Australian-based photographer, filmmaker and influencer, Jarrad Seng shares about his roots in Western Australia and how it shaped him as an artist.
You were born in Newman, grew up in Mandurah and now call a cosy loft in a converted Fremantle warehouse home. What keeps you anchored in WA?
As someone who’s travelled far and wide for my work, I often get asked about the allure of bigger cities around the world. But the truth is, there’s everything I could ever want right here in WA. It’s a place that breeds world-class creativity and art. There are musos – John Butler, Tame Impala, San Cisco – and street artists such as Stormie Mills and Amok Island. There’s breathtaking nature in absolute abundance in every direction. There’s also the space and room to breathe.
“There’s everything I could ever want right here in WA. It’s a place that breeds world-class creativity and art." (Image: Portraits Olivia)
When you’re not travelling the world with musicians such as Jimmy Barnes and Passenger, you are often out in the wilderness taking photographs. what’s the most epic part of your state to photograph?
You can’t go wrong by simply driving north (Lancelin, Kalbarri and Exmouth), south (Margaret River, Denmark and Albany) or down the west coast for a quick getaway. But for something a bit different, I’d recommend heading inland and taking in some wholesome outback experiences and station stays. One of my favourite WA roadies took us up north through the Gascoyne to the Kennedy Range and Mt Augustus, stopping in at farm stays like Nallan Station along the way. And let me tell you, the sunsets in the outback hit different!
“The beauty of WA is that you could be in literally any region of the state and find incredibly epic displays of nature at your feet." (Image: Jarrod Seng)
What do you most love about living in WA?
The beauty of WA is that you could be in literally any region of the state and find incredibly epic displays of nature at your feet. I’m talking Ningaloo Reef up north, Lake Ballard in the east, Lucky Bay down south and the Pinnacles located in the north. Recently, my favourite region to photograph has been the rugged and untouched east Kimberley region. It’s where the desert meets a tropical oasis. There are towering palm trees against rugged red-cliff walls. It’s a photographer’s dream.
“Recently, my favourite region to photograph has been the rugged and untouched east Kimberley region. It’s where the desert meets a tropical oasis." (Image: Jarrad Seng)
What are the top three things people should see and do?
Drive down and spend a lazy day at Elephant Rocks in Denmark, walk among the Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley and take the ferry from Freo to Rottnest Island.
What does a day in the life of a local look like when you’re at home in Freo?
I’d start with coffee and crêpes from my new favourite, the Little French Nest. I might also take the laptop down to Earthed co-working space, which is a Zen place to fire off a few morning emails. I’d also grab a book from New Edition and then head to Tonic & Ginger for dinner. I’d finish up with an Old Fashioned from nautical speakeasy Darling Darling.
