“I like to romanticise it”: Photographers share the beauty of daily life in remote Australia

Tayla Lennon

Hailing from New South Wales’ Central West, 21-year-old Taylor Lennon (@picsbytay_) has been working with kids and horses.

I grew up on a mixed farming property in central western New South Wales between Forbes and Condobolin, along the banks of the Lachlan River. As a little kid, I often borrowed Mum’s digital camera, carting it around the paddock to take photos of cattle, tiny lambs and flowers — everything a little eight-year-old girl would see as beautiful.

My one ‘big’ plan after graduating from boarding school was to head north and work as a governess. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I could have made.

This opportunity gave me a whole new perspective on life. I completely fell in love with the three little ringers I spent my days with, learning, dancing and laughing in our remote classroom. They soon held a huge place in my heart. My university plans suddenly changed and my gap year turned into another year up north.

It was while working on the cattle station in central Queensland that my photography journey took off, using the same camera I borrowed as a kid! I remember our first mustering trip of the year: we were pulled up for smoko under a shady tree, and I thought to myself, “I want to hold on to these moments and share this incredible life with everyone,” whether it be the kids making a cup of tea on the back of the buggy or tying up their horses. I wanted to capture it all.

Then I travelled further from home to the Northern Territory, to fulfil another passion of mine: working for a horse trainer. I have travelled the Territory documenting campdrafts, rodeos and beautiful people along the way. I love all the action at events like these; however, my heart belongs to the little moments. I’m not exactly sure what my next step will be, but I am very excited to continue capturing moments with my camera and sharing this beautiful life on the land from my perspective.

Kristy Champney

A mother of two, Kristy, 35, is based at Crawford in the beautiful South Burnett region of Queensland. She posts on Instagram @wildheartedone

My ‘me time’ (when I actually get some) is usually spent with a coffee lying in a hammock in the morning sun reading Graziher. I think I have just about every issue that has been printed, so this opportunity to show my work via Graziher is very special to me.

I live on a fourth-generation family farm with my husband and our two daughters: Madi, 16, and Daisy, one. Our family predominantly breed Santa Gertrudis and Simmental cattle for beef production.

Farm work looks a little different for me these days because I’m usually chasing our little girl around in the yards, rather than the cattle. Luckily our eldest girl, Madi, is handy on a horse!

I love where we live and feel very fortunate that I get to live and work in the country. I think there’s something truly special about rural Australia and I love raising our family here.

When I’m not working my day job at the local council or being mumma to my girls, you’ll find me chasing sunsets with my camera in tow. My favourite kind of storytelling is the visual kind. I love that an image can capture moments in time, making lasting memories for generations to come.

I have a relaxed shooting style, aiming for candid, honest images. Whether it’s families, couples, expecting mothers or lifestyle shots, I love nothing more than being able to capture people in the moment being their absolute true selves.

Georgia Ditchfield

Originally from Coonamble in New South Wales, 23-year-old Georgia Ditchfield (@naturalasg) is now based in Goondiwindi, Queensland.

I’ve always loved taking photos. I still have the very first photo I took when I was just three years old. As I grew older, my love for photography deepened alongside my passion for agriculture. I began capturing life on the farm, documenting the everyday moments that many people outside of rural communities might overlook. This love for the land led me to study rural science at university, where I’m now finishing my third year with one more to go.

My photography focuses on the beauty of the bush. I like to romanticise it, almost like a poet. I aim to convey the story of the land and the people in it, using light, composition and perspective to express the quiet beauty of rural life. I also try to educate my audience by sharing small, bite-sized captions with facts about agriculture, farming practices, and the natural world. I believe it’s important to not only capture the images but also provide context that helps people connect with the land and understand the stories behind it.

One of my favourite photo shoots so far has been a collaboration with Emily from Petal and Bow Flowers, when I photographed her field of everlasting daisies. Picture this: you’re driving through a wheat field, the golden crops brushing against the ute.

You round a corner and suddenly find yourself immersed in a breathtaking field of pink and white everlasting daisies, with the Warrumbungle Range forming the most stunning backdrop. It was an afternoon I will never forget — capturing the delicate beauty of the flowers with the vast landscape was a dream come true.

As I continue my studies and work as a photographer, I’m reminded of how much the land shapes who I am. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to use my camera to share the rural stories that are so often untold.

Connect with us and share your vision of rural and regional life through the lens of your camera by tagging @graziher, #graziher or #GraziherMagazine in your Instagram posts for a chance to feature in a future issue. 

Subscribe to Graziher and you’ll never miss an issue of your favourite magazine. Already a subscriber? Consider gifting a subscription to someone special in your life.