awards - SHORLIST

Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Awards 2021, Portrait Category - TOP 30 FINALIST

Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Awards 2021, Black and White Category - TOP 30 FINALIST

2020

National Photographic Portrait Prize - FINALIST

Rise International Photography Awards Children category - SILVER AWARD

The Mono Awards, Capture Magazine, People Category - TOP 20 FINALIST

Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Awards 2020, Portrait Category - 3rd PLACE

Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Awards 2020, Art Category - TOP 20 FINALIST

Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Awards 2020, Single Shot Category - TOP 20 FINALIST

Voice Image Collection, Click Magazine - HONOURABLE MENTION

2019

Child Photo Competition, Black and White First Half - HONOURABLE MENTION

Australian Photography Awards, Portrait category - HONOURABLE MENTION

Australian Photography Awards, Open/Illustrative category - HONOURABLE MENTION

The Mono Awards, Capture Magazine, People Category - HONOURABLE MENTION

Australasia's Top Emerging Photographers Awards 2019, Portrait Category - TOP 20 FINALIST

A large crowd of people seated and standing at an outdoor event at night, with tents and string lights visible, attending the Head On photo awards ceremony.
Design with bold text announcing 'National Photographic Portrait Prize 2020 Finalist' in green, white, and black colors.
Awards badge for Australasian Top Emerging Photographers 2020, featuring three laurel wreaths with text recognizing achievements in portrait, single shot, and art categories.
Two award banners for the Australian Photography Awards, one for Portrait Honorable Mention and one for Open/Illustrative Honorable Mention, both from 2019.
A minimalist black and white logo featuring a geometric shape with a plant at the top. Inside the shape, the words 'LANTERNS' are written vertically, and 'FEATURED ARTIST' is centered inside.