Nikki Williams

Born and raised in Wanganui, New Zealand, Nikki Williams has spent her life viewing the world through many different lenses.

Following a degree in education from The University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand, she left Aotearoa to teach in London. But it didn’t take long for Nikki to see that photography was where her talent and passion could best be put to use.

While in England, Nikki earned an Advanced Diploma in Photography and Certificate in Photo-journalism at the London College of Printing. She returned to New Zealand to further her photography education with a Diploma of Photographic and Digital Imaging at UCOL in Palmerston North.

The quality of Nikki’s work was evident from the beginning. She won the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers’ 2005 Student of the Year. After completing her studies, Nikki began freelancing for magazines and newspapers both internationally and across New Zealand. Her work has appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald, UK Woman & Home, The NZ Listener, The New Zealand Herald and The Dominion Post, among many others.

Returning to her hometown, Nikki began working at the Wanganui Chronicle as a staff photographer. She kept herself busy during this time developing an extensive portfolio, as well as garnering one award after another, including the Qantas 2008 Junior Photographer of the Year.

Nikki is currently working as a photographer for Bigfoot Entertainment and Fashion TV Asia in Cebu, Philippines.

Nikki has traveled the world over, from the countries of Europe to the continent of South America. Inspired by all the sites those adventures had to offer, Nikki’s work reflects the varied world she has been photographing for years. With her news and documentary photojournalism, Nikki enjoys capturing the moment, but her versatility extends to all areas of photography. Her strong creative flair and keen eye for composition are evident in her architectural, food, fashion and product photography.

Nearly a decade of experience has only fuelled Nikki’s desire to produce the most eye-catching photography she can. Grateful for doing what she loves best, Nikki continues to strive for excellence in all areas of photographic work.

Awards

2008 Qantas Junior Photographer of Year
Qantas Best Feature Photograph (junior category)

2007 Qantas Best Breaking News Photograph (junior category)

2006 NZIPP Silver and Bronze Awards

2005 NZIPP Student Photographer of the Year
NZIPP Gold and Silver Awards


EMPLOYMENT

Feb 09 - present
Bigfoot Entertainment and Fashion TV Asia
Fashion/ BTS Photographer

Nov 05 - Feb 09
Wanganui Chronicle Newspapers
Photographer

July 06 - March 07
Sunday News Newspaper
Freelance Photographer

July 06 - March 07
NZPA - New Zealand Press Association
Freelance Photographer

June 06 - March 07
Manawatu Evening Standard Newspaper
Part time Photographer

Jan 04 - Dec 04
Tauranga Rudolf Steiner School
Class One Teacher

Jan 01 - Jan 03
Paddington Green Primary School, London
Year One Teacher
EAL Teacher (English as a second language)
Gifted and Talented Coordinator (1 management point)
Coordinator of Design and Technology

Jan 99 - Jan 00
Papamoa Primary School, New Zealand
Year five and six teacher


OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Sydney Morning Herald
UK Woman & Home
The NZ Listener
The New Zealand Herald
Herald on Sunday
Dirtrider Downunder Motorbike magazine
The Photographer’s Mail


EDUCATION

2005 - 2006
Palmerston North UCOL, New Zealand
Diploma in Photographic and Digital Imaging

2001 - 2003
Richmond Adult Community College, London
Advanced Diploma in Photography

2002 - 2003
London College of Printing, London
Certificate in Photojournalism

1998 - 1999
The University of Waikato, New Zealand
Bachelor of Education

1995 - 1998
Diploma of Teaching
Major focus: Art