Behind the Lens: In Conversation with Photographer Michael Jalaru Torres

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair and Country to Couture are more than just cultural events—they’re vibrant celebrations where art, fashion, and the Top End community come together in the most collaborative ways. We had the opportunity to yarn with Michael Jalaru Torres, a proud Djugun-Yawur photographer from Broome, Western Australia. We first met Michael back in 2022, and since then, he’s been on our radar as someone who truly captures the essence of our events. From the exhilaration of the Country to Couture runways to the quiet beauty of the backstage moments and Darwin Convention Centre halls, his photos offer a unique perspective on the energy and sense of community that define our gatherings.

In this interview, Michael shares some of his most memorable moments from DAAF and Country to Couture 2024, his favourite shots, and advice for aspiring photographers. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be behind the lens at our events, you’re in for a treat.

WORDS BY Maya Johnson & Michael Jalaru Torres | PUBLISHED 4 February 2025

↑ Magpie Goose x Ewyenper Atwatye – Show Two, 2024, Photo by Michael Jalaru Torres

What are your favourite moments of Country to Couture?

To me, my favourite part is seeing the faces of the models after the runway ends—seeing them feel amazing and accomplished, having completed a huge task, maybe for the first time. To watch them feel more confident is truly a transformative experience for those first-timers [models] who embrace it all. I’m just privileged to be able to capture it.

What are your highlight images from Country to Couture?

For me, seeing Jake start the show as a male model, with the great visual backdrop at this year’s runway, made for a fantastic start to Country to Couture. Also, knowing that Jake did a lot of work behind the scenes for the runways was great for those who get to experience both backstage and on the runway—it really helps them appreciate what goes into making a show like Country to Couture happen.

But I also love capturing the backstage monochrome shots—just to get a different perspective, but also because of the random lighting. One shot that stands out was of Yazmin Cameiro wearing the Nagula Jarndu Bridal collection in one of the large hallways. The scene had a very wedding photography vibe, so it just worked in monochrome.

Is there a quote or a moment that best captures your experience photographing our events

C2C is a contemporary gathering that offers an experience of our people today, drawing from the past while also offering glimpses of what’s to come. It’s something you truly have to see with your own eyes. As photographers, we can only capture a single, frozen moment of today’s living culture.

↑ Nagula Jarndu, gujarra yangarrjin’ (two coming together, Show Two, Country to Couture, 2024, photo by Michael Jalaru Torres

↑ Sarrita King x Edition, Show One, Country to Couture, 2024, photo by Michael Jalaru Torres

↑ Magpie Goose x Ewyenper Atwatye – Show Two, 2024, Photo by Michael Jalaru Torres

What advice would you give to readers, especially those who are aspiring photographers or looking to work at events like ours?

The first step is to curate a collection of your best event and fashion photos into an album that’s easy to share—aim to keep it under 20 images. Make sure you learn to shoot and deliver the images to the crew after the show. Once you’re ready, send your expression of interest to the C2C team. If you can take on other roles throughout the week, that’s a bonus. Be ready when they call you up.

Is there anything you’d like to add? 

As the founder of Blak Lens and through our work with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair and Country to Couture crews, we’ve been able to bring more First Nations photographers onboard. We’re always looking to connect with more, so if you’re a First Nations photographer, feel free to reach out to us at @blaklens on Instagram or find me at @jalaruphotography to connect or check out my work.