Tanya Heins has been holding a camera in her hands since childhood. She was born into a family of photographers in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, grew up in the Cape, South Africa, and now lives in Ottawa, Canada.

Tanya holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in art history and film and digital media: B.A. and B.F.A. from University of Ottawa; M.F.A. from University of Victoria. She taught photography and multimedia to undergraduates before transitioning into design and development for the tech industry. This formative experience led directly to education technology and the rise of her specialist consultancy, Numen Communications, which continues until today.

Tanya’s photographic practice has evolved over time and focuses on a range of animal and natural subjects. Sharing, teaching, and talking about image-making in relationship to our natural world via social media is also an important part of her practice. Tanya approaches photography from two quite distinct places: in the studio with artificial lighting and software to carefully “construct” an image; or, outdoors tromping through the bush or paddling on the water, watching and waiting to see what the moment presents. Regardless of which process, the common element—arguably the most satisfying—is the postproduction process. Here, she carefully selects the right shot, masterfully controls light, exposure, and framing, infusing each image with meaning.