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Capturing life through a new lens
For Nicola Haggart, family is at the heart of everything she does. As a mother, her children are the centre of her universe. In her previous role as a paediatric nurse, she was dedicated to supporting children and their families through times of need. And now, as the owner and photographer behind Nicola Haggart Photography, she’s using her skills and creativity to help families capture precious memories that will last a lifetime.
When mother-of-two Nicola first took an interest in photography, it was with the goal of capturing precious moments of her own. Having spent 17 years working as a paediatric nurse caring for sick children and supporting their families through tragedy and triumph, she’d developed a deep appreciation of the time she spent with her own family and wanted to gain the skills to preserve those memories for years to come.
“It really just started out as a hobby. I wanted to be able to take professional images of my children because I knew how cherished those images would become, but I didn’t really know where to start,” she said.
“Then I saw an advertisement for the Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging (CUA50925) at TAFE Queensland’s Nambour campus. I hadn’t really thought about studying photography until then, but the course was local to me and I thought it sounded like a great way to learn how to use my camera and give something new a go.”
Originally from the United Kingdom, Nicola and her husband moved to New Zealand in 2013, before moving to Australia and finding their “own corner of paradise” on the Sunshine Coast four years ago. So, without a close support network nearby and already juggling parenting with her work in the hospital in the home department of the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, taking on study was not without its challenges.
“I had two young children, was working casually as a nurse to help pay the bills, and had now taken on a diploma, which came with what felt like never-ending assignments,” Nicola said.
“It was hard work—getting it all done—but I really enjoyed the time in the studio learning about lighting techniques, and learning photoshop was a really valuable experience that I’d never really imagined doing.
“My tutors, Eric and Rob, were extremely knowledgeable and I tried to soak up as much information from them as I could. I loved hearing their stories from their times working and owning their own studios in Melbourne. They were very inspiring.
“As the course progressed, I realised I could take it further and begin my own business – so that’s what I decided to do.”
Having worked closely with children and families most of her life, it comes as no surprise that Nicola was immediately drawn to family, maternity and newborn photography. So, with a new goal in mind, she started experimenting with natural light, utilising the Coast’s natural backdrops, and setting up her own newborn studio in a spare room at her house. She began building up her portfolio, offering free, then discounted shoots while getting a feel for her photography style and developing her skills. And she approached established photographers, seeking advice and mentorship from those already successful within the local industry.
“I’ve gained so much by learning from others; I truly believe the best investment you can make is investing in educating yourself,” she said.
“There are so many talented photographers around Australia and the world, investing in mentorship with those who you align with the most, is really the best thing you can do for yourself and your business”.
Nicola graduated with her qualification in July 2024, and has since managed to successfully turn her business, Nicola Haggart Photography, into a full-time job, taking two to three newborn shoots a week, in addition to her family and maternity sessions.
“I’m really proud of where I am now and the work I’ve put in to get here,” Nicola said.
“The lighting in my studio is perfect late mornings, so I can fit the sessions in around my kids’ school hours, and now I get to use all my experience relating to families and kids as a nurse and combine it with my love of photography.
“I have the best job in the world! I get to welcome families with newborns into my studio every week and create beautiful lasting memories for them that will be cherished forever. That’s pretty special.”
The Sunshine Coast has long been a hotbed for artistic talent, inspiring creatives from all walks of life with its stunning landscape and community of supportive locals. And with Jobs Queensland projecting an increase in employment opportunities for photographers on the Sunshine Coast of 5.1 per cent over the next five years, there is clearly plenty of demand for talented creatives like Nicola – a sentiment she echoes in her encouragement of newcomers.
“My advice to anyone just starting out would be to seek as much education as you can, and reach out to other photographers who inspire you, because there is always so much you can learn from others’ experiences,” she said.
“I’m a big believer in community over competition, and there is enough work for everyone – the creative industries are important and we should all support artists wherever we can.”