Today’s creative is a local photographer who has a new book out through Fremantle Press… and it’s all about Perth! Frances Andrijich’s hardcover book is filled with images that capture contemporary public life in our city.
Claire asked Frances a few questions after pouring over the colourful pages.
When did your love of photography emerge?
When I was eighteen, a friend of mine who was a student at the time asked to photograph me for an assignment. I didn’t like being in front of the camera, and I found that I was far more interested in helping him produce the prints in the dark room. I realised that photography gave me a buzz. I started to document life around me, shooting mainly in black-and-white film, and to develop my own prints.
Was it daunting to start a career out of it, or a natural progression?
It was a natural progression. I taught media in schools, and at the same time continued to create self-assignments to follow this growing passion. After I had my first daughter I decided to work part-time in photography rather than to go back to full-time teaching (little did I know!) Always working as a freelancer, my first big assignment was photographing for Good Weekend. After that came The Bulletin and The West Australian. Other feature magazines followed.
Frances Andrijich, photo by Clair Negri.
Your career has led you to become well traveled. What are some of the locations you have shot in, around the world, and do you have an experience of an overseas shoot you’ll never forget?
I have been privileged to shoot assignments in Moscow, Croatia, Indonesia and South Africa.
All have been memorable, but the most complex and challenging was the assignment for the Black Swan State Theatre Company’s 1999 production of The Year of Living Dangerously. After reading the novel by Christopher Koch, I worked collaboratively with the play’s director, Andrew Ross, in deciding what images were needed to tell the story and to convey the unique perspective of Billy Kwan, a Chinese-Australian cameraman working in Indonesia. The photographs – shot in Surabaya, Indonesia – had to look as if they could have been shot in the mid-sixties. The brief was to reflect the point of view of Kwan, who was passionately committed to Indonesia’s poor. For Kwan, still photography was a way of expressing himself, and I tried to become his eyes, to photograph in the mindset of this complex and compassionate character.
These pictures were projected on massive screens during the theatre production itself. Simultaneously, an exhibition of the images with accompanying caption stories of the people involved was held in the foyer of the theatre. At opening night I was lucky to meet Christopher Koch, who expressed that I had captured the images as he had envisaged Billy Kwan would take them.
What great feedback to receive!
Coming back home, and your latest book Perth, how did this project come about?
Jane Fraser, the CEO of Fremantle Press, commissioned me to update my 2005 edition of Perth. Perth has changed so much in ten years, so I basically shot from scratch. A collaborative shot list resulted. I worked closely with the project editor, Naama Amram. I spent about four months researching, shooting and doing the post-production on this book. From around 500 images submitted, 150 were selected. The book’s designer, Ally Crimp, did an exquisite job.
What do you love most about Perth?
Perth is my hometown. I relish its relaxed outdoor lifestyle and am energised by its urban flair. Even in the last ten years, I have observed Perth grow into a more confident and dynamic city. These days, you don’t have to go far to find a quirky café, small laneway bar, or a pop-up shop with a difference. Today, ‘the most isolated big city in the world’ has achieved a global presence.
In spring, I love Araluen Botanic Park in Roleystone for its vibrant colours and beauty. In summer, secluded Marjorie Bay on Rottnest Island with its wildlife and crystal-clear waters. In autumn, anywhere in the Swan Valley. And in winter, the cosiness of yum cha with family and friends in Northbridge.
What do you consider Perth’s best kept secret?
Anywhere on the coast! One never tires of these long, pristine stretches, with their beautiful sunsets. I also love the many colourful festivals held in Fremantle – the rich multiculturalism and party atmosphere are a delight to photograph. Frances
Frances’ love of the festival atmosphere is clear through her new photo book. There is a notable presence of snaps of colourful characters in a carnival-like atmosphere. The book speaks of a love affair with Freo, and also gets out and about through the CBD and other loveable pockets like Leederville and Northbridge.
The publication represents public life in Perth nowadays. Think street art, markets and community events like The Giants, Fringe World and Australia Day celebrations. The book does not delve into homes, people’s lives or the suburban: it is, after all, about the city and leisure.
Though the foreword mentions Frances’ love of the multicultural element of Perth, there isn’t a lot reflected in the book. Indeed, it probably shows how far we have to come in terms of celebrating other cultures. This is why, for me, Perth is representative of the public sphere here – and a fair one at that. As well as celebrating the incredible landscape, art, events and neighbourhoods we know and love, the book highlights where we might move going forward. I look forward to a 2025 edition of Perth and seeing how we’ve changed! One thing is for certain – the vibrancy of our city today shines through Frances’ beautiful images. Through her lens, Perth can be viewed as a city of excitement and wonder.
Visitors to Perth will instantly recognise the images captured by Frances, with iconic landmarks like Cottesloe Beach and the State Theatre Centre featured, alongside other tourist destinations like Fremantle Prison and the Perth Mint. Perth is a ideal memento for tourists, who can look back on their time with a wealth of classic images that evoke memories of their experiences here.
Perth is available online through Fremantle Press for $45, or ask your friendly local bookseller for the lovely, hardcover book.