She's the face behind successful business Barefoot Wandering Photography and now Marley Morgan is one of four artists worldwide awarded the inaugural iStock Inclusion Grant.
The Wiradjuri and Yuwaalaraay woman is determined to “inspire and celebrate Aboriginal women” on a global stage.
“I plan to use this grant to build a collection of stock imagery that presents positive depictions of my people," she told NITV News.
"My hope is that these images will be seen and change negative perceptions that some people may harbor while allowing young mob the opportunity to see imagery they can relate to,” she said.
For the humble mother of three, capturing momentos of motherhood for Blak women is why she does what she does.
'Portrait of Aila' by Marley Morgan for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day. Source: Supplied
“It’s so important our women feel supported through their maternity and motherhood journey,” said Ms Morgan.
“Having proud images to share with mob and family photos to pass down is important because as time goes on the sentimental value of those photos increase.”
The mother of three bought her first DSLR camera in 2016 after the birth of her first son. Now, with three young boys, she describes them as her “proudest achievements”.
Raised on Country in Lightning Ridge, Ms Morgan’s mother passed away when she was young.
“The women in my family were a huge support for my father, myself and my siblings as we grew and continue to grow," she said.
"Thankfully we have such a big family so there was never a shortage of aunties, cousins and Elders around for guidance."
Ms Morgan finds pieces of her aunties in her.
Photography by Marley Morgan of Barefoot Wandering Photography. Source: Supplied
“I have a natural maternal instinct and I believe that’s because of the way the women in my family have helped my father raise me. I also have some pretty staunch aunties that aren’t afraid to speak up and tell things like they are,” she said.
“I am quite soft-spoken and reserved but I do feel thankful that I have the ability to speak up when I feel the need to and I attribute that to my aunties.”
Whilst Ms Morgan may be the first Aboriginal woman to have her art supported by iStock, she hopes she isn’t the last.
“By promoting the work of diverse creators on a global platform, I hope it can educate people on First Nations cultural heritage, and encourage and inspire future generations of First Nations artists and creators to share their work with the world,” she said.
