Sarah Conlan’s photos taken last week of a local Indigenous family have gained over 500 shares on Facebook and Instagram and thousands of comments and likes.

Ms Conlan, who advertises her work on Facebook as Sarah Conlan Lifestyle Photographer, took the photos of the daughters of Louisa-Jane Roos, Aubrey-Rose King and Ariel-Grace King,  and she said that while all sessions were memorable and a privilege to capture, this one touched her soul. 

“When first speaking with Louisa, a proud Mitakoodi and Waanyi woman, she had a very clear and powerful vision of creating images that not only captured her young daughters’ beauty but strongly reflected their cultural heritage,” Ms Conlan said.

“Their Poppy, Kalkadoon and Mitakoodi Elder, Shawn Major, met us on Kalkadoon land and we watched and learnt as he crushed ochre and painted the girls faces. As he did so, he told his girls that the three yellow stripes on their chins represented the three major rivers on their land. I felt truly blessed to bear witness to such an intimate intergenerational sharing of culture.”

Ms Conlan said she sought Louisa’s permission to share her explanation of their importance to her family.

“She passionately states that while many celebrate Australia Day, traditional owners mourn,” she said.

“’Invasion Day/Survival Day’ is a day of mourning for our people and for educating our young people about our past, present and future.”

As soon as she posted them online, Ms Conlan was inundated with comments saying how great they were.

“These are just beautiful – I really hope you can submit these to a competition,” said one person, “This is absolutely incredible. Be proud,” said another. 

And they were many more like these.

Ms Conlan called on people viewing the photos to reflect on compassion, acceptance and respect for the country we now share.

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