If you can see it, you can be it, 2025

Growing up, I rarely saw mob who looked like me in mainstream media, and when I did, the portrayal was often negative. It wasn’t until my early twenties, when I discovered the incredible Magnolia Maymuru, that everything shifted. Seeing a beautiful, intelligent, and resilient Aboriginal woman on such a prominent stage inspired not just me, but a whole generation to see a place for ourselves in the fashion industry. This year, I had the privilege of photographing Magnolia wearing bula’bula at the Country to Couture runway—a true full-circle moment. She helped pave the way for so many of us. Seeing positive and diverse representation of First Nations people in media and culture can be transformative. It’s more than just a reflection; it’s a powerful affirmation that our story, our identity, and our culture are valued and celebrated. When we see ourselves, our family, or our community portrayed with strength, pride, and complexity, it can challenge negative stereotypes and help us see our own potential in a new light.

Marley Morgan is a Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay photographer currently based on Gumbaynggirr Country in Australia. Her photography focuses on authentic storytelling through a First Nations lens, with a particular emphasis on First Nations women, motherhood, fashion, and culture.
Professional Life
Morgan’s work has been featured in major publications like Vogue, Frankie, and Marie Claire. She is a member of Blak Lens, a collective of First Nations photographers and videographers in Australia, and is the founder of the Shutter Sistas initiative, a program that provides photography workshops and mentorship for young Indigenous women in remote communities.
Through her art, Morgan aims to celebrate the strength and resilience of First Nations people and challenge negative stereotypes. She uses her photography to create an inclusive space and promote true representation within mainstream media.