Mia Mala McDonald is a Naarm based photographer

Mia Mala McDonald is renowned for her vibrant, playfully theatrical portraits that that always centre the personality of her subjects. Mia Mala McDonald, was born in Daylesford on Dja Dja Wurrung country in 1982. Her very political and unusual parents embedded in her a deep interest in people and politics, this unique upbringing instilled in her a deep curiosity about people and a knack for connecting with even the most unconventional characters, her approach offers visions of intimacy, empowerment, humour, tenderness, and warmth.

Mia took up the camera at an early age, documenting Victoria's vibrant underage punk scene, capturing the raw energy of live performances and underground parties. This early work honed her skills and cultivated an eye for the unexpected.

Mia is represented by renowned photography agency, Photoplay. Mia's work has graced the covers of major publications such as The Good Weekend, The Monthly, The New York Times, and Dazed and Confused, featuring iconic images of Troye Sivan, Magda Szubanski , Helen Garner and other prominent figures. She has also collaborated with leading brands, including Apple, Dulux, Amex Virgin Atlantic, and Vogue.

In 2021, McDonald won the prestigious Martin Kantor Portrait Prize. She has been a finalist in numerous competitions, including the National Portrait Prize and the Bowness Prize, and was awarded the Australian Women in Music Award, Photographer of the Year, in 2023.

In 2022, Mia published her first photographic book, Once in a lullaby, a portrait of Australian Rainbow families. This project, which received funding from Creative Victoria, the Pride Foundation Australia, and the State Library of Victoria, celebrates and elevates the voices of LGBTQIA+ individuals and families.

McDonald holds a Masters of Fine Art from RMIT, where she is currently a senior lecturer in photography.

(Mia here! we all know I wrote this in third person.. weird! Thanks for making it this far - basically I can get the job done with my own special flare and magic! when I am not taking photos I am in the garden watching my seedlings grow, waiting for new episodes of Slow Horses or Curb Your Enthusiasm and wrangling my kids Lulu and Sid. Fun fact: I got their names tattooed on my foot this year—thanks to my friend Georgia, who might have enjoyed one too many whiskeys before picking up the ink! You probably won’t see it anytime soon.

CONTACT:
miamalamcdonald@gmail.com

Commercial representation by Photoplay Photography

Contact Alison Lydiard, Executive Producer: alison@photoplay.co

Photoplay