Ferne Millen is a world class photographic artist

Ferne Millen

Ferne Millen is an Australian photographic artist and multidisciplinary creative, working across portraiture, installation, and documentary practice. Her work is rooted in a profound connection to Wadawurrung Country, community, and culture, bringing intuition, curiosity, and empathy to every project.Since graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne in 2003 with a double major in Photography and Theatre, Millen has collaborated with artists, performers, and global brands including Universal Music, Mushroom Records, Porsche, Volkswagen, GMHBA, TAC, and Tennis Australia.Her calm, intuitive approach creates space for real stories to emerge, whether in a studio portrait, an immersive installation, or a dynamic commercial campaign. Her portraits and installations have been recognised nationally, including as a finalist in the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2014,2015, the Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize 1015 , the Martin Kantor Portrait Prize 2019, and most recently winning the Director’s Choice Award in the Olive Cotton Award, 2023.Through her lens, Millen explores identity, memory, and belonging — creating work that is both striking and deeply human. In recent years, she has expanded her practice to include oil painting and environmentally grounded installation, incorporating materials like seaweed to trace personal heritage and environmental connection. Whether working locally or internationally, Millen’s practice is a collaboration — a space where creativity, culture, and story intersect.

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More about Ferne

Prizes: Winner Olive Cotton Award- Director's Choice Award 2023 / National Photographic Portrait Prize 2014, 2015 / Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize 2015 / Fremantle International Portrait Prize 2015 / Ballarat International Foto Biennale: Martin Kantor Portrait Prize 2017

Permanent Collections:Tweed Regional Gallery / Deakin University

Publications | CD Press : Spin Magazine / New York Times / Rolling Stones / Rhythm Magazine / The Age Newspaper / The Herald Sun / The Guardian Newspaper / Mushroom Records / Universal Music / Shane Howard / Daddy Cool / Archie Roach

Exhibitions: Ballarat International Foto Biennale Outdoor Core Project 2020 / Carboneras Spain 2014 / NGV Victoria Ai Wei Wei-Warhol- Archie Roach "Let Go Room" 2015 / Metropolis Gallery 2015

In Good Company

Ferne Millen works with a diverse range of clients, from global brands to cultural institutions. Her collaborations include Universal Music, Volkswagen, Porsche, the Australian Open, Sustainability Victoria, and the City of Melbourne.

With a specialty in capturing the energy of music and performance, she has been the official photographer for Mushroom Records, The Open Sessions at the Australian Open, and the Port Fairy Folk Festival for over 15 years.

Her growing client list also spans corporate leaders, government agencies, media outlets, small businesses, and not-for-profit organisations. Whatever the project, Millen delivers imagery that is authentic, engaging, and impossible to ignore.

Music

Universal Music, Mushroom Group, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Falls Festival, National Celtic Festival, Shane Howard, Neil Murray, Archie Roach, Neda Rhamani, Hamer Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre,Arts Centre Melbourne

Art & Culture

NGV,Creative Victoria, Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tweed Regional Gallery, Deakin Art Collection, Moran Portrait Prize, Ballarat international Foto Biennalle, Back To Back Theatre , Wadawurrung Tradition Owners Aboriginal Corporation

Events

Australian Open, Tennis Australia,Government House, Crown Events, Sofitel, Federation Square, Arts Centre Melbourne

Health & Lifestyle

Mana Yoga Retreats, Saltair Spa, Go Ride a Wave, Feel me Surf Coast, Ocean Mind, Functional Nutritionist, Hollie McGree Naturopathy, Focus on Living, Academy of Raw Potential, Creative Facilitation

Publications

New York Times, RollingStones, Rhythms Magazine, Houses Magazine, Thames & Hudson, Images Publishing Group, Herald Sun, The Age Good Weekend, The Guardian Newspaper

Government & Corporate

City of Melbourne,Sustainability Victoria, Eco Dev, CCMA, Barwon Water, CitiPower, GORCAPPA, Golden Plains Shire, Government House, AIIA, Millens Lawyers, Sustainable Project Management, Deakin University, Koorie Pride Vic

Food & Wine

Geelong Cellar Door, Wine Geelong, Terindah Estate, Samesyn, Jashn Restaurant, Bellbrae Estate, Reed Wines, Bannockburn Vineyard, Barwon Ridge Wines,

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Commercial

Porsche, Volkswagen, E3 Products,

Product & Design

Bienefelt Architects, Voss Builders, Peter Winkler Architects, Independent artists, Jewellery, wine bottles, swimwear, fashion

Let's Work Together

Do you have any questions or just want to say hi?

Let's tell your story

Every person and every brand has a story — and photography is one of the most powerful ways to tell it. With over 25 years of experience, I offer cutting-edge photographic services and bring a perspective shaped by art, theatre, music, and design. This allows me to approach each project with a creative, holistic vision, combining technical skill with an eye for impact, composition, and storytelling.When you work with me, you receive professional attention throughout the process. I guide you with clarity while keeping the atmosphere relaxed, ensuring your authenticity and presence shine through. Clients often say they feel both comfortable and empowered — and it’s in that space that the most compelling images emerge.

My aim is simple: to create photographs that go beyond surface appearance and reveal your identity. The result is imagery that cuts through the noise, makes you more visible, vibrant, and memorable, and tells your story with strength, clarity, and depth.

Your Brand. Your People. Your Vision. Delivered

Working with me is a thoughtful, seamless experience — designed around you, your team, and your story. From our first conversation, I’ll guide you through every stage: from planning the session, preparing your people, to the moment the camera clicks. Every step is tailored so that the process feels natural, enjoyable, and entirely aligned with your vision. Together, we’ll create imagery that doesn’t just capture appearances, but communicates character, values, and purpose. I combine creative intuition, technical expertise, and a calm, professional presence to ensure that every shot reflects the essence of your brand and the individuality of your people.Whether it’s portraits, campaigns, or creative projects, the result is work that is striking, authentic, and impossible to ignore. It’s a process designed to be simple, transparent, and empowering — so you can focus on telling your story while I shape the imagery that brings it vividly to life. Press the button below to begin, and let’s create photographs that resonate, inspire and endure.

With a studio in Jan Juc, Victoria, Australia and the ability to do what I love anywhere in a world there are no limits to what can be done.

... and it's super important! I get it...

Rest assured I will set out from the beginning to create to a well designed brief that has

all the details mapped out to ensure all aspects of your shoot / event / vision are captured seamlessly.

Studio Umi

Ferne's Jan Juc studio is located at the start of the Great Ocean Road, Wadawurrung Country, Victoria, Australia. It is suitable for all Portrait, Product, Art and Commercial purposes.

Located within ten mins walk of spectacular beaches and 5 minutes drive to Bells Beach and the Torquay Surf Industry Precinct. It is 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne CBD.

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Let's tell your story through striking imagery that is unique to you