Chawisa has shown a talent for photography from an early age. Photo: Supplied.
A 13-year-old Wagga girl has had the experience of a lifetime, photographing the first women’s State of Origin match in Newcastle last month as she continues to build a promising future behind the camera – and on the football field.
Chawisa Harper was selected for the honour through a Nikon Sideline Experience competition alongside her stepfather Grant, and grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
“It was an amazing experience. I felt incredibly lucky, I had so much fun,” she said.
“I got a couple of really good shots and went out at the start of the game and captured them as they were running out of the tunnel.
“I was nervous but that helped me. Nerves mean you care.”
The young photographer also got to meet NRL legend Brad “Freddie” Fittler, who sought her out before kick-off and helped put her in the perfect position to capture the action.
“Freddie was so welcoming and nice to me,” she said.
The young photographer captured all the big hits of the Origin clash. Photo: Chawisa Harper.
Chawisa’s selection for the sideline experience was no accident. Alongside her growing photography skills, she is also a talented rugby league player herself.
“When I was younger I played centre but now play fullback,” she said.
“I started playing league tag and then got the opportunity to play tackle and fell in love with it.”
She previously played Aussie Rules as well, but has since dedicated herself to league.
“I prefer rugby league because I really like contact and tackling,” she said.
“In Aussie Rules, you have to handball and kick, but I love the physicality of league.”
Her stepfather Grant said her photography skills were obvious early on.
“I’ve always noticed she has a great eye for framing and creativity, even just using her iPhone,” he said.
“I slowly started encouraging her to use the bigger cameras and lenses and she just keeps getting better.”
The pair now regularly shoot sporting events together, combining Chawisa’s love of rugby league with her growing confidence as a photographer.
Chawisa is a fullback known for her pace and power. Photo: Supplied.
Grant, a retired firefighter, has become the perfect mentor for Chawisa, who has been living in Wagga since she was six.
“I’ve been doing it a lot with my dad. He’s a really talented photographer and I tag along with him,” Chawisa said.
The family is already looking forward to the next big event on the calendar.
“We can’t wait for Magic Round,” Grant said.
“We’re all attending and there’ll definitely be plenty of photography happening there too.”
For Chawisa, the future is wide open. Whether it’s running onto an NRLW field, working behind the lens at major sporting events, or pursuing a career in physiotherapy, she already has plenty of ambition – and the confidence to match.
“I’d love to be an NRLW player, but I’d also love to be a photographer or a physiotherapist,” she said.
