Hi, I'm Marley, your photographer.
Growing up strong in my cultural identity as an Aboriginal woman, I feel proud when I can share the beauty of my culture and people using my platform.
I live with social anxiety and can find it difficult to communicate using words. Photography provides an alternative to physical interaction that allows me to speak to a large audience and convey important messaging.
Producing and sharing my photography is really a form of expression for me and has broken down barriers to communication. During my own experience with pregnancy and motherhood, I felt very isolated and was provided support materials to assist with managing symptoms of post-natal depression and ill mental health. I noticed a severe lack of representation in respect to positive imagery for Aboriginal people and culture in media and resource materials.
This motivated me more to break the stigma of mainstream media’s views of Aboriginal people and advocate for more positive imagery and inclusion. I didn’t wait for organisations to pick up their game, instead I began building networks and relationships to provide imagery that I wish I had seen. My work today builds on that initial motivation and still strongly incorporates the theme of strongwomen and the matriarchal system tied to culture.
I also use my platform to elevate other Aboriginal business owners and am a firm believer in black excellence achieved through community, not competition.
“Our languages are tied to our landscapes & sacred waters. Our old people used our language to survey, navigate & understand their countries through songlines & creation stories. We have staunch & proud people in communities committed to preserving our languages because we know they are a part of our continuing story & we know they are connected to our land. This always was, & always will be Aboriginal Land.”
It is an immense privilege for me to be entrusted to hear and tell stories and songs and witness traditional practices and I can never describe the feelings I get to be surrounded by grounded people strong in culture. Using photography as a medium to document these moments, I hope to capture those feelings through my images and share those with my audience.
Capturing Your Stories
Striving to capture authentic connections, intimacy, honesty and those unforgettable memories that hit you right in the feels. Aiming to document those very special moments in your life that are real and have true meaning while creating an enjoyable and comfortable space for you.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of your story.
My Style
My style has been described as soft, emotive and earthy.
My work reflects my personality and my deep connection to country and culture.
I am a passionate believer in keeping culture alive through learning from it, growing by it and passing it on to our next generation.
My People
My people, the Aboriginal People of Australia, have the oldest continuous culture on earth & our ancient art forms are documented through a variety of mediums.
We are also thriving in the contemporary space in all areas of the arts; fashion, design, craft, photography, music and dance. Oftentimes these modern forms are intertwined with our traditional techniques. I have a vision to document our people in our current times for future generations to look back on what is now history in the making.
I also aim to uplift & empower our Aboriginal people through building relationships with communities. I want to provide opportunities for greater exposure to showcase our beautiful modern culture & business to a wider mainstream audience.
Location
Based on Gumbaynggirr Land (Coffs Harbour NSW), my work has taken me all over Australia.
Clients
"Marley is also a talented storyteller, capturing beautiful elements of her culture. She is a role model, inspiration and fierce advocate for all photographers."
"I had a shoot done with Marley and it was a beautiful experience. Very natural and down to earth, Marley has great talents and an artistic eye! I’d recommend her any day."
"I have worked with Marley in collaboration, personally and for my business. I love that she is able to capture so much in one shot. I am especially drawn to the culture, country and connection she pulls from when shooting."