About Nikki McLennan

“There are stories threaded through every part of this life, and I pride myself on being able to find the story in every shoot, so that the photos I create sparkle with meaning and memory”

Hi, I’m Nikki, the front woman for Lion and Cub Photography. I’m much more than ‘just a photographer’: it’s my passion, and I’ve been in the game for over 25 years and counting because I’m exceptional at what I do. I’m also a teacher, a mum, a creative entrepreneur, and a proud part of Sydney’s eclectic arts scene, all of which influence who I am and my work. Because who says you can’t be highly professional and a one-time wild child?

My greatest skill (aside from being an op-shop queen) is finding a way to help people relax in front of the camera: kids, babies, pups, anyone who is shy – I’ve got you. And the moment you relax, that’s when the magic happens.

Shoots

I’m a storyteller, so my shoots are focused on capturing powerful, engaging images that tell the story you want them to, from the unfiltered joy of family life to boss-women branding shoots, to shiny award ceremonies – and everything in between. I use Canon, Profoto lighting and my intuitive personality to get incredible photos.

Services

My focus is lifestyle and family photography, and I thrive on finding the moment that captures the essence of who you are.

I am also business branding expert, instinctively able to find the look that conveys your story to the world as a suite images and corporate headshots.

And I run a schedule of school holiday workshops for students looking to learn more about photography, high school tutoring to creating an exhibition series and studio lighting and portrait techniques.

Clients

I am deeply proud of the hundreds of clients I have amassed. They include National Art School, Department of Education, Department of Infrastructure, Commonwealth Bank, Healthy Habit Fitness, Event Pix and Sydney Grammar School to name a few.

Awards

2022

Winner GOLD Medal - Australian Small Business Champions

2021

Winner City of Sydney - Business Australia/Excellence in Microbusiness

2019

Winner GOLD Medal - Ausmumpreneur / NSW Creative Entrepreneur

2019

Highly Commended - Monochrome Photography Awards

2007

Finalist - Paddington Shutterbug Photography Awards

2001

Winner - Australian Centre for Photography / Project Wall

Exhibitions

2023
2022

Tortuga Studios - St Peters / Kaleidoscopic

Tortuga Studios - St Peters / It's Complicate

2019

Tortuga Studios - St Peters / There goes the Neighborhood

2018

Tortuga Studios - St Peters / Dystopia

2016

Art & About - Hyde Park / Australian Life

2020

Incubator Studios - Redfern / Rock & Roll Photography

2004

Art & About - Hyde Park / Australian Life

2001

First Draft Gallery - Sydney / Emerging Artists

2000

National Art School - Darlinghurst / Graduate Show

Published articles

2015

Capture Magazine - The Art of Newborn Photography

2015

Capture Magazine - The Digital File Dilemma

2014

Capture Magazine - Contemporary Trends in Nude Portraiture

The Creative Studios

Tortuga Studios

Lion + Cub is part of Tortuga Studios, one of Sydney’s longest-standing arts collectives housed in an old brick factory in St Peters, and this eclectic community is integral to my work – both figuratively and literally. It’s home to a 90sqm studio, professional lighting, incredible industrial architecture, and directly opposite Sydney Park.

I’m an inner-west local, and the edgy urban beauty of this area makes for the ultimate backdrop, along with jewel-green parks and terraced history – although I’ll hot-foot it to the beach at a moment’s notice!

If there’s a story, I can capture it.