First Nations Photography x City of Sydney
In the first half of 2025, we worked with the City of Sydney Council on a series of photography projects that celebrated and highlighted First Nations culture, stories, and everyday life. We documented key events such as NAIDOC in the City and National Sorry Day, as well as developed a dedicated Photography Suite that visually celebrates Indigenous individuals from the local community.
Sorry Day Portraits — May 2025
In May, we partnered with talented Indigenous photographer Joseph Mayers to document the City of Sydney’s Sorry Day event. Together, we produced a striking collection of portraits capturing attendees in a moment of empowerment sitting on a throne. With a quick turnaround, our team collaborated closely with Joseph to edit and return the full set of images to the Council — ensuring attendees could receive their portraits shortly after the event.
First Nations Photography Suite — June 2025
In June, we led the creation of a new collection celebrating the everyday lives and identities of First Nations people. Working with the City of Sydney, we developed concepts, scouted locations, and cast a diverse and wonderful group of First Nations individuals. Over three days, we captured intimate moments of community life with many first-time models. The final images will be used across the City’s platforms to reflect the people who shape Sydney’s culture and identity.
NAIDOC In The City – July 2025
In July, we documented NAIDOC in the City, a vibrant community celebration held at Sydney Town Hall. We worked with Indigenous Photographer, Jake Keane, to document stallholders, performers, and attendees — highlighting Indigenous culture, music, and art in full expression. Post-event, our team curated and colour-graded a selection of standout images for the City of Sydney to use in future campaigns and publications. The result was a dynamic visual story that honours the pride and joy of NAIDOC Week.
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Sorry Day Portrait (selects)
Producer – Sabina Pjetrovic, Photographer – Joseph Mayers (Yorta Yorta), Post-Processing – Josh Paton (Yuin)
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NAIDOC In The City Event Photography (selects)
Producer – Sabina Pjetrovic, Producer Assistant – Phoebe Price
Photographer – Jake Keane (Lama Lama/Gamilaroi), Photographers Assistant – Phoebe Price, Post-Processing – Josh Paton (Yuin).
First Nations Photography Suite (selects)
Director – Melissa Azizi, Producer – Sabina Pjetrovic, Producers Assistant – Phoebe Price
Photographer – Jake Keane (Lama Lama/Gamilaroi), Photographers Assistant – Jacob Stewart, Post-Processing – Josh Paton (Yuin).
Credits
Photography Suite Talent:
Isaiah Stewart (Kuku Yallanji/Wemba Wemba)
Jalamara Towney (Wiradjuri)
Josh Yasserie (Wiradjuri)
Katelyn Hussin (Dharawal)
Harriet Thomson (Wiradjuri)
Tyler Kennedy (Biripi)
Anastasia, Finn and Sapphire Stewart (Kuku Yallanji/Wemba Wemba)
Julie McInerney (Wakka Wakka)
Mundarrah Welsh (Gumbaynggirr/Gomeroi)
Shauna, Zaiden, Addelyn and Caitali Mckellar (Wangkumarra/Ngiyampaa/Wiradjuri)
Skie Gee (Wiradjuri)
Jean-Luc Hooi (Dharawal/Yuin)
Lucy May (Danggalaba/Kulumbirigin/Tiwi)
Alex Peisley (Waka Waka/Wiradjuri)
Dante Brex (Wiradjuri)
Ruby Georgia Apps (Wiradjuri)
Julieanna Szabo (Bundjalung)
Kristie Ingram (Wiradjuri)
Carter Johnston (Kamilaroi)
Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi/Mandandanji)
Sophia Hunt (Wiradjuri/Barkindji)
Jade Barber (Kamilaroi)
Doriane Cannon (Nywaigi)
Kamsani Bin Salleh (Noongar/Nimunburr/Yawuru)
Furry Friends Maala Duczynski and Gigi Price