Captures of Creation

A celebration of the world’s Indigenous cultures through the art of photography. The Captures Of Creation Photographic Competition invites you to explore, capture, and share the beauty, diversity, and resilience of communities across the globe. Uncover the untold stories, traditions, and experiences that deserve recognition and appreciation.

Narration: Andrew D Flanagan
Role: Writer
Native Land / Region: Name Name

Take a seat at the digital campfire.

Our Photographic Competition is an exciting platform that invites photographers from all backgrounds to capture the beauty, diversity, and essence of Indigenous cultures, landscapes, and communities worldwide. This competition serves as a celebration of Indigenous cultures while also offering a unique opportunity for photographers to showcase their talent and passion for visual storytelling.

Join us in using the power of photography to preserve, share, and celebrate Indigenous cultures and stories. Your lens can be a powerful instrument of change and connection.

stories from the spaces in between

Through the Photographic Competition, we aim to promote cross-cultural understanding, celebrate Indigenous heritage, and support emerging talents in the field of photography. We see photography as a powerful medium to capture not only moments in time but also stories, emotions, and the rich weaving of Indigenous cultures that create our world. Ultimately, our vision is to create a platform where these visual narratives can be shared, appreciated, and serve as a source of inspiration and awareness for a global audience.

We Are All Stories. Stories Connect Us. Stories Define Us.​

Join our Photographic Competition and be part of a transformative journey that celebrates Indigenous cultures and stories from around the world. Our competition is open to photographers of all levels, backgrounds, and ages, ensuring a diverse and inclusive portrayal of Indigenous communities. With a global reach, we encourage entries from photographers worldwide, providing a rich tapestry of narratives.

By participating, you not only have a chance to win cash prizes and camera equipment but also the opportunity to have your work showcased on The VA Network, reaching a global audience. We prioritize community engagement, working closely with Indigenous communities to ensure respectful representation and consent for the subjects in the photographs.

Selected photographs will be featured in online exhibitions and potentially in publications, expanding the impact of your work. Plus, we offer educational components such as workshops and webinars, fostering learning and collaboration among photographers.

Themes That Transcend.
Explore, Capture, and Share your story, your way.

<p style=”text-align: center;”>The themes of The VA Network’s Photographic Competition are more than just subjects for your lens; they are windows into lives, cultures, histories, and contemporary realities. By participating in this competition, you are not only showcasing your photographic talent but also becoming a storyteller, a bridge between cultures, and a guardian of narratives that deserve to be heard. Each theme invites you to explore, capture, and share the beauty, resilience, and uniqueness of Indigenous communities worldwide. </p>

Photographs that capture the vibrancy of Indigenous ceremonies, rituals, dances, and cultural practices.

Images that showcase the breathtaking natural landscapes, ecosystems, and the relationship between Indigenous communities and their environment

Portraits that convey the strength, resilience, and unique identities of Indigenous individuals and communities.

Photographs that celebrate the artistic talents of Indigenous artisans, from traditional crafts to contemporary artwork, to music and dance, all forms of artwork, whatever that means to community.

Images that offer a glimpse into the daily lives, celebrations, and community bonds of Indigenous groups.

Photos that depict the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages, traditions, and customs.

Your photographs have the power to transcend borders, evoke emotions, and inspire change. Through your lens, you can shed light on the intricate interplay of tradition and modernity, celebrate cultural diversity, and advocate for social and environmental justice. Every image you submit is a testament to the importance of preserving and sharing Indigenous stories, ensuring that they resonate across generations and cultures. So, embrace these themes as invitations to connect, learn, and make a lasting impact through your photography.

Themes That Transcend.
Explore, Capture, and Share your story, your way.

The themes of The VA Network’s Photographic Competition are more than just subjects for your lens; they are windows into lives, cultures, histories, and contemporary realities. By participating in this competition, you are not only showcasing your photographic talent but also becoming a storyteller, a bridge between cultures, and a guardian of narratives that deserve to be heard. Each theme invites you to explore, capture, and share the beauty, resilience, and uniqueness of Indigenous communities worldwide.

Your photographs have the power to transcend borders, evoke emotions, and inspire change. Through your lens, you can shed light on the intricate interplay of tradition and modernity, celebrate cultural diversity, and advocate for social and environmental justice. Every image you submit is a testament to the importance of preserving and sharing Indigenous stories, ensuring that they resonate across generations and cultures. So, embrace these themes as invitations to connect, learn, and make a lasting impact through your photography.

Prizes

For the winners, there are exciting prizes that include cash awards, state-of-the-art camera equipment, and the prestigious recognition of having your work featured on The VA Network. Yet, the true reward lies in the impact your photographs can have. By shedding light on the often overlooked aspects of Indigenous cultures, you’re contributing to a broader conversation about heritage, diversity, and the preservation of traditions.


But it doesn’t stop there. The proceeds generated from the sale of winning photographs during our touring exhibitions go directly back to the Indigenous communities they represent or are nominated by the photographers. Your images can become a powerful tool for empowerment, supporting education, cultural preservation, and community well-being. So, as you embark on this photographic journey, remember that your lens has the potential to make a lasting difference in the lives of many, transcending borders and fostering a sense of global unity.

what people are saying

Our competition has garnered praise and recognition from photographers, artists, and cultural enthusiasts around the world. These testimonials reflect the deep impact that this initiative has had on both the participants and the broader community. Whether it’s the celebration of diverse Indigenous cultures, the empowering platform it provides for photographers, or the meaningful connections forged through storytelling, the competition has resonated with individuals who share our commitment to preserving and sharing Indigenous narratives. Read on to hear their voices and experiences, and join us in celebrating the power of photography to create understanding and bridge cultures.

partners & sponsors

These invaluable partners share our vision of promoting Indigenous cultures and storytelling through the art of photography. Their support not only makes this competition possible but also enables us to amplify the voices of photographers from diverse backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Through their commitment, we can celebrate the beauty, resilience, and diversity of Indigenous communities worldwide. We are proud to collaborate with these sponsors, who recognize the power of imagery to convey stories, emotions, and the essence of Indigenous cultures. Their contributions help us shine a spotlight on the extraordinary talents of photographers and the rich tapestry of Indigenous narratives they capture

As part of the One Fire Festival, we invite you to gather around a virtual campfire like no other. Our Campfire Sounds are more than just crackling embers and gentle winds; they are the harmonious rhythms of Indigenous artists’ worlds. These captivating audio landscapes are created by the artists themselves, who share their sacred fires burning on their ancestral lands. As you immerse yourself in these evocative sounds, you’ll be enveloped in the warmth of their stories and culture, forging a deep connection to the heart of Indigenous artistry. Join us for this unique fireside experience, where the flames dance to the beat of Indigenous wisdom, and the stories of their lands come alive

The VA Network acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country
throughout the world, & their connections to land, sea, & sky.
We pay our respects to Elders past & present, & extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples on whose land we live, connect, travel, create, & love.

We celebrate the diversity of all First Nations Peoples
& their stories reflected in their unique artistic practices.
Please join us in respecting the ongoing legacy of the first artists of this country, & all countries.

Meet the Artist

⏲ 1hr 15min

Environmentalism / Culture Change

Finding our way back to our role as custodians of creation.

At its core, The VA Network is about connections and celebrating the stories in the spaces in-between.

The VA Network is built on foundations of relation to one another, the more-than-human world, and

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