The Australian West

‘Go west young man.’ On the list of things that men say ‘hell yeah’ to, cowboys are right up there. I have been wanting to shoot some real cowboys for ages so when the opportunity came up to head out to the Dalby Camp Draught and horse sales, we went west.

Real cowboys - Im not talking some city slickers that put on a flanno and some polished RM’s to head out to the nearest rodeo. Im talking proper cowboys that wrestle calves, have stetson hats permanently attached to their heads and a hand shake that crushes your feeble latte drinking hand.

This will be an ongoing series where I want to create images that bring together what it means to be a part of the Australian outback. This kind of life is completely alien to most Australians, even though it is a massive part of our culture, history and image.

When you meet and talk to people from the country, to me the interaction is so different to people from the metro. Most have a depth to their thoughts, an appreciation for the real world and are unplugged from the matrix we are served here in the city.

It is also fascinating to see country folks interaction and understanding of animals. I was intrigued talking to a drover about the sales of some of their horses and the way they use and live with them when working on the stations.

They share a great bond with their horses and animals but also at the end of the day they are tools they use to perform their job, just like a tradesmen and his tools.

If you know some cowboys or cowgirls that would let me into their world and document what it’s like working on their station I’d love to get in touch! Please pass this on or forward me their details and id love to create some of my best portraits and documentary work together.

Luke