Set in 19th Century New Zealand, Pictures is a story of two central struggles: Māori and Pakeha, brother against brother.
Walter Burton is a young photographer embittered by a warning from authorities that he is not to exhibit photos depicting Māori being taken prisoner by Colonial troops. Walter's brother Alfred however is prepared to comply, and meets with much more success. Determined to assert himself, Walter exhibits his controversial pictures - with disastrous results for his brother and himself.