I’ve just caught up with the 2006 Australian Snapshots exhibition:

The Australian Snapshots initiative began in August 2004, when 150 disposable cameras were sent to Local Radio listeners across regional Australia with a request to photograph sports, leisure and daily activities that connected their communities.

The rationale behind using disposable cameras was to create an equal playing field for all – no-one could crop, filter or manipulate their photos to achieve more dramatic results. I

There’s a weird politics of Australianness that reflects the idea that regional and rural Australia are the locus of genteel, folksy creativity (as opposed to the rawness or digital sophistication of urban Australia) but I like the imposition of technological constraints by using disposable film cameras a _lot_. And I love this year’s theme of course:

We’re hoping to once again capture the essence of life in Australia – this time through the variety of creative endeavours undertaken in regional Australia.

This could vary from hobbies and leisure activities like art, theatre groups, craft, cooking etc, to unique work environments – gardens, nurseries, teaching, fund raising etc. How you interpret the theme is up to you

If you get the chance, use your photos to tell us a story of your chosen creative pursuit.

And of course, there are quilts. Woo!