Baawaa Collective
Backing the Next Generation of First Nations Storytellers Behind the Lens
Our story kicked off with Shutter Sisters, where the main priority was simple: breaking down access barriers and getting proper gear directly into mob’s hands. By donating cameras and essential kit, we gave young Indigenous women the opportunity to get straight into the field, experiment behind the lens, and gain valuable hands-on shooting experience from day one.
Now, we’re taking that groundwork further through the Sisterhood Baawaa Collective. Putting a camera in someone’s hands and getting their first shots in is only the beginning backing them with steady support, real industry pathways, and genuine cultural sisterhood is how creative careers actually get built and sustained. Through the collective, we’re expanding on that experience with three core, hands-on learning pathways:
1-on-1 Video Calls: Virtual Sisterhood & Tailored Mentorship
Our 1-on-1 video calls bridge geographic distances across Australia, ensuring emerging First Nations photographers receive dedicated, individualised guidance no matter where they are based on Country. Building directly on the personal connections forged during Shutter Sisters, these sessions provide a focused, culturally safe environment for mentees to dive into their craft with an experienced mentor.
Key Elements of Each Session
Portfolio Reviews & Creative Yarns: Mentees walk through their recent shoots, review contact sheets, and discuss what worked and what didn't. Mentors provide constructive, supportive feedback tailored to each photographer's individual eye and visual voice.
Live Technical Breakdown: Using screen sharing, mentors troubleshoot real-world camera settings, raw file organisation, lens selection, and digital editing workflows in tools like Lightroom and Photoshop.
Project & Shoot Planning: Before heading out into community or on assignment, mentees map out their visual narratives—refining mood boards, shot lists, and logistical plans.
Cultural Protocols & Visual Sovereignty: A private space to talk through ethical questions, community consent, and how to photograph sacred sites or family stories respectfully without outside pressure.
Career & Business Navigation: Practical guidance on writing artist bios, pitching to publications, setting fair freelance rates, and building client relationships while protecting copyright.
Session Structure & Cadence
Frequency: Bi-weekly or monthly 60-minute calls via Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams.
Prep & Action Items: Mentees submit 5–10 select images or specific questions 24 hours prior to the call. Every session closes with two clear, achievable shooting or editing goals to tackle before the next check-in.
Pacing: Designed to move at the participant's pace, balancing technical rigor with room to breathe, reflect, and share.
There is no charge involved with these sessions
Shadowing & Real-World Experience (Getting On Set & Paid Work)
Taking what you’ve learned out into the field and putting it into practice.
On-Set Shadowing: Tag along with mentors on real shoots whether that’s commercial gigs, community events, studio portraits, or documentary projects to see how things run behind the scenes.
Paid Hands-On Work: Step up from observing to earning. As your confidence and skills build, we connect you to opportunities for paid assistant roles, second-shooter gigs, and direct creative jobs so you're fairly paid for your time and talent.
Learning the Ropes: Get comfortable handling gear, working with lighting setups, dealing with clients, and troubleshooting on the fly in fast-paced environments.
Group Mentoring Workshops
Yarning, Learning & Creating Together Behind the Lens
Building on the sisterhood started through Shutter Sisters where we got gear into mob’s hands and supported young Indigenous women to gain their first hands on shooting experience the Sisterhood Baawaa Collective is all about learning as a community.
Our group workshops bring everyone together to yarn, test out ideas, pick up creative skills, and build confidence behind the camera in a relaxed, culturally safe space. There is no charge involved for participants.
3 Day "Basics & Beyond" Workshop Schedule
Day 1: Getting Familiar with the Gear
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Camera Anatomy & The Exposure Triangle: Ditching auto mode, understanding Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO simply.
Handling lenses, holding the camera steady, and cleaning your kit.
Hands on afternoon practice walk around the venue.
Day 2: Light, Composition Storytelling
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Working with natural light, shadows, and golden hour basics.
Rule of thirds, angles, and leading lines.
Group yarn on visual sovereignty: Telling our own stories, community consent, and respecting Country.
Day 3: Sorting, Editing & Sharing
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
File management, backing up work safely, and basic image sorting.
Introduction to light editing: Colour balancing, contrast, and cropping.
Casual group review: Pick your favourite shot from the three days to share and celebrate.
Pricing & Paying It Forward
Zero Cost for Participants: There is no charge involved to join or attend these workshops just bring your energy and passion.
Community Reciprocity: We run on giving back. Instead of course fees, participants are encouraged to pay it forward like photographing a local community event, helping another sister on her first shoot, or passing on gear when upgrading.
Sponsor a Workshop Cohort: Inquire about our pay it forward sponsorship rates to fund workshop gear, catering, transport, and materials for the next group of young women coming through.