Spring Down Under

How much importance do you place on the art of relaxation?

To truly relax, to allow oneself to seep away into the arms of the day without haste or worry…. it’s an art. Something about every Australian I have ever known, I have loved. I have found kinship in their sheer curiosity of adventure and outbound journeys. Their seemingly incorrigible hunger to truly enjoy every bite of life; To lift a glass in every occasion, kick their shoes off and lean back with exhale and a good beer. A place where travel and curiosity in the world they’ve been born is nurtured as much as formalities of education in classrooms. Where silent camaraderie is strong and steadfast, where over abundant words are unnecessary.   The care revolves around the who, not the what.

Meet Australian photographer Ryan Brabazon. His images drip with moments of time that both stand still and pass in a flash. Portraits of faces you’ve always known, even though you’ve never met… and those you’ve seen over and over; yet here, in his medium, he presents them in a new light. Landscapes caught in a light a blinking eye would surely miss. His work is simply…. beautiful. Stripped down to the naked truth, it’s a subtle reminder; breathe… smile… and take a walk with the trees.

I sat down and spoke with Ryan after receiving images from his latest shoot for us. “My greatest source of inspiration comes from traveling. Packing a few essentials and heading away somewhere new and experiencing different surroundings. This sense of freedom plays a major role in inspiring me to create….”

How do you feel Australia’s land and geography influences creative minds? 

The open spaces and beautiful landscapes definitely influence all forms of artists from Australia. But from a photography perspective, there is always an amazing location close by.

How did your parents raise you? Are they both native to Australia? Were they creative/artists?

My parents are both hard working Aussies. I grew up the the South Coast of Western Australia and we lived right on the beach, so that is where my love of the coast came from.

At what point did you realize photography was your calling?

Growing up I would always see adults purely working hard to support their families but not necessarily enjoying what they did. That is when I decided that when it came time for me to get a actual ‘job’ I would ONLY do what I loved.

Photography was always a hobby growing up. I used to take photos of my mates surfing and skating on my family film cameras or any disposables I could get my hands on. At the time, I used to get a thrill out of picking up my rolls of processed film from the pharmacy and seeing if I had caught the moment; the best wave, the highest trick, the….

Nowadays I don’t so much shoot sport, but the same theory applies. I now try to capture what freedom in life is supposed to look like. Capture those beautiful moments.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years… be as idyllic as you wish….

In ten years time!? That is a tough question. I am not exactly sure where I will be, but what I do know is that I will only be doing what I am passionate about.

What does your ideal home look like?

My ideal home right would definitely be on a white sand beach and it would look like it has been transported straight from Palm Springs.

Your favorite artist?

I would consider my favourite artist as the band Beach House (ironic name), I spend a fair bit of time at my computer and those guys are pretty much on loop the entire time. I cannot begin to describe their music. If you have not heard them then go and do it.

If you could describe Australia as a person…. Who is it? Describe him/her in one sentence, or better yet… one word?

Australia is pretty hard to be summed up in one person but I think if you could blend a few together then it would probably be the surfer Joel Parkinson, the musician Paul Kelly with the determination of a young Cathy Freeman (Australian Olympian). Throw in the scent of of a backyard bbq and then you’re probably getting close.

What is your greatest source of inspiration?

My greatest source of inspiration comes from traveling. Packing a few essentials and heading away somewhere new and experiencing different surroundings. This sense of freedom plays a major role in inspiring me to create.

Get the look: Annie Crystal Crown, Tuareg Collar.

Get the look: Faithful Shaggy Jacket, Extreme Front V Bra, Lovers High Rise, Lapis Fringe Necklace, Everything Is Rosey Romper, Tuareg Collar.

Get the look: Everything Is Rosey Romper, Tuareg Collar.

Get the look: Cage Racerback Bra, Domino Fall Trouser, Leather Tassel Pendant, Matador Hat.

Get the look: Raw Destroyed Boyfriend Jean, Oversized Ruched Sleeve Long Shirt, Cage Racerback Bra, Domino Fall Trouser, Leather Tassel Pendant, Matador Hat, Faithful Shaggy Jacket.

Get the look: Long Sleeve One Piece, Sleeveless One Piece.

Get the look: Crystal Vision Maxi, Secret Garden Printed Maxi.

Get the look: Raw Destroyed Boyfriend Jean, Highs and Lows Poncho, Owen Relaxed Straight Leg, Safari Fringe Jacket, Knubby Cuff Beanie.

Get the look: Owen Relaxed Straight Leg, Destroyed Muscle Tee.

Photography: Ryan Brabazon

Models: Annalise McLachlan & Soraya Stuart-Smith

““To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for  granted.”
– B. Bryson