photography film and design

Nharla media

Colleen Strangways

about me

Colleen Strangways is a proud South Australian Arabana and Northern Territory Mudbura Warlpiri woman, award winning photographer, and emerging filmmaker living on Kaurna country, Adelaide. Already recognised at both international and national levels for her photography work under Nharla Photography Colleen has recently made the transition into filmmaking, attending the CAAMA Web Series Workshop as part of joint initiative CENTRALISED which she found incredibly valuable in her growth as a filmmaker In 2023 was part of the Screen Australia digital originals and in 2024 is an writer director in the SAFC shorts.She is committed to showcasing her culture by telling stories through an Aboriginal lens Colleen has been awarded the 2018 NAIDOC business of the year and was a winner of the Gladis Eplick award in 2019.Colleen has produced and filmed short documentaries for her Arabana families in regards to language , a welcome to country video to be shown at Aboriginal athletics SA and a documentary for South Australian health organization Nunkuwarrin Yunti, and in recent months an documentary about the stolen generation Colleen has over 12,000 followers on social media.

corporate, headshots, portraits & events

photography

At Nharla Photography, we believe great photography isn’t just about capturing images—it’s about creating an experience that’s comfortable, ethical, and even fun! Whether it’s corporate headshots, team portraits, or event photography, we focus on authenticity, respect, and inclusivity, ensuring everyone feels at ease in front of the camera.We take the time to listen, understand, and represent you and your brand with integrity. No forced smiles, no stiff poses—just genuine, high-quality photos that reflect who you truly are. Our approach is relaxed yet professional, ensuring an enjoyable experience while delivering images that stand out in digital and print media.
Colleen is also a Nikon Australia Ambassador and actively mentors emerging artists.
has worked with a diverse range of South Australian government agencies, corporate entities, NGOs, and health institutions to provide professional photography, corporate portraits, event coverage, and cultural storytelling.Government & Public Sector Clients:
SA Health (including major hospitals like RAH & QEH)
Youth Justice Courts of South Australia
South Australian Government Departments (various projects and events)
Education & Universities:
The University of South Australia (UniSA)
The University of Adelaide
Flinders University
Corporate & Private Sector:
BHP (corporate photography & Indigenous engagement initiatives)
Community & NGO Collaborations:
Tauondi Aboriginal College (vocational education & training)
Southern Cultural Immersion (Kaurna-led cultural education & experiences)Nharla Photography is trusted by these organizations for its ethical, inclusive, and high-quality photography, ensuring that professional imagery aligns with integrity.

writer director

films

In 2018, Colleen launched her career in the screen industry by attending a writer's workshop in Alice Springs as part of the NT/SA Centralised initiative. Her storytelling is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage, often exploring the intersections between traditional Aboriginal practices and contemporary issues. Her narratives aim to provide fresh perspectives on the significance of cultural practices in modern life.
Her work is characterized by a commitment to activism and cultural recognition, capturing the essence of Aboriginal culture and highlighting narratives of resilience within her community.Colleen is also a Nikon and Nanlite Australia Ambassador and actively mentors emerging artists, sharing her skills and knowledge to foster the next generation of Aboriginal storytellers.Her most notable work, "Arabana Songlines", is a groundbreaking VR short film that immerses audiences in Arabana country, particularly Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre). This 360-degree experience allows viewers to sit with Arabana Elders as they share knowledge about kutha (water) and hear the endangered Arabana language spoken. The project, created in collaboration with Ku Arts and the Mobile Language Team, highlights the power of VR as a tool for language preservation, cultural education, and storytelling. The film was showcased at Tarnanthi 2021 and other significant Indigenous art and culture festivals.In addition to filmmaking, Colleen is an accomplished animator. She incorporates motion design and digital storytelling techniques to bring Aboriginal culture to life in new ways. Her animated sequences in projects such as Arabana Songlines and other multimedia works visually depict Dreaming stories, traditional knowledge, and cultural heritage. By blending animation with Indigenous iconography, she makes cultural narratives more engaging and accessible for younger generations and global audiences.https://nharla-media.carrd.co/

Government, Events and private sector

Graphic Design

Colleen Strangways blends her deep cultural knowledge with modern graphic design and large-format printing. Through her work, she collaborates with government and private sectors to create powerful visual representations of First Nations storytelling, heritage, and identity.Colleen's graphic design projects often feature traditional Aboriginal motifs, Dreaming stories, and contemporary Indigenous perspectives, ensuring that cultural narratives remain at the forefront of public and corporate spaces. Her work is prominently used for large-scale wall wraps, window graphics, and floor graphics, transforming spaces into immersive cultural experiences.Her expertise in large-format printing has gained national recognition, earning her a spotlight feature in Australian Print Magazine as a trailblazing First Nations female printer. In the feature, she was celebrated for her ability to translate Indigenous storytelling into large-scale visual artworks, using innovative print technology to bring Aboriginal culture into mainstream design and branding.

look for me on

Social Media

You can find me on social media to explore more of my work in graphic design, large-format printing, filmmaking, animation, and cultural storytelling. Follow me for updates on my latest projects, behind-the-scenes insights, and collaborations with government, private sectors, and community initiatives. Stay connected and see how I bring First Nations culture to life through art, design, and digital media. Visit my website or follow me on social media to learn more!