ABOUT

Niven Photography is Graham Niven

- a self-taught freelance photographer based in Cairngorms, Scotland.

After a decade working and traveling in the humanitarian sector, Graham moved to the Cairngorms to raise his family surrounded by nature, and pursue a passion for, and livelihood through photography. This journey included the (ongoing) renovation of a family home, and the creation of Arbor Nethy and Arbor Gallery alongside his Jeweller wife Amy with The Third Aye workshops

Creative

There is a diversity of genres and subjects in Graham’s work, which is a reflection of his experiences and journey in life and photography:

My creative expression is diverse and unrestrained - leading to more of an organic, explorative style which is dotted with the influences of outdoor adventure, travel, humanitarian work, obsessions with the natural world and all its elements, landscapes, wildlife, characters, stories and relationships… and everything in between. For me, there needs to be a feeling of curiosity to foster meaningful creativity”.

Renowned for his award winning nature-inspired imagery, Graham is often found shooting in challenging conditions in the mountains, forests and elements, through day and night.

I am drawn to serene and detailed scenes as much as the epic and dramatic, and always striving to capture atmosphere and feeling beyond the visual to connect the viewer to the scene”

He shares this passion through hosting bespoke Photography Workshops tailored to the experience and needs of clients.

And, as well as offering fine art print store online, Graham runs Arbor Gallery; a bright and welcoming space showing a selection of framed prints and other products from his home in the village of Nethy Bridge in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park

Commissions

Graham thrives in collaborating towards a shared vision and has undertakes a range of commissioned work delivering impactful and engaging imagery for a variety of clients and briefs across Scotland and beyond.

If you believe I can assist in capturing your project or wish to visually develop some ideas - please don’t hesitate to get in touch, and find out more about my commercial work here

47 AWARDED & SHORTLISTED IMAGES

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS

Over the years I have entered some standout images into numerous national and international photography contests. Given the high standard and number of entries from amateurs and professionals alike - I am delighted to have consistently won prizes and gained esteemed recognition year on year. Although much of my photography expression and experience are born of a love for the craft and the subjects I capture - I take great pride and encouragement from knowing that this appreciation is shared and enjoyed by many, including industry leaders. 

2024

FEAUTURES & PUBLICATIONS

ARTICLES

Being a publication I enjoy reading - I was delighted to be asked to contribute to the January 2019 edition of Outdoor Photography Magazine. The brief was quite open, and so I chose to explore something which might not normally feature, whilst also allowing the opportunity to publish on of my favourite images - taken whilst working in Pakistan in 2011.

‘Lie of the Land’ Article - Slice of Life

As part of a humanitarian aid team in Pakistan, photography wasn't always Graham Niven's first priority, but his camera always by his side, ready to document the world unfolding around him.

I have never liked to define my style or approach to photography too much, largely because it feels quite limiting to do so. Though I do not profess to be a master of any particular genre - I enjoy capturing an eclectic mix of adventure, landscape, night, nature, wildlife, travel and documentary photography, with everything else in-between, relishing the challenges and freedom of expression that come with them. My journey in photography has been quite organic and the subjects have often been incidental to my experiences in life.

I work in humanitarian/development aid, and although for now more sedentary and based in Scotland - I have been fortunate to travel to some fascinating, less visited and beautiful places. My camera has always been with me; a tool for observation and documenting during fieldwork, but also for capturing a slice of life, visions of landscapes and environments which reflect rich variety and diversity. One of those places was Pakistan in the aftermath of severe flooding of the Indus River in 2011. I was there working with an organisation Action Against Hunger - to improve water and sanitation facilities and awareness. I moved around a lot, from the fertile plains in the south of the Indus Delta, to the mountains in the far northwest bordering Afghanistan.

I was not there to photograph primarily, but did need to document things like damaged water and sanitation infrastructure as part of needs assessments. However as a passionate photographer and with a curious mind, I allowed my intrigue and enthusiasm to indulge where possible and appropriate. This was normally in the form of very ad-hoc, candid, handheld, documentary style. Rarely visiting the same place twice, I couldn’t take the time to plan and compose a scene, wait for the right weather and/or light etc, so, much was captured from a moving vehicle, whilst on foot in communities, or from inside secure compounds. There were many challenges and frustrations to capturing a good image and many times when I was urging to take a photo but just couldn’t because of time, cultural sensitivities, safety and security. However, it was often because of these details, not despite them, that the few I did capture were more satisfying, more real, and more raw.

The above image ‘Indus Dawn’ was taken from the front seat of a moving car, captured in the early morning on the roads in Sindh province. The light was always quite ethereal at this time with much moisture and smoke in the air, and people were active to take advantage of the more agreeable temperatures. This sight made me scramble for my camera and settings to capture a scene full of intrigue, but at the same time, of daily routine. When exploring the image back on a screen, I found black and white to reveal a depth of tones and textures, layers of transient life, movement and stillness.


On the back of some Photography Award recognition, I was recently interviewed for a feature in i-on lifestyle Magazine:

How has travel influenced your life? Much of my travel and photography has been through my work in humanitarian/development aid, which has given me a great deal of perspective. To travel for pleasure is a great privilege; not just to have the means to do so, but also the freedom.

What’s the appeal? Largely, it’s wonder and curiosity that leads you around the next corner. I’ve been fortunate to visit a variety of places, often remote and wild, to meet and connect with some incredible people and their lives. I’ve seen extraordinary landscapes and amazing natural wonders.

How did you get into travel photography? My camera’s always been with me; it’s not just a tool for observation and documenting during fieldwork, but also for capturing a glimpse of life in places very different to those we know.

Where is your favourite place in Scotland to photograph? The more I see, the luckier I feel to call Scotland home. It might rain now and then, but this gives us the lush greenery. We enjoy extraordinary light and landscapes, and the opportunity for adventure is never far away. There are some pretty excellent people here too. As for a favourite photo spot, Loch Garten is special to me; it seems more serene with each visit.