Iconic landscapes showcased

Luke Owen, a local freelance photographer, was struck by the amazing natural beauty of WA's farming regions and immediately knew he had to do something to share these landscapes with others.

He contacted a number of farmers in the Great Southern, the Wheatbelt and Midwest Regions of WA, all of whom welcomed him with open arms to capture this beauty.

Luke has since collated some of these images into his debut print publication, the photo book Built On The Sheep's Back.

"I was really surprised by what I experienced," Luke explained.

"I hadn't realised what amazing landscapes existed in our rural regions, regions that are really doing it tough and in many ways have been largely ignored and forgotten by many, despite playing a vital role.

"I knew that I had to do something to create conversation around these landscapes, landscapes that are frankly at risk of disappearing."

Luke said the project was unique as it captured and showcased the amazing landscapes that exist in farming regions, landscapes that many have perhaps forgotten about.

"While some may argue that the mine site and the oil rig are more relevant to our nation today, it cannot be disputed that Australia's economy was truly built on the sheep's back," he said.

It was built on the initial efforts of our crop and livestock far- mers.

These at-risk, iconic landscapes should be showcased, Luke said, something which Built On The Sheep's Back aims to do.

"Luke has travelled far and wide, and off the beaten track simply to document and to find out a bit more about aspects of our lives, our homes and, yes, our jobs," the owner of one of the properties showcased said.

"This is exactly what we need more Australians, both young and old, to do to take the time to gain a better understanding of agriculture and life in a rural community, to travel off the beaten track and experience the amazing rural landscapes our nation is blessed with."