The Darwin DiverCity Series was created in 2020 initially as a promotion; and after just a few discounted sessions, I contacted the original clients to gift them extra images as I decided from there on - I would be doing free sessions to a special number of people to share their stories and images.
I was eager to capture so many different cultures in Darwin. It then grew to all walks of life, to celebrate what makes Darwin so special. This project was inspired by my own family, where I never had the opportunity to share my grandfather's stories or hear directly from them while they were still alive.
I have spent much time on this project since 2020, and have photographed the chosen individuals free of charge while documenting their stories. I have done everything from start to finish, including book design and exhibition planning.
Sadly, a few who were documented in the series have passed on and now is more important than ever to share their stories and images.
The exhibition was a massive success in August of 2024, with over 250 people in just the opening night followed by a busy week while it was open. All members received the exhibition print as a gift, free of charge, printed locally in Darwin.
Series two has now opened for applications, with the goal of photographing and documenting the stories of 52 more people - so an exhibition of series one and two of 100 Territorians can be shared.
FAQs
Who can be in the series?
Only people over the age of 18 can apply, unless there is a special circumstance such as disability or illness. In this case, a person can apply on behalf of another person - as long as the person being represented is of sound mind to understand that their image and story will be shared permanently.
How many people can be in a session?
One person per session only. This is not for family sessions - the DiverCity series may allow a couple to be in the series if they have been together for over 50 years or are very well known.
What do the stories focus on?
Stories are not of a promotional, political, controversial nature - this is not to put a spotlight on issues or your own business/career unless it is extremely significant in Darwin. This is about who you are, your family history, and any hardships/achievements overcome. This series also heavily celebrates cultural backgrounds.
What is the process to apply?
You can fill in the form below. Applicants who are the finalists in the process will be contacted to verify their story, and then those who are selected will be notified that they will be in the series. Please understand that this series is recognised across Australia - therefore it is likely hundreds will come through. Not being selected does not mean you are not special enough; it is a very hard selection process to ensure each story is not of a repetitive nature and is unique. At times, there may be an overwhelming amount of certain cultural backgrounds applying and this needs to be balanced out to ensure diversity.
Once those who are selected are finalised, their story will be prepared, with a draft being sent to them to sign off as well as a talent release form. The process of the photoshoot planning then begins, with the photoshoots being on a weekday in March or early April. Each member will get one free digital, a free session, and the story in PDF form sent to them free of charge.
Books will need to be purchased (if desired) once complete. Once the exhibition is finalised, the aim is for it to remain free entry.
Terms and Conditions before applying
Please read below before starting your application
Thank you for taking interest in the Darwin DiverCity Series (Series Two).
Application Closing Date: March 1, 2025
Due to the expected large influx of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted by March 10, 2025.
48 are in Series One, and 52 will be in Series Two - making 100 total before a major exhibition will take place sometime in the second half of 2025. Stories will be done before your session, and you may be contacted to clarify a few details before you are successful.
If selected, the series member will receive a FREE session valued at $150 and one digital high resolution image valued at $30 and be in the Territory's most popular photo series in generations. Total value: $180. The bookings for selected members will take place on a weekday between February to April 2025 between 11am and 5pm in our studio located in Leanyer (weekends and public holidays are closed for DiverCity bookings). Flash photography is used.
Series Requirements and Rules:
Minimum age is 18 or over unless an exceptional circumstance is listed.
Non-political figures and non-celebrities only.
Stories are to be of non-political, non-controversial, and non-self promoting nature. It is about celebrating who you are, where you come from and your personal journey; not fortune or business promotion. At times, this may be mentioned if the person selected is very significant to the Territory (for example, a builder).
All sessions will take place in our studio, located in Leanyer, due to safety reasons.
If selected, you will be directed on what to wear, bring and do. This is not a session designed for an updated family photo, or headshot - it is very emotive and no custom requests will be accepted.
One person per session only, two are permitted if over 70 years old as a couple or in exceptional circumstances.
Stories and answers need to be true and verifiable.
Every category has a limit, to ensure diversity in the overall series. For example, series one had over 10 Greek origin members - therefore only a few will be permitted in Series Two.
Georgia Politis Photography reserves the right to remove a member of the series if any information supplied appears to be untrue or if a member fails to give notice for a no-show to their session time.
If you are selected and choose to retract your participation, it will not be possible if the printing and book phase has started. However, if before this phase, a fee of $200 will need to be paid to in order to cover the costs of your session and image before removal from the series.
If you are applying on behalf of someone, you must be a legal guardian in order to apply for them. They must also be aware of the series, and understand that their image and story will be used widely - even after their eventual passing - worldwide, in print and online. An image release form will need to be signed if they are selected.