IN Landscapes

A fascination with the West Australian landscape has taken one photographer all over the State to capture the spirit of our land.

Next to her trusty cameras, Frances Andrijich’s most valued possession is a ladder. She spends a lot of time up it. Nope, she hasn’t taken up painting in her spare time; the West Australian-based photographer uses it to visualise the perfect angle for a photograph.

Though she’s worked as a photographer for decades, being based in Western Australia has meant landscapes couldn’t but become part of Frances’ photographic story as she worked shooting photographs of other things, like people or vineyards. Frances has travelled the State extensively looking for different views, a new perspective or simply stunning locations.

“Ultimately, these photos are about giving us a sense of place,” Frances says. “For people viewing them, they have either been there so it sparks a memory or the image is arresting that it captures the imagination. I’m able to give them back that memory of having been there, which I think is very soulful.

“These landscapes are a considered impression of a place. That’s where I come from – shape, form, simplicity and evocativeness. It’s about invoking a feeling.

“What I love about WA is that it’s so diverse. You can be in the Central Desert and then in the lush pastures of Margaret River and you’re still in the same state.”

During her career, the award-winning photographer has worked on books, including one with Kate Lamont and another on the wine region of Margaret River. Frances has also exhibited in Australia, Los Angeles and Croatia and sells landscape prints to people who want their own precious and unique piece of WA. You’ll also see her name attached to theatre programs, magazine spreads and some of the most iconic photos of notable faces like author Tim Winton, actors Ernie Dingo, Hugh Jackman and the late Heath Ledger and sportsmen like Matt Giteau and Adam Gilchrist. Wineries have also become a specialty, which includes working with brands like Cullen and Moss Wood.

“I’ve been doing this for long enough that I am usually close to anticipating what I will get when I plan a shoot – but then I am always surprised. I still get so excited. When you get to the site you are taking pictures at, there is always something that will trigger where and how the picture gets taken.”

Frances says while there are thousands of images in her professional collection which were planned, there might almost be as many unplanned. An early morning walk at a lake while in the south-west to photograph a winery and its vines yields atmospheric photos of birds at a lake or a misty clearing.

“There are those shots which you just bump into while working on something else. They have their own sense of beauty and that’s what I love about them. I have seen so many sunsets and they’re still exciting to photograph.

“The most exciting thing about photography is when you are not expecting something. I shot a massive storm coming across South Coogee because I happened to be there for a picnic and at another time I set-up a handful of women standing in a salt flat in the Wheatbelt and a kangaroo happened to hop past.”

www.andrijich.com.au