From city to bush

Inspired by her love for Outback Queensland, 21-year-old Alicija Dalmau began her next chapter in life after immersing herself in the beautiful wonders of photography.

Alicija C Photography was established in 2023 after Alicija wanted to turn her long-time hobby into a career.

“I didn’t feel as though I had found a specific career with my previous jobs so I guess I just woke up one day and said to myself, today’s the day I start my own business,” she said.

“Photography has always been a strong hobby of mine for as long as I can remember.

“I can’t remember when photography didn’t interest me in some way.”

Being in its first year of operation, Alicija C Photography focuses on the many aspects of photography, specifically the Outback.

“Life on the land has always interested me and I think it’s so beautiful and raw that I feel utterly privileged to share my photos with people,” she said.

“I have found my “thing” with country photos.

“I believe that photos are a way of bringing people together and I wouldn’t trade a thing for the joy I get from it.”

Based in Samford, Alicija plans to face her challenges head-on and explore every inch of what Outback Queensland has to offer.

“It has been a big learning curve because I haven’t done anything like this,” she said.

“I am focusing on growing and expanding my clientele base and the whole of my business.

“My goal is to travel the whole of Outback Queensland, so I would love nothing more than to put my camera in the car and head on a trip.”

Alicija’s main challenge for her business is finding and conducting regular photo shoots.

“Being as young as I am and operating such a small business, it really has been a stretch to get my name out to people,” she said.

“I know it will come with time and experience and I just have to be patient and continue bettering my skills.”

This year, Alicija plans to book and operate some of her shoots with a drone.

“I want to learn as much as I can and get as much experience as possible and I think this type of photography is very interesting,” she said.

“Whether it’s with rural shots like when they are mustering or real estate photos, anything landscape-wise would be great to begin shooting.”

Born and raised in Samford, Alicija’s passion for the Outback life began from her love for horses.

“I wasn’t lucky enough to grow up on a big property, but we have always had horses,” she said.

“Horses are and will always be a big part of my life.

“Growing up, every weekend my little sister and I would often walk out of the school gates to mum waiting with the horse float to either go away to a competition or off to lessons.”

Once Alicija finished primary school she wanted to attend an all-girls boarding school in New South Wales which allowed students to bring their own horses.

“After bugging my parents for a bit before I knew it, I was being sent down to the boarding school,” she said.

“I can’t say I ended up liking the school at all, but I stuck it out and graduated Year 12 in 2021, thank goodness.”

Once she completed school, Alicija’s photography journey began after many friends and family members continued contacting her to take professional photos.

“Friends and family began calling me more and more regularly, so I made some calls to people for advice on whether I should start a photography business or not,” she said.

“This generated lots of positive feedback, so I decided to start my own business.”