WEBVTT - Exploring First Nations Photography, Motherhood, and Well-Being with Marley Morgan 0:00:04.111 --> 0:00:06.551 Black cast, Unite our voices. 0:00:07.751 --> 0:00:15.511 This podcast is brought to you by on Track Studio. 0:00:15.991 --> 0:00:19.991 Welcome to Yarning Up, a podcast that showcases stories of 0:00:20.111 --> 0:00:26.191 First Nations excellence to help us learn and unlearn Australia's 0:00:26.271 --> 0:00:31.791 history to work Tillward's a better future. I'm your host, 0:00:32.031 --> 0:00:36.351 proud Barbara woman and founder of Blackwattle Coaching and Consulting, 0:00:36.831 --> 0:00:44.471 Caroline cal This podcast was taped on the sacred, stolen 0:00:44.911 --> 0:00:48.871 and unseeded Aboriginal lands of the Runjeri people of the 0:00:48.991 --> 0:00:54.751 Coln Nation. I pay my deepest respects to them, my elders, 0:00:55.311 --> 0:01:00.191 your elders, and all owners of country, of this beautiful 0:01:00.271 --> 0:01:01.191 place that. 0:01:01.311 --> 0:01:02.671 We call home. 0:01:04.791 --> 0:01:08.831 Well, I'm super excited about today's guest. I've been dying 0:01:08.991 --> 0:01:12.551 to get this lovely titter on our podcast for quite 0:01:12.551 --> 0:01:17.751 some time because I'm such a fan of Marley Morgan's work, 0:01:18.391 --> 0:01:21.031 and so yeah, I'm really excited to have you on 0:01:21.071 --> 0:01:23.991 the show today. Marley, Welcome to Yarning Up. 0:01:25.071 --> 0:01:28.671 Thank you so much for having me. I'm such a 0:01:28.711 --> 0:01:32.471 fan of yourself also, and I've felt really honored when 0:01:32.511 --> 0:01:35.351 you asked me to join, So thank you so much 0:01:35.391 --> 0:01:35.951 for having me. 0:01:36.631 --> 0:01:42.231 Oh, thank you. Marley has been doing some amazing work, 0:01:42.391 --> 0:01:46.511 you know, a visual storyteller, a photographer, a mom of 0:01:46.591 --> 0:01:51.031 three little jar gems, community warrior and woman, someone who's 0:01:51.031 --> 0:01:55.631 fiercely strong in advocating for mobs as well. So it's 0:01:55.711 --> 0:01:58.831 the honor and privilege is so reciprocal. But as we 0:01:58.871 --> 0:01:59.991 do on this show. 0:01:59.831 --> 0:02:01.911 I'd like to start by formally. 0:02:01.631 --> 0:02:05.151 Handing over to you to introduce yourself and your mob, 0:02:05.551 --> 0:02:07.591 and yeah, just tell us a little bit about yourself. 0:02:07.671 --> 0:02:08.071 Sis. 0:02:09.191 --> 0:02:12.071 So my name is Maley Morgan. I'm a photographer and 0:02:12.511 --> 0:02:15.071 as you mentioned, a mum of three boys. He's the 0:02:15.111 --> 0:02:20.071 same as Maley Morgan Photography. I've also in I guess 0:02:20.071 --> 0:02:23.311 the Works is starting a mentoring program for young Indigenous 0:02:23.311 --> 0:02:27.831 women called Shadow Sisters that live in regional, rural or remote. 0:02:29.111 --> 0:02:32.431 I am Gimlauri and Rodri and I grew up in 0:02:32.511 --> 0:02:36.511 a small opal mining town called Lightning Ridge on Ullerroy Country. 0:02:37.031 --> 0:02:43.231 Wow, oh my goodness, three boys, businesses and mentoring programs. 0:02:43.271 --> 0:02:45.831 It's so amazing how our mob can just you know, 0:02:45.911 --> 0:02:50.031 continually dig deep into giving back to families and communities 0:02:50.111 --> 0:02:54.151 and never never ceases to amaze or inspire me what 0:02:54.191 --> 0:02:59.031 our people can do, especially our sisters, So yeah, mad respect. 0:02:59.151 --> 0:03:01.471 Thank you. Like I think we as black fellows, it's 0:03:01.471 --> 0:03:03.991 just in our nature to give back, we share errors. 0:03:03.991 --> 0:03:06.951 We're not greedy people, so I think, like when we 0:03:07.031 --> 0:03:09.791 are running businesses and being parents, it just comes natural 0:03:09.831 --> 0:03:12.791 to want to when we have the right means to 0:03:12.871 --> 0:03:15.511 start giving back to community because it's just who we 0:03:15.551 --> 0:03:18.071 are as people and how it would be changed. 0:03:19.191 --> 0:03:22.271 So true, isn't it like that responsibility? You know, when 0:03:22.311 --> 0:03:25.471 we get an opportunity to not only be able to 0:03:25.591 --> 0:03:29.111 help our families, but really help the next gen and 0:03:29.351 --> 0:03:32.711 our younger ones coming up. Well, you know, you have 0:03:32.751 --> 0:03:37.391 shot some incredible, incredible photos. You know, the thing that 0:03:37.471 --> 0:03:40.871 has really drawn me to your work is, I think 0:03:40.911 --> 0:03:46.311 the way that you I'm getting goosebumps, ah ancestors, just 0:03:46.391 --> 0:03:49.911 the way that you are able to portray the beauty 0:03:50.231 --> 0:03:54.511 of black women, the women the matriarchy, the way that 0:03:54.591 --> 0:03:59.431 we see them in their in our softness, in our realness, 0:03:59.511 --> 0:04:00.591 in our beauty. 0:04:01.351 --> 0:04:04.151 They're so earthy and ow. 0:04:04.591 --> 0:04:07.471 I mean, you've shot for places like Vogue a couple 0:04:07.471 --> 0:04:10.751 of times I see you know Mari Claire to name 0:04:10.791 --> 0:04:14.111 a few, But I'm just wondering, you know what inspired 0:04:14.191 --> 0:04:17.311 you to pick up the camera and start capturing these 0:04:17.471 --> 0:04:18.951 beautiful moments. 0:04:19.711 --> 0:04:21.911 I just look back when I was younger, like there 0:04:21.951 --> 0:04:24.751 was no true representation of the women that I was 0:04:24.791 --> 0:04:27.271 seeing in my community. Like you've just got to look 0:04:27.311 --> 0:04:32.111 at with mainstream Australian media that how black women are portrayed, 0:04:32.151 --> 0:04:36.151 were portrayed as being violent or drunk like, and growing up, 0:04:36.151 --> 0:04:39.231 I've never seen that. I was always surrounded by beautiful, 0:04:39.351 --> 0:04:43.071 staunch black women who really just held our communities together 0:04:43.311 --> 0:04:46.871 and they're the women that inspire me and they still do. 0:04:48.391 --> 0:04:50.751 They were not like what the media had portrayed them 0:04:50.791 --> 0:04:54.511 at all, like I and I feel immensely grateful to 0:04:54.591 --> 0:04:58.471 be raised by such incredible Black women like my Auntie's 0:04:58.551 --> 0:05:01.431 cousins and the black women in my community. And I 0:05:01.511 --> 0:05:05.871 really wanted to do photography portray how I see Black 0:05:05.911 --> 0:05:10.991 women as we are. You know, we're connected, we're strong, 0:05:11.791 --> 0:05:17.911 but we also carry such strength but also softness. And 0:05:17.951 --> 0:05:21.391 for me, it's just how I really see, you know, 0:05:21.991 --> 0:05:25.671 mob and through my own lens, and I really like 0:05:25.791 --> 0:05:30.151 through my photography, I also wanted to really change that 0:05:30.431 --> 0:05:35.271 stereotype of Aboriginal women. We are just incredibly beautiful and 0:05:35.671 --> 0:05:38.231 even like if you look back at the stereotypes that 0:05:38.271 --> 0:05:43.431 they say were ugly or that old gam and say, 0:05:43.431 --> 0:05:45.951 and you know, like, oh, you're too pretty to be Aboriginal, 0:05:45.991 --> 0:05:47.671 Like I really wanted to change that because I think 0:05:47.791 --> 0:05:52.391 every black woman is absolutely magnificent like chef's kiss. 0:05:54.311 --> 0:05:55.671 Yeah, gosh. 0:05:55.911 --> 0:05:59.551 And you really are helping to change the narrative of 0:05:59.591 --> 0:06:03.231 how people perceive us because you're so right, like we 0:06:04.431 --> 0:06:08.871 firstly have not been really represented on a main global stage. 0:06:08.951 --> 0:06:11.791 And whatever I think of like our black women and 0:06:11.871 --> 0:06:17.031 my aunties, my cousins, my friends, my sisters, there is 0:06:17.151 --> 0:06:21.631 this beauty and realness that comes with with you know, 0:06:21.711 --> 0:06:25.391 being a black woman, being a sovereign, sacred woman, like 0:06:25.471 --> 0:06:29.991 our women have been here for longer than modern governments, 0:06:30.031 --> 0:06:34.111 longer than you know, we can you know, even conceptualize. 0:06:34.191 --> 0:06:37.751 So you really are helping to change the way that Australia, 0:06:37.991 --> 0:06:41.191 so called Australia, views us by showing us in all 0:06:41.231 --> 0:06:44.151 of our facets and that yeah, we are strong, but 0:06:44.231 --> 0:06:48.591 we are soft and beautiful and loving and generous. So yeah, 0:06:48.591 --> 0:06:51.831 it's really really special what you're doing, Sis. 0:06:51.751 --> 0:06:54.791 Because like at the end of the day, I you know, 0:06:54.871 --> 0:06:57.031 I look back when I was younger, and I see 0:06:57.111 --> 0:07:00.951 those stereotypes and even like there was a moment when 0:07:00.951 --> 0:07:05.711 I was pregnant with my my second born and i 0:07:05.791 --> 0:07:08.351 was in the doctor's waiting room and I've just seen 0:07:08.391 --> 0:07:10.831 all these posters of like, you know, pregnant women like 0:07:10.911 --> 0:07:13.231 quit smoking, this and that, and I was like, well, 0:07:13.391 --> 0:07:16.791 is this really how they view us? Like none of 0:07:16.791 --> 0:07:21.071 these posters or pictures I had seen really was showing 0:07:22.111 --> 0:07:25.871 anything that reflected how I'd grown up or like the 0:07:25.991 --> 0:07:30.111 incredible black women that I knew. So that also was 0:07:30.151 --> 0:07:33.431 like another kind of turning point because I do I 0:07:33.551 --> 0:07:37.831 love to photograph black motherhood and that was another inspiration. 0:07:37.991 --> 0:07:40.631 Really like that pushed me that little bit step further 0:07:40.711 --> 0:07:42.391 to really want to change the narrative. 0:07:42.631 --> 0:07:43.391 I must say. 0:07:43.591 --> 0:07:46.151 You know, I've spoken quite openly on the show about 0:07:46.191 --> 0:07:49.831 our journey, my partner and i's journey to IBF and 0:07:51.111 --> 0:07:53.711 trying to have a family, and your photos, I might 0:07:53.791 --> 0:07:57.631 get emotional, Oh my god, ancestors get me because this 0:07:57.671 --> 0:07:59.671 is the thing about a picture or a photo of 0:07:59.751 --> 0:08:00.391 someone that. 0:08:00.631 --> 0:08:01.951 Is so special. 0:08:01.991 --> 0:08:05.591 It's because you're almost this mirror back to them that 0:08:05.671 --> 0:08:09.311 they might not see this beauty within themselves and your 0:08:09.391 --> 0:08:13.111 maternity shots are just incredible, Like. 0:08:13.991 --> 0:08:14.951 You're so stunning. 0:08:15.071 --> 0:08:19.111 And you know, we use this terminology about decolonizing things, 0:08:19.151 --> 0:08:22.631 but when you think about, you know, what we see 0:08:22.711 --> 0:08:26.911 online or on Instagram about like baby showers and maternity shoots, 0:08:26.911 --> 0:08:30.231 they're all very white centric, you know, they're not really 0:08:30.271 --> 0:08:32.471 how we do it. And you take us back to 0:08:32.871 --> 0:08:36.911 our roots and you put us in these the photos. 0:08:37.111 --> 0:08:40.591 You put these women in in this like dreamy. 0:08:40.511 --> 0:08:45.511 Raw, earthy, sacred state, and I imagine that it's so 0:08:45.671 --> 0:08:48.671 much more than taking a photo. It's so much more 0:08:48.711 --> 0:08:49.791 than capturing a moment. 0:08:50.191 --> 0:08:54.191 Yeah, I'm just in awe of our women, like to 0:08:54.231 --> 0:08:58.751 be able to you know, grow another life form and 0:08:58.871 --> 0:09:03.391 also like carrying on this beautiful, sacred bloodline that we 0:09:03.431 --> 0:09:07.071 as black fellows have and passing on that knowledge that 0:09:07.151 --> 0:09:09.911 these women have been told. Like it it's so special. 0:09:10.351 --> 0:09:14.591 We had like the world's oldest continuous culture and seeing 0:09:14.831 --> 0:09:18.191 you know, more little black babies being born and carrying 0:09:18.271 --> 0:09:21.271 on that bloodline, it's it's so special. Like I can't 0:09:21.311 --> 0:09:25.551 even put into words how special it is. And I 0:09:26.191 --> 0:09:28.351 really love it. Most of the time, you know, it's 0:09:28.911 --> 0:09:31.311 when I get to meet these incredible men and women 0:09:31.391 --> 0:09:36.991 and families and models. It can become quite intimate because 0:09:36.991 --> 0:09:39.351 we get to you know, it's very one on one. 0:09:39.391 --> 0:09:41.551 We get to learn more about each other and really 0:09:41.591 --> 0:09:45.471 connect and you know, learn about each other's mobs to 0:09:46.431 --> 0:09:48.591 like who they are, who their people is, who their 0:09:48.591 --> 0:09:50.671 family is. It's it's really special. 0:09:51.351 --> 0:09:54.231 What a gift because it's such a vulnerable, intimate thing 0:09:54.351 --> 0:09:58.751 to sometimes even open up on film or on camera. 0:09:59.271 --> 0:10:02.551 I know we've done branding shoots before, and you know, 0:10:02.591 --> 0:10:07.471 we've used mob and there's something so vulnerable about being exposed. 0:10:07.551 --> 0:10:09.751 And so having a sister on the other side of 0:10:09.751 --> 0:10:14.111 the lens who understands you and your sacredness and your 0:10:14.151 --> 0:10:16.431 beauty and is helping to guide. 0:10:16.111 --> 0:10:17.911 That is just so so special. 0:10:19.031 --> 0:10:23.111 Yeah, I mean, what's your journey being like in becoming 0:10:23.151 --> 0:10:26.311 a photographer? Like when did you start this craft? And 0:10:27.111 --> 0:10:29.711 did you ever imagine it would take you to places 0:10:29.751 --> 0:10:33.551 like Vogue and Marie Claire and you know, all of 0:10:33.591 --> 0:10:36.831 those fashion shows, and Yeah, what's the journey been like 0:10:36.911 --> 0:10:38.791 for you in becoming a photographer? 0:10:39.311 --> 0:10:42.271 Honestly, I didn't. I'd never thought I'd see the day 0:10:42.271 --> 0:10:44.991 that I'd be published in these mainstream magazines because it 0:10:45.031 --> 0:10:48.831 wasn't too long ago that people who looked like me 0:10:49.271 --> 0:10:54.191 or more were really featured in these magazines alone being 0:10:54.231 --> 0:10:58.751 able to photograph them. So for me it's quite special. 0:10:58.791 --> 0:11:02.911 But also it makes me question like maybe this should 0:11:02.911 --> 0:11:05.231 have been happening a lot long time ago, because like 0:11:05.431 --> 0:11:09.151 I know, there's some incredible women out there who are black, 0:11:09.151 --> 0:11:13.671 who are amazing photographers who deserve to be seen, you know, globally, 0:11:14.391 --> 0:11:18.151 like one Grooper, Bobby Lockier. I mean all with how 0:11:18.191 --> 0:11:22.711 talented our women are, and I really hope with me 0:11:22.791 --> 0:11:25.951 being featured in these magazines that it does open up 0:11:25.951 --> 0:11:30.991 more doors for other black titters and brothers to be 0:11:31.031 --> 0:11:35.911 featureds in their incredible work. So I do feel really privilege, 0:11:35.951 --> 0:11:38.671 but also in the sense I'm like, well, you know, 0:11:38.711 --> 0:11:41.271 they should have been happening a very long time ago. 0:11:42.391 --> 0:11:45.831 You're so right, It does feel like, you know, mainstream 0:11:45.951 --> 0:11:48.431 is very much catching up. But it does beg the 0:11:48.511 --> 0:11:52.271 question of you know, what shifted you know, for us 0:11:52.311 --> 0:11:57.591 to actually be I guess respected for our craft, not 0:11:57.751 --> 0:12:01.871 for our aboriginality that we bring so much, like we 0:12:01.991 --> 0:12:05.671 contribute so much, just for our skills, not because we're average, 0:12:05.711 --> 0:12:06.791 not when we have skills. 0:12:07.071 --> 0:12:11.991 Yeah, exactly right, Like, I know my storytelling skills come 0:12:12.111 --> 0:12:15.711 because I am Aboriginal, Like it's something that I carry 0:12:15.831 --> 0:12:18.151 in my bloods, and you know, we are the world's 0:12:18.831 --> 0:12:24.191 oldest storytellers. But like at times, yeah, I do question 0:12:24.271 --> 0:12:26.351 what I am booked and I being booked because of 0:12:26.391 --> 0:12:30.031 my aboriginality? Is it a tick in the box or 0:12:30.031 --> 0:12:34.071 because you know of my my work and my style. 0:12:34.191 --> 0:12:42.271 Also yeah, yeah, but also I know that with stereotypes 0:12:42.391 --> 0:12:46.551 and how slowly this is moving that you know, if 0:12:46.591 --> 0:12:51.471 I what's the word, Like, if I wasn't aboriginal, I 0:12:51.511 --> 0:12:55.431 do believe, you know, without racism, I'd probably get more opportunities, 0:12:55.471 --> 0:12:58.671 like from a realistic stand of you, because there is 0:12:58.711 --> 0:13:04.071 still in media this very racist stereotype that we aren't 0:13:04.111 --> 0:13:07.951 capable or we need to be supported or you know, 0:13:07.991 --> 0:13:12.711 we're just not well suited when that isn't the case 0:13:12.751 --> 0:13:17.671 at all talented and we are more than capable. I 0:13:17.751 --> 0:13:18.631 hope that made sense. 0:13:19.191 --> 0:13:21.511 Oh, it makes it makes so much sense. And I 0:13:21.511 --> 0:13:23.791 think you're right, Like you know, Whine, Australia has such 0:13:23.791 --> 0:13:26.711 a long way to go for us to not just 0:13:26.751 --> 0:13:29.951 be seen as that diversity teak, but actually respected for 0:13:30.031 --> 0:13:34.071 the for the skills, the unique skills that we bring, 0:13:34.151 --> 0:13:39.631 and you know you are you know you are so 0:13:39.711 --> 0:13:42.511 talented in your craft that anyone would be lucky that 0:13:42.631 --> 0:13:45.871 feature you, and it would be lovely to reimagine a 0:13:45.951 --> 0:13:50.111 world or we're moving slowly, slowly towards a world where 0:13:51.151 --> 0:13:53.831 I imagine on set and I don't I believe this 0:13:53.911 --> 0:13:55.951 might have happened with the Vogue shoot, but that we 0:13:56.111 --> 0:14:00.951 had black photographers, black models, black makeup artists, black, all 0:14:00.991 --> 0:14:03.511 black everything, and that we weren't just sort of slotted 0:14:03.511 --> 0:14:06.871 in to this white paradigm, but it was all black everything. 0:14:07.071 --> 0:14:10.511 And you know, there's a long way for these industries 0:14:10.551 --> 0:14:12.711 to go. But I guess I'm pretty. 0:14:12.471 --> 0:14:14.871 Grateful that there are people like you who are. 0:14:14.831 --> 0:14:17.071 Leading the charge. But I also know that what you're 0:14:17.071 --> 0:14:19.271 saying would be really tricky to hold on to this 0:14:20.031 --> 0:14:22.791 hope and optimism but also be like, well, come on, 0:14:22.871 --> 0:14:25.031 your followers, like get with it now. We've really got 0:14:25.071 --> 0:14:28.391 to stop and really address racism in these industries as well. 0:14:28.471 --> 0:14:31.671 Absolutely, like it's twenty twenty four, there's no excuse to 0:14:31.711 --> 0:14:34.911 not be hiring mob. It's well and really great to 0:14:35.231 --> 0:14:39.871 have these one off features, but we need consistent work 0:14:39.911 --> 0:14:40.871 for black followers. 0:14:41.231 --> 0:14:45.511 Yes, yes, preach say that, Yeah, say it louder from 0:14:45.551 --> 0:14:48.151 the back, because you're so right. This is it's hard 0:14:48.271 --> 0:14:51.911 enough to break into these industries. We need long, long 0:14:51.991 --> 0:14:54.991 term work, not this seasonal when it suits them on 0:14:55.071 --> 0:14:56.551 their terms, work. 0:14:56.391 --> 0:14:59.911 Expically right, like it always seems lately, Like I do 0:15:00.031 --> 0:15:03.591 believe there has been some incredible progress. Don't get me wrong. 0:15:03.831 --> 0:15:07.031 I'm really proud to see you know, MOB really leading 0:15:07.071 --> 0:15:10.791 these campaigns and on the cover of magazines and in 0:15:10.871 --> 0:15:15.471 runway and all these incredible industries. But I do believe 0:15:15.511 --> 0:15:18.751 it needs to be consistent, just one offset needs to 0:15:18.791 --> 0:15:21.631 be an ongoing thing where MOB are really valued for 0:15:21.671 --> 0:15:24.591 their time and effort and their work rather than just 0:15:25.791 --> 0:15:28.511 for a ticket like a tick in the box. 0:15:30.231 --> 0:15:32.631 It's a really good takeaway message I think for anyone 0:15:32.711 --> 0:15:37.271 listening about you know, really go working in really long 0:15:37.391 --> 0:15:41.151 term mutual beneficial partnerships with MOB and you know, really 0:15:41.271 --> 0:15:45.511 valuing our contributions and you know, doing more to make 0:15:45.551 --> 0:15:48.351 sure that there are all black everything, because you know, 0:15:48.391 --> 0:15:51.631 when we are around ourself, when we're around our mob 0:15:52.031 --> 0:15:54.911 and we can be ourselves, you know, you'll only get 0:15:54.991 --> 0:15:56.791 better products and things. 0:15:56.871 --> 0:15:59.551 I think it's really important we raise that. Yeah. 0:15:59.711 --> 0:16:02.311 Yeah, I truly think like when MOB are well supported, 0:16:02.391 --> 0:16:05.991 we're together and you know, we know there's going to 0:16:06.031 --> 0:16:08.271 be long term outcomes, that's when we really shine. 0:16:09.591 --> 0:16:10.231 So true. 0:16:10.991 --> 0:16:14.191 And I think like too, when we have, like when 0:16:14.231 --> 0:16:18.151 we're together and MOB booked for these jobs, it creates 0:16:18.151 --> 0:16:21.111 a whole different level of cultural safety too. Well, just 0:16:21.111 --> 0:16:25.311 feel a lot more safer and you know, at ease 0:16:25.391 --> 0:16:27.831 knowing that there's other black fellows working on these jobs. 0:16:28.071 --> 0:16:29.831 Oh well, thank you for raising that. I think it's 0:16:29.831 --> 0:16:33.991 a really important conversation to be having, you know, with 0:16:34.151 --> 0:16:38.111 that in mindsets, you know, it's probably very difficult for 0:16:38.431 --> 0:16:43.191 you to sort of say, but you know, has there 0:16:43.231 --> 0:16:47.271 sort of been any any particular projects or photo shoots 0:16:47.351 --> 0:16:50.311 or things that you've been involved with where things have 0:16:50.751 --> 0:16:53.631 worked well and you have felt that you've had full 0:16:53.711 --> 0:16:57.391 creative license and have been able to produce a product 0:16:57.431 --> 0:16:59.191 where it has been done well. 0:16:59.911 --> 0:17:03.351 Yeah. So we did a campaign for my friends Hues 0:17:03.391 --> 0:17:06.351 are just sign a Laladia Houston Brigs and we did 0:17:06.391 --> 0:17:10.431 that last year and we had a black makeup artist, 0:17:10.471 --> 0:17:14.511 two black models, and the styling assistant was black and 0:17:14.511 --> 0:17:16.231 designer was black. So it was a full black team 0:17:16.311 --> 0:17:21.031 and just being able to really like collaborate with each other, 0:17:21.191 --> 0:17:26.751 like listening to everyone's you know, creative input. I think 0:17:26.951 --> 0:17:29.671 we were all really able to shine but also feel 0:17:29.711 --> 0:17:32.671 comfortable and have a lot of fun. So for me, 0:17:32.791 --> 0:17:36.471 that really like is a you know moment that really 0:17:36.471 --> 0:17:41.551 stood out to me because everyone's creative views and input 0:17:41.711 --> 0:17:42.791 was really valued. 0:17:44.191 --> 0:17:44.991 I love that. 0:17:45.231 --> 0:17:48.671 I could imagine you, like master minds are coming together 0:17:48.831 --> 0:17:54.151 and sharing your passions and collaborating and working together. That 0:17:54.191 --> 0:17:55.071 sounds beautiful. 0:17:55.711 --> 0:17:58.751 It was a shoot that was made by Mob for mobs, 0:17:58.791 --> 0:18:02.111 so I think that itself was extremely special. 0:18:03.831 --> 0:18:09.071 Amazing. Oh that's incredible. I mean what's going on for 0:18:09.191 --> 0:18:12.951 you as the photographer behind the lens, like as you're 0:18:13.031 --> 0:18:15.391 taking the photos, Like if we were on a shoot 0:18:15.391 --> 0:18:18.191 with you, Yeah, what's going through? What are you feeling? 0:18:18.271 --> 0:18:22.271 What are you experiencing when you're actually behind the camera. 0:18:23.271 --> 0:18:25.511 So it really depends on the job because I've done 0:18:25.791 --> 0:18:30.311 such a range of different jobs, like I recently photographed 0:18:30.351 --> 0:18:33.271 the Sorry Day event in Sydney and that was a 0:18:33.311 --> 0:18:36.791 really emotional day. When it's you know, events like that 0:18:37.031 --> 0:18:43.791 or subjects that are really you know, like heavy for us, MOB, 0:18:43.911 --> 0:18:48.431 it can be really hard. But then jobs where it's 0:18:48.471 --> 0:18:52.471 been you know, like where it's just been all mob 0:18:52.551 --> 0:18:55.271 and that itself has just brought me like so much 0:18:55.391 --> 0:18:59.071 joy seeing our people really shine and stuff. So like 0:18:59.151 --> 0:19:01.751 it really depends on the job. It's been a mixed 0:19:01.751 --> 0:19:03.271 bag of emotions because I'm one of those kind of 0:19:03.271 --> 0:19:08.551 people feel everything's being jobs are I've cried, I laughed, 0:19:08.711 --> 0:19:11.351 like I very much put myself into the job and 0:19:12.231 --> 0:19:15.911 really just feel every moment of the photo shoots. 0:19:16.391 --> 0:19:20.831 Yeah, gosh, hearing you say that, you know, it's it's 0:19:20.871 --> 0:19:24.351 obvious it's a really heart led job and that ability 0:19:24.511 --> 0:19:28.831 to like to empathize and put yourself in your in 0:19:28.871 --> 0:19:32.471 the person you're shootings shoes and feeling that it's so 0:19:32.591 --> 0:19:35.431 much more than just a photo, isn't it. It's capturing 0:19:35.471 --> 0:19:37.071 these moments. 0:19:37.631 --> 0:19:40.471 Like I've even done jobs where I would never be 0:19:40.511 --> 0:19:44.511 able to share just because of cultural protocols for communities 0:19:44.591 --> 0:19:47.191 and like even with my own people, and it's just, 0:19:48.071 --> 0:19:50.591 you know, you can't describe the feeling of being invited 0:19:50.671 --> 0:19:56.791 to something that's ceremonial or cultural, like that feeling is indescribable. 0:19:57.631 --> 0:20:01.751 But there are moments that like I will forever cherish 0:20:01.831 --> 0:20:06.511 and I would not be allowed say in that space 0:20:06.591 --> 0:20:11.191 if I wasn't a black woman or in this kind 0:20:11.191 --> 0:20:12.151 of role. 0:20:17.911 --> 0:20:37.271 Will be back you mob right after this short break? Wow, 0:20:37.551 --> 0:20:39.951 so I could I could only imagine what it would 0:20:40.031 --> 0:20:43.111 be like to capture. I guess there's one thing being 0:20:43.191 --> 0:20:45.751 in vogues and fashion shoes, but then there's one thing 0:20:45.871 --> 0:20:48.311 in a ceremony with you, with your own people and 0:20:48.791 --> 0:20:50.591 that sacred responsibility. 0:20:51.031 --> 0:20:55.351 Wow, incredible, And it was great that you said like 0:20:55.431 --> 0:21:00.271 sacred responsibility because it very much did feel like that. 0:21:00.551 --> 0:21:03.031 And like as much as like I've got these photos now, 0:21:03.391 --> 0:21:06.871 I could never share because they're so special and even 0:21:06.951 --> 0:21:10.431 speak about I will always hold these memories really dear. 0:21:10.471 --> 0:21:14.351 And as a mum, I've been really fortunate that my 0:21:14.431 --> 0:21:17.791 children have been allowed to come along to these events 0:21:17.791 --> 0:21:22.111 also or like ceremonies, so that itself like my kids 0:21:22.151 --> 0:21:23.431 now will experience. 0:21:23.991 --> 0:21:25.911 Wow, it's so it's just so beautiful. 0:21:25.911 --> 0:21:28.431 I think sometimes like you know, you've sort of quote 0:21:28.511 --> 0:21:31.911 unquote made it when you're actually serving the people in 0:21:31.951 --> 0:21:34.951 your family in communities that mean the most to you, right, 0:21:35.111 --> 0:21:36.071 Like that's so much. 0:21:36.791 --> 0:21:40.391 Absolutely, Although I do feel honored to be featured in 0:21:40.511 --> 0:21:43.551 some mainstream magazines. I saw it got very clear, like 0:21:43.791 --> 0:21:47.751 what to me is made at moment, is really being 0:21:48.991 --> 0:21:53.591 acknowledged and honored by my own community and people. Why 0:21:53.631 --> 0:21:56.471 not If I'm doing them proud, then I'm happy. 0:21:56.951 --> 0:21:58.151 That's it. That's it. 0:21:58.431 --> 0:22:01.031 And we've got to pour into our families and communities 0:22:01.071 --> 0:22:04.271 as much as we pour into you know, miggeloo or 0:22:04.311 --> 0:22:07.991 to other communities, you know, when we're living off our country. 0:22:07.591 --> 0:22:10.071 Too, So that is so so special. 0:22:10.871 --> 0:22:12.831 Well, I mean with that in mind sets, you know, 0:22:12.871 --> 0:22:15.391 one of the questions we like to ask our guests 0:22:15.751 --> 0:22:17.711 because you know, a lot of our yarns is around 0:22:17.751 --> 0:22:21.311 I guess mental health and burnout as well, is you know, 0:22:21.431 --> 0:22:24.631 thinking about you know, because this is such a heart 0:22:24.711 --> 0:22:28.831 led role that you play in providing these beautiful shots. 0:22:29.231 --> 0:22:31.511 You know, do you have like a person or a 0:22:31.551 --> 0:22:35.791 practice that you turn to to sort of come back 0:22:35.831 --> 0:22:39.111 to yourself after these emotional times? Do you have a 0:22:39.191 --> 0:22:41.711 thing that you do that works for you, that brings 0:22:41.711 --> 0:22:43.671 you a little bit of joy so you can get 0:22:43.711 --> 0:22:44.871 on with the next shot. 0:22:45.911 --> 0:22:50.351 So May that just went was a very very horrible 0:22:50.351 --> 0:22:55.631 month work wise, with just experiencing some really like traumatic events. 0:22:55.951 --> 0:23:00.391 So for me, I've I just I'm turning off, logging off, 0:23:00.631 --> 0:23:04.191 I'm spending less time on my phone. I just need 0:23:04.231 --> 0:23:05.551 to be present with myself. 0:23:06.071 --> 0:23:06.431 Yeah. 0:23:06.511 --> 0:23:09.391 If that means doing nothing, then that's fine. If that 0:23:09.431 --> 0:23:12.431 means I'm just laying on the lounge watching my favorite shows, 0:23:12.711 --> 0:23:15.151 eating my favorite food, then that's fine. I just need 0:23:15.191 --> 0:23:18.111 to be alone with my thoughts so I can I 0:23:18.151 --> 0:23:22.191 can process. And I know for some people it's very different. 0:23:22.271 --> 0:23:24.671 I think like connecting with your family and friends is 0:23:24.671 --> 0:23:28.911 also amazing and being supported. But for me personally, I'm 0:23:29.391 --> 0:23:31.391 one of those people that I just really need to 0:23:31.431 --> 0:23:36.311 be present with myself and really just process what's happened, 0:23:36.511 --> 0:23:41.391 and really think through what's the next steps and off 0:23:41.551 --> 0:23:43.991 just taking time out for me to fill my cup 0:23:44.111 --> 0:23:47.951 and just enjoy the things that I love. And for me, 0:23:48.071 --> 0:23:52.191 that's watching proovies and just vegging out and munching out 0:23:52.191 --> 0:23:52.671 on food. 0:23:53.111 --> 0:23:55.951 Oh my god, dear, you're a sister of my own heart. 0:23:56.071 --> 0:23:58.631 There's nothing more that I love than rotting away at 0:23:58.671 --> 0:24:00.591 home laying us on my cout. 0:24:01.271 --> 0:24:04.071 So I don't recommend that for anyone else, but I 0:24:04.151 --> 0:24:07.791 know for me that works. I'll be once I've had 0:24:07.791 --> 0:24:10.551