MAP Group – Independent Documentary Photographers in Melbourne, Australia
MAP Group is a Melbourne-based non-profit association of around forty photographers who share a deep commitment to independent documentary photography. From emerging photographers to award-winning professionals, our collective brings together diverse experiences and artistic perspectives to tell the stories that matter. Through our exhibitions, books, and visual archives, we create a lasting record of life in Australia and beyond — from the heart of Melbourne to remote regions across the globe.
About MAP Group
Founded in Melbourne, MAP Group has grown into a community of photographers who are passionate about visual storytelling and social documentation. Our members include respected names such as Andrew Chapman, Tobias Titz, Ponch Hawkes, Michael Reed, and James McFarlane — all of whom bring decades of experience and creative insight to our projects. Many of our photographers have received national and international awards for their contributions to photojournalism and documentary photography.
Our mission is to use photography to record and interpret the world we live in — celebrating its beauty, revealing its challenges, and amplifying the voices of people and communities that might otherwise remain unseen. Through our collective efforts, we contribute to a deeper understanding of the cultural, environmental, and social issues shaping Australia today.
Independent Documentary Photography in Melbourne
Documentary photography is at the heart of MAP Group’s identity. We believe in photography’s power to inspire empathy and awareness. Based in Melbourne, Australia, our members explore everything from urban transformation in the Melbourne CBD laneways to regional community life across Victoria and beyond. Using high-quality storytelling techniques, we aim to capture the authentic human experience — not staged, not commercial, but real.
As one of Australia’s most respected photography collectives, MAP Group encourages creative freedom and supports photographers in pursuing long-term, self-directed projects. Each member brings their own approach and style, but all share a common purpose — to produce meaningful visual archives that contribute to Australia’s photographic heritage.
MAP Group Exhibitions and Publications
MAP Group regularly collaborates on exhibitions, books, and public projects that showcase our work to new audiences. Our photographs have been displayed in galleries, community spaces, and outdoor installations across Melbourne and regional Australia. From collaborative projects documenting workers, farmers, and artists to stories about environmental change and urban development, every MAP Group exhibition reflects our collective curiosity and compassion.
We have also published a range of photography books and visual essays that preserve moments of Australian life. These include projects exploring rural resilience, Indigenous stories, healthcare, climate, and social identity. Whether presented in a gallery or as part of a group map project, our work serves as both artistic expression and historical record.
Key Members and Contributors
MAP Group’s strength lies in its people. Among our distinguished members are:
- Andrew Chapman – Renowned for his long-term projects capturing Australian industry and rural communities.
- Tobias Titz – Known for collaborative portrait series and creative documentation of Indigenous communities.
- Ponch Hawkes – Acclaimed for her bold photographic explorations of women, identity, and social change.
- Michael Reed – Documentarian and visual storyteller focusing on community, culture, and landscape.
- James McFarlane – Skilled in narrative-driven photo essays and long-form documentary projects.
Together, these artists form a dynamic community that values collaboration over competition. We share resources, knowledge, and opportunities, ensuring that both emerging and established photographers thrive within an environment built on mentorship and creative growth.
Photography That Tells the Stories of Melbourne and Beyond
MAP Group’s photographers have documented a wide range of subjects — from the changing face of Melbourne’s laneways and suburbs to social issues in regional Australia. Our projects often focus on community resilience, environment, healthcare, and everyday life. Whether through portraits, street photography, or visual essays, we seek to represent Australia’s diverse realities with honesty and respect.
By working together as a mapping group of visual storytellers, we offer audiences a chance to engage with powerful images that reflect the depth of human experience. Many of our works are featured in museum collections, archives, and public installations, creating a visual history of contemporary Australia.
Educational and Community Engagement
Beyond exhibitions and publications, MAP Group is dedicated to education and public engagement. Our members often conduct workshops, talks, and mentorship programs to help emerging photographers develop their skills. We also partner with community groups, educational institutions, and local councils to create meaningful projects that raise awareness about social and cultural issues.
Through these initiatives, MAP Group helps foster the next generation of Australian documentary photographers while encouraging a wider appreciation for the role of photography in civic life.
Our Vision and Future Goals
Looking ahead, MAP Group continues to expand its reach both locally and internationally. We aim to strengthen partnerships with cultural organisations and archives to preserve our growing body of work. As we move into the future, our commitment remains the same: to use independent photography as a tool for social reflection and historical preservation.
We are always exploring new ways to tell stories — from exhibitions and books to digital platforms and public projections. By adapting to new technologies while staying true to documentary principles, MAP Group ensures that our photographs continue to engage and inspire audiences in Melbourne, across Australia, and worldwide.
Contact MAP Group
We welcome collaborations, partnerships, and new members who share our passion for storytelling through photography. If you are an artist, curator, or organisation interested in working with MAP Group, or if you’d like to learn more about our upcoming projects, please reach out to us.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mapgroup.org.au
Address: Melbourne, Australia
MAP Group – capturing stories that matter, preserving the moments that define us.
