about GRACE

GRACE COSTA

Advanced Diploma of Commercial Photography

Hi, I'm Grace

I have a very creative spirit and bring that into the work I do every day.

I have been a professional photographer in Canberra for over 2 decades. I started my career working in photography portrait studios, then spent over a decade as a corporate photographer for The Department of Defence covering the department’s branding imagery & internal communications, before becoming my own Boss Lady doing what I love in a whole new way.

I work with large organizations in Canberra on their media & internal visual communication needs as well as Personal Branding Photos for Coaches, Consultants & Creatives.

I am also a passionate Creative Mentor, helping photographers connect to their creativity. I run group workshops and private tuition on the topics of photography, digital editing, & creative thinking.

I’m now the host of The Photo Diaries designed to help photographer reach their full potential.

TED Talk: Connecting to Your Creative Truth Through Personal Story

corporate CLIENTS

kind WORDS

Best shots ever! Grace came highly recommended from a business colleague and even with the high expectations I had, I was thrilled with the photos I got. I was pretty nervous as it was my first photo shoot, but she was a true professional and knew exactly what to do, making me very comfortable in the process. Overall an amazing experience!

Having your photo taken by Grace is a fabulous experience. She is so professional and just radiates her artistic passion. Grace is a pleasure to work with and her photos are so beautiful. I am really thrilled with the photos she took for my business.

It can be daunting having headshots taken however Grace provides a safe space so you can act silly and funny. And in doing that she has the creativity and detailed eye to get you in the right spot to get the right shot. I’ve loved every photo I’ve got from Grace and highly recommend her.

Grace has such a beautiful way of making you feel comfortable being silly, sassy, serious. her ability to position people for stunning shots is amazing. Everyone raves about my photos taken by Grace! If you want great photos and the best experience, join one of her personal branding mini shoots!

ACHIEVEMENTS

2023 National Photographic Portrait Prize finalist
2022 National Portrait Gallery Masterclass instructor & mentor
2020 Finalist Head On Photo Awards
2020 Speaker – The Personal Brand Experience summit
2020 Curator award – PhotoAccess exhibiton and mentorship program
2019 Executive Producer The Narrabundah Boy, short film featured in the Canberra Short Film Festival
2019 Keynote speaker Nikon Refocus Retreat and Mentor
2017 TEDxCanberra Speaker
2017 Highly Commended XI World Polo Art Exhibition
2015 Shortlisted Fremantle International Portrait Prize

2014 Finalist National Photographic Portrait Prize
2014 Gold ACT AIPP Awards
2013 Awarded AIPP Associate Photographer status
2013 Finalist Fremantle International Portrait Prize
2013 Elected ACT AIPP Council Member
2013 2x Silver APPA Awards
2012 Winner Click 12 Prize, BSG Gallery
2012 Silver International Loupe Awards
2011 Silver International Loupe Awards
2011 Silver Distinction APPA Awards
2011 3x Silver APPA Awards
2010 Silver International Loupe Awards

EXHIBITIONS

I have participated in both solo and group exhibitions in galleries throughout Australia.

2019 Equine – QT Hotel Canberra
2019 Group – Spotted- (Beauty in Difference) curated by Grace Costa, M16 Artspace, Canberra
2019 The Narrabundah Boy, Short film premier, Palace Electric Cinema, Canberra
2017 Horse – Logan Gallery, Queensland
2017 Horse – Weswal Gallery, Tamworth
2016 Horse – Nishi Gallery, NewActon Canberra
2016 Loud and Luminous, Brunswick St Gallery, Melbourne
2016 Still – Grace Costa, Weswal Gallery, Tamworth
2015 Still – Grace Costa and Mark Mohell, Gaffa Gallery, Sydney
2015 Group – Activism Photo Access, Canberra
2014 Group – National Photographic Portrait Prize, National Portrait Gallery, Canberra

2014 Group – On Film, Photo Access Members Show, Canberra
2013 Group – (mixed media show) Brunswick Street Gallery, Melbourne
2013 Group – RAW Canberra showcase
2013 Buck’d Off 2042 Gallery, Sydney
2012 Buck’d Off Kaori Gallery, Canberra
2012 Buck’d Off Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Canberra
2012 Buck’d Off Brunswick Street Gallery, Melbourne
2012 Click 12 Brunswick Street Gallery, Melbourne
2012 Kodak Salon Awards CCP, Melbourne
2012 Tuggeranong Art Prize, Canberra
2011 Kodak Salon Awards CCP, Melbourne
2002 Graduating Exhibition CIT Reid, Canberra

CURATION & EXHIBITION MANAGEMENT

Beauty in Difference – M16 Artspace, group show
Metamorphosis – Strathnairn Arts, Solo show for Sarah McCarthur King
All things Created – Strathnairn Arts, Solo show for Jan Vincent

PUBLISHED

The Weekendend Australian magazine
Brave in Business Podcast
Atelier Podcast
Interiors Addict blog
Equine Magazine – Feature article
The Eye Creative – Feature article
Art Edit Magazine
Dream Believe Do – online magazine
Horsewyse Magazine -Feature article
TEDx Canberra
Photo Review Magazine- Feature article

Big Ink Magazine – Feature article
100 Year Centenary of The Royal Military College Duntroon book
Duntroon Stamp collection
Canberra Times – Feature article
Her Canberra – Feature article
Department of Defence- Military Service newspapers
Art Almanac
Canberra Weekly
Bungendore News

View my latest personal branding & headshot packages