Testimonials

I love to hear what people think of my books and to hear personal stories, so don't hesitate to drop me a line.  The messages below are very inspiring - never underestimate the good that a few words can do, and it is true that everyone has something interesting to say.  

Below are a few of the messages people have sent me by email - many more emails have been received; and messages by mail, fax and phone.  Please note that the writers of the comments below have given specific permission to be publicly quoted - I would never quote an identifiable person without obtaining consent first.  So don't hesitate to send me a personal message - if you send me a comment, it will never be put on the website without me contacting you first and receiving your permission (with an option to just your use initials and/or edit out particularly personal comments).  (Privacy Policy). 

Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to send me a message, your effort is very much appreciated.

 

AUSTRALIA

 

New South Wales

I gave your book to my mum for Christmas.  Mum was a farm girl born and bred.  Looking at the photos literally made her cry.  This book was the best present she has ever received. 

Keep up the wonderful work, Keren Doughty, Raymond Terrace

 

Dear Fiona

Your book is absolutely fantastic; I would like to order two more books, I think these are the 7th and 8th copies that I have ordered.

Kind regards, Will Jeffreys, Delegate 

 

Fiona,

Just letting you know my copy of "Life as an Australian Horseman" arrived in the mail today.  It is everything I was hoping for:  a well-balanced mixture of up-close and personal shots and broader landscape, scene-setting images.  I found the structure of the collection interesting.  It's like a diary, if you like, a record, hour-by-hour of the horseman's day --even the apparently insignificant moments, where the buys catch a bit of shade, or a swig from the water bottle.  I like the aerial shots of 'the mob' too--they have a very graphic quality--the dusty patterns of the outback.  I also like the way that you've resisted the cliches--you know, the lone horseman riding off into the sunset.  These characters have wind in their hair and dust under their fingernails--to borrow a phrase from the legendary American fold singer Woody Guthrie.  Good luck with whatever you do in the future.  I will leave this book on the coffee table in the loungeroom and water through the pages when I need a bit of open space to clear my head.

Cheers, David Turnbull, Wamboin

 

After I got your book I meant to write to you to say how much I loved the dedication and then all those glorious photos of the endless skies and horizons, the excitement, dust and energy of the moving mobs and a tired human being resting in the shade of his horse.  It almost bought this part of Australia into my living room so that I could taste it and smell it.  Maybe one day I will actually get there!  I do wish you much success.

Best wishes, Idelies Govett, Moss Vale

 

Thanks Fiona for letting me know via post you had a new book out.  My father is an old stockman (too old and frail for the saddle now) and just loves your previous book I bought for him as a gift.  I'm sure he'll treasure this one just as much.

Julie Wright, Bare Equine, Kentlyn

 

Dear Fiona,

Sorry it's taken me so long to let you know what I think of your amazing book, Life as an Australian Horseman.  The book was a gift for my partner who has a love and life-long dream of living on and owning an outback station.  Your beautifully illustrated book brought us both to tears as we devoured each page.  It has encouraged us to never give up our dream.  

Thank you, C.S., Goonellabah

 

 I love the authenticity of your books, you can feel the dirt dust and heat of the outback and the spirit that is truly uniquely Australian.

Scott McKie, Mossvale

 

Hello Fiona,

I bought the book to give to my partner as an anniversary present.  He and I absolutely love your books!  I particularly love 'A Million Acre MasterPiece' as I know quite a few faces within the book.  Both he and I did a stint in the NT at Newcastle Waters, Dungowan, and Kirkimby (CPC).  I'm sure he will absolutely love the book 'Life as an Australian Horseman' (if my mother ever gives it back for me to wrap).

Kind regards, Katrina Crawford, Bathurst

 

Fiona,

I recently purchased both your books, one for myself and one for a gift.  I am part way through Life as an Australian Horseman and am captivated.  There is so much to absorb in every photo, I find myself studying the men, the horses, the cattle and the surrounds in detail.  There seem to be many stories in the one photo, sometimes I think I can smell the dust.  I can picture myself there ---if only I could be there.  Congratulations on a unique book, and congratulations to me for buying them.

Frances Rennex, Cowra

 

Hi Fiona,

Just to let you know the books arrived today (just picked them up from the mail room).  I should be working, but instead, I am captivated by the pictures in 'A Million Acre Masterpiece' and the attached inscriptions.  Having been born in Wagga Wagga, and my father transferred to Sydney when I was 5 - the yearning to be on the land has never left me.  My father was a jackeroo, and my biggest regret is that I didn't do jillerooing - although I must admit I did learn to ride a horse when I turned 40!  I have spent many happy times on properties and your beautiful pictures have transported me back into 'my world'...thank you so much.

Kind Regards, JL, Sydney

 

Hi Fiona,

Just a short note to say thank you for the great opening of the Outback by the Sea exhibition last night.  It was fantastic to see all the photos and hear the stories behind them.

I hope the rest of the exhibition goes well and you enjoy the time in Sydney.

All the best, John Williams, Epping

 

Hi Fiona

I have just received your book 'A Million Acre Masterpiece' and am absolutely thrilled with it.  I had anticipated it would be great, after seeing your photography originally on an ABC program, and just had to have the book.  Thank you for sending it and the postcards so promptly.  The second copy I received will go to a friend, who will also enjoy it.  She is my web designer and has to put up with a lot from me, so thought this might be a nice gift to appease her!!  I love all your mustering shots, the movement, clouds of dust, you can feel the heat and the grit of the country.  Anyway, this is just to say 'thank you' for the enjoyment your photography brings to someone like me, who will probably never venture into these parts of Australia, although I would dearly like to.  I can however experience it through your images.

and...

Just letting you know that my books ('Life as an Australian Horseman') arrived this morning, just in time for Christmas, thanks so much.  I am resisting the temptation to read my book yet, it is my present to myself for Christmas, so after all my work is done here on the farm tomorrow, I will sit down and hopefully relax and enjoy your wonderful work.  I will visit my neighbour tonight to give him his book and I know he will be delighted too.  Have a lovely Christmas and New Year.

Kind regards, Lindy Quin, Couria Creek Cottages, Tilba Tilba

 

Hello there Fiona,

We only get mail three times a week where we are.  The book arrived in Mondays mail (which has worked out well as it's the 5th wedding anniversary present for the husband - 26th April).  Have had a flick thru before I wrapped it and I loved it, loved it, loved it.

Cheers, S.C., Jerrys Plains

 

We received our copies of 'A Million Acre Masterpiece' and 'Life as an Australian Horseman' today and what excitement!  our son is a mechanic on Brunette Downs and 2 of his sons also work there.  We are planning a trip to the ABC races next month for the very first time.  To see so many photos of Brunette in your books, particularly the 'Masterpiece' book, has made us even more anxious to visit our family.  I particularly was excited to see the aerial views of the vegie garden, the houses and the lake where the boys waterski, kayak and fish on their days off.  All your photos show the reality of life on these vast Australian stations.  Thank you so much, Fiona.  I will heartily recommend your fantastic photography to all my friends and acquaintances.

Regards, Val Shearer, East Maitland

 

Hi Fiona,

Brilliant.  The book arrived this afternoon (could not believe it would arrive so quickly) and my wife and I were very impressed by it, and I am sure my brother will love it.  Thank you so much also for the way you endorsed it, could not have been better.  I am more interested in the photography, and the colours you were able to get in the outback were great. 

Good luck for the future.  Guy Nugent, Towradgi

 

I received my copy of "A Million Acre Masterpiece" in the mail yesterday.  It was a birthday present for my husband and he loves it!  Thanks for sharing your lovely pictures of your Australian outback experience with us.

Giselle Lindley, Yarramalong

 

Dear Fiona,

I am writing to tell you of the great pleasure I am getting from your marvellous book.

For nearly 20 years I worked for King Ranch Australia and spent time at both Brunette Downs and Mount House.  During this time I also visited many other properties in Queensland, the Territory and the Kimberleys whilst Santa Gertrudis Cattle and Quarter Horses were being classified for their respective Breed Societies.  One of the many interesting projects I was involved in was to take the photographer Douglas Baglin to Brunette to compile a record of life at the Station.  Your photos remind me of this fascinating time of my life and of how difficult it is to 'Capture the Moment' when photographing stock and wildlife.  A flick of the eye and often the magic has vanished, particularly the wonderful patterns cattle make when on the move.

Your photos have achieved this to a remarkable degree and have brought back many vivid memories of a marvellous period of my life from 1959.

Thank you and again, congratulations on a great book. 

Regards, M.L, Bowral

 

Congratulations on "A Million Acre Masterpiece".  It is truly a captivating book - haven't been able to put it down since I received it as a gift!  Well done - can't wait for the next one.

Kamilla Stuart, Gunnedah

 

Queensland

I am greedy...this book bought back many lovely memories for me.  I could feel and smell the dust, flies and sweat.  My husband was never a part of big station culture however he has enjoyed this book immensely as I have described things to him from my own experiences.  What a trek down memory land I had.

Jacqui Beale, Mungallala

 

Love your work - great as presents (which I find hard to give away!).

Jo Pegler, Eromanga

 

I am a cattle vet based in Brisbane and do contract work for the pastoral companies.  I have worked on most of the stations in the book and your photos are so descriptive and so realistic - great work.  I am looking forward to your next book and would appreciate it if you could put me on your mailing list upon its release.

Penelope McGown BVSc, Brisbane

 

We have just received your books in the mail and wanted to let you know that they are great.  We owned a property in the N.T. for a number of years and your photos just brought back so many memories.  Of course when we were mustering and doing yard work, I didn't think to take photos and I wish I had now.  Thanks for portraying how it really is.  My mum dreamed of coming to visit us on the station to see how we lived but she lives in Melbourne and never got the chance.  We bought this book for her for Christmas so now I can tell her that what she sees in the book is pretty close to what it was really like for us on the station.  Thanks.  Good luck with the book and hope to see more in the future.

Sue & Simon Mattsson, Mackay

 

Hi Fiona,

I received my order today and the books are absolutely brilliant!  I am sure our friends overseas will be very excited to receive them...my work colleagues loved them.   And...  Since our communication last year, I presented your books to friends in Canada and they just loved them.  Keep up the brilliant work.

Kind regards, Fran Peterson, Chinchilla

 

Thanks Fiona,

I have received "Life as an Australian Horseman" and it is as beautiful as my copy of "A Million Acre Masterpiece".  They are constant adornments on my coffee table.

Best wishes, Liz Lawlor, Eidsvold West

 

Fiona,

I love your book "A Million Acre Masterpiece".  The images show the true spirit of Outback Australia, and it shows how rewarding the Outback lifestyle can be without romanticising it.

Congratulations!!  Selena Seng, Mt Isa

 

Thank You. 

My partner and I spent a year (2006) working for friends of ours (the Murphys) on "Kalala" station near Daly Waters in the Territory.  We also baled hay on Newcastle Waters, Brunette Downs and Anthony's Lagoon.  The problem was, we were that flat out working that there was never any time to take any photos.  When we came home and tried to explain what we did and what the country was like to friends we couldn't do it any justice.  So thank you, the pictures and comments in your book helped explain to our friends what we could not.

R Richards, North Queensland

 

Hi Fiona,

Just received the books today.  WOW absolutely spectacular, they gave me goosebumps.  My father was a Ringer and rodeo rider in his day, around the Rolleston area and Planet Downs.  Congratulations on such an outstanding piece of Australia and its history.  My work mates were impressed and will surely buy some books too.  Can't wait to visit the art gallery, fantastic Fiona.

Theresa Pradham, Mackay

 

Hi Fiona,

I received the book yesterday and just love it.  I am passionate about our bush and until recently have always lived in the bush.  My sons know all the country in your book as one does contract mustering and the other is working to be a mustering helicopter pilot and also does all the horsebreaking on Nockatunga.  He has just about finished there for the year, and has also broken in at Delta Downs and around Kynuna, among other places.

Best wishes, LW, Barcaldine

 

Hi Fiona,

transplanted to Brisbane and not liking the city life.  Love your stuff having grown up on a cattle station south of Alice.  Reading your books takes me back and reconnects me to the bush I love and miss so much.

Regards, Liz Locke, Northgate

 

Dear Fiona

Thank you for the books I think they are great.  I was looking through them and came across places I have been or know.  My husband Paul and myself own a roadtrain with three trailers which we operate from Julia Creek.  While looking at the books I came across a station where my niece and her family have just moved - Humbert River Station N.T.  We haven't been there yet hope to go there for Christmas.  Also Gladevale station near Richmonedowned by Eric & Lyn Slack-Smith - we have carted a lot of cattle for them when we first came to Julia Creek 8 years ago.  And the books I got you to send to my mum were a big hit she loved them and has shown them off to her friends.  So thank you for making my mum's day.

Regards Maree Hite, Julia Creek

 

Absolutely fabulous book of which you should be very proud, and an edition which one will be able to pass down to future generations.  I have planned to give one of the copies to one of my sons and I know he will feel as I do about it, and be thrilled with this years present.

Sincerely, Jan Stone, Highfields

 

My husband purchased both 'A Million Acre Masterpiece' and 'Life as an Australian Horseman' as gifts for a disgruntled wife, fed up with life on a quarter acre block in town.  At night I sit up in our bed and escape to the outback through the lens of your camera.  The photographs you have taken have a depth and quality that make me homesick for the places that I may have seen and all those I haven't.  I remember as a child I mustered cattle with my parents, feeling the sting in the sun and smelling the sweat of a grey pony.  I am sure that the pony (old boy that he is now) would love some of the places your pictures take us to - thank you!

Amanda Stirling, Tannum Sands

 

Victoria

Dear Fiona,

Just wanted to let you know, I went to see your photos in the Sofitel Melbourne reception six times while they were here.  Loved all of them and still can't decide which one to buy.

And...

Thank you so much for my picture.  I absolutely love it!!  I've gone on about it so much to my friends so I've had them all around to see it.  I think you might have a few of my friends wanting to buy one.  Thank you once again, I love the frame also.

Kind regards, Lindsey Nairn, Melbourne

 

Dear Fiona,

Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you!!!  I recently purchased both of your amazing books "A Million Acre Masterpiece" and "Life as an Australian Horseman" for my husbands 33rd Birthday.  The smile on his face when he opened up my present and saw your books was my very own "Million Acre Masterpiece".  You see he has been having a hard time of it lately with bad health and trying to uphold the family run dairy farm in Northern Victoria with the ongoing drought.  Your books allow him to escape even if it is only for a little while!  He looks over the pictures, makes comments and just really enjoys the moment.  It's the little things in life that make such a difference and your beautiful books make that difference to my husband.  For this I thank-you so much.  We look forward to seeing and buying more of your work.  I think you might have even inspired a dream, for my husband and I to one day take our 3 children to some of these cattle stations and amazing parts of our country.

Best of luck, kind regards, Sarah Iddles, Cobram 

 

Hi Fiona,

Back to work today to find your books on my desk.  I have had a quick flick thro and I'm thrilled.  My eldest son (working at Newry) called in & took them home, he won't be doing much this afternoon, I bet.

Many thanks, David Levy, Hamilton

 

Took my time to read the pictures and captions, thanks for that, and enjoyed it absolutely heaps and heaps and heaps.  What amazing images, and the explanatory descriptions are just beaut!  The beauty of the imagery is about as far from the reality of heat, cold, dust, dry and flies, as the equator is from the South Pole, or Kathmandu is from New York.  A beaut way to relax with a book, the best relaxer book ever for me.  Lucky I saw the clip on the ABC, otherwise I'd never have had the opportunity to buy it.

Cheers and thanks, Frank Meek, Clifton Springs

 

I looked at your wonderful book when Sally (a friend) purchased it and it took me back many years.  My husband and I worked in Queensland about 22 years ago it bought back a lot of memories, thank you.  I am purchasing this for his birthday I know he will shed a tear or two as I did when I read through.

Thank you!  Janine Fenwick, Inverleigh

 

Hi Fiona,

I purchased the book as a gift for my husband last Christmas, and it was very much appreciated (he is extremely hard to buy for).  Many visitors to our home have enjoyed looking through it as well, and my three year old daughter Matilda regularly requests that I get it down for her to look at.  Matilda loves the horses most.  I am desperately hanging out for a Victorian exhibition, and look forward to hearing when you may have one in the works.

Thanks again, Bronwyn Beazley, Lismore (Victoria)

 

Thanks for sending the books - one was for my son who was absolutely rapt and they arrived very promptly.

Regards, Rhonda Holmes, Mt Macedon

 

Hi there...having done a bit of droving and mustering myself a few years back, this book brought back some great memories for me.  I really loved the aerial shots of the cattle and the smoko pics.  Thank you and I look forward to the next book.

Thanks, Louise Pritchard, Emerald (Victoria)

 

Fiona

Just a short note to thank you so much for replacing my damaged book, very much appreciated, will highly recommend any of your work. Thanks again,

Happy Christmas, Stephen Danaher, Colac

 

Brilliant and just what I have been looking for.  It certainly lives up to all my expectations of capturing and recording all facets of station life in Northern Australia.

Cheers, Jack King, Geelong

 

The book was for my wife who worked on VRD at Pigeon Hole and also as the Australian stock person on the livestock ships exporting beef into Asia.  She absolutely loved the book which brought back so many great memories.  The day she opened it she just sat down and read it cover to cover.  I got home from work and the home looked like a wreck, no dinner cooked, kids not fed, bathed or anything.  Her only excuse, "this bloody beautiful book" she told me.  "I couldn't help myself.  I just couldn't put it down."  Don't know what I am going to do now, she has grand plans of loading up the Cruiser and the kids and heading back up there.

Kind regards, Rohan Dendle, Winchelsea

 

Northern Territory

 

I recently took 2 of each book overseas with me to give to the relatives and friends I was staying with - they loved them!  I'm ordering more to send overseas as well.

Cassie Duggan, Tennant Creek

 

Hi Fiona,

The book arrived yesterday, however due to only just getting home from the gym, then having to cook dinner only to then bolt down my feed and head out the door to dog obedience, I was too exhausted to have a chance to look at it last night.  So this morning after I woke my youngest for work at 6am, I took the time to lay in bed and start looking it over.  What can I say, it is wonderful, I struggled to put it down, however as I had to get my other boys out of bed for work (just wait til you have a 20 yr old and a 21 yr old, waking them up is a task of its own ha ha) and myself ready for work, I did manage to put it down and now can't wait til tonight when I can pick it up again...So far I have two thoughts about the outback lifestyle, one is that it is hard work, and secondly oh how free it makes me feel even just looking at the pictures.  As I manage 10 staff around Australia, the thought of just being out bush with nature (as harsh as it can be) really appeals to me...Thanks again,

Cheers, Gail Bates, Darwin

 

Photo was superb and framed just the way it should be.  Thank you so much for the effort on my late order.

Cheers, Bernadette Burke, Brunette Downs

 

South Australia 

 

Dear Fiona,

I thank you for your book on cattle stations, fantastic, and the postcards were sent straight to Germany for their views.  The book has been a point of discussion since arriving and has also reignited the dream to travel the country to view these sights ourselves.  Again thanks and continue your great work.

Regards, Nils Uellendahl, Glenelg (O'Hallorans Hill)

 

Fiona,

Thanks so much for the copies of your book, it is absolutely fantastic.  We have had some of the guys staying here from Lucy Creek and they are all keen to order a copy and everyone who has seen it has asked for your web address.  My son will be over the moon to see the photos you took of him that are in the book, he has been in England for a year but plans to return to Lucy Creek in February.  A friend ordered a copy of your book on my advice as a wedding present for a friend in Petworth, Sussex, England.  I went to the wedding and they were really pleased with it and many of the guests had been to Australia and were admiring it too. Many thanks again, I shall look forward to your next book.

Cherry Macklin, Ashbourne 

 

Hi,

A really good read, with great photos, was my best Christmas present for 2009.

Happy Trails from Tony Wells, Yalunda Flat 

 

Western Australia, Tasmania, ACT

Hi Fiona,

We all love the books.  Our youngest daughter (Georgia) who is just 17 is currently working as a jillaroo on Manbulloo Station, so your beautiful photos help us visualise what she is experiencing each day.  She is so so happy at Manbulloo and has said to us on many occasions she will never come back to Perthto live.  We are all jealous and proud of her and very pleased that at such a young age Georgia has been fortunate enough to be given such a fantastic opportunity.  Once again thanks for helping us keep in touch with Georgia and her new lifestyle.

Mark & Jill Dallimore, Subiaco, W.A.

 

Your pictures of Brunette Downs bring tears to my eyes, what a truly magnificent place, congratulations on your perfect portrayal of such a special and unique piece of our amazing country.

Regards, Kim Grambeau, Bunbury, W.A. (former Brunette Downs Station employee)

 

Dear Fiona,

I grabbed a quick view through the gallery this morning, so I could show hubby more pics when ready to brave the computer again.  And I knew what he would like to see, WOW they are bloody beautiful.  Can't wait for the book.  I just had to comment, they were xxxxxxxxxxxspecial.

And....

I had an appointment at a specialist and I took the book with me 2 read, cause u ever read the rot they have in waiting rooms, u know the type I mean.  And of course then I got into his room and u guessed it, someone rang him, so I took my book out again and started hiking through the pages while he was talking 2 who ever, when he finished he of course had been drawn 2 the cover of your fab book, what's that you're reading he enquired, like he cared - very sarcastically, I looked up at the old geezer, and meekly replied, it's a picture book doc, u know, one that u dont' have to read, thinking he might get the message, about talking on the bloody phone when I'm paying him a gazillion dollars.  He really thought I was serious, he asked why I couldn't read, which made me angrier, I can read I just can't bloody spell can I!

Anyway he asked if he could have a look, the result was he is off on holidays now for 8 weeks and asked if I could write your web addie 4 him 2 look you up.  He was very very interested in a big print 4 his waiting room, can you believe you're costing me money down here - I was charged 4 a double appointment, when all he did was look at your book, now 2 the book review.

Well I thought I was there in some of your pics, that's how great they were, words cannot define a true artist's angle of their subject, whether it be an oil painting or a charcoal sketch or a frozen image as yours are, if taken at the right moment in time, they're worth a million words to the critic.  I could smell the dust, looking at the cattle.  I'm really happy in knowing there's someone out there in the bush still telling the story, through wonderful images, may you never tire of it, because I haven't seen such beauty in an Australian book on Australia 4 such a long time.

Cheers, Cheryl Coombes, Tranmere, Tasmania

 

Fiona,

My first copy of your book has just turned up this morning.  It's truly magnificent and I'm particularly pleased that I ordered a second copy.  I love the descriptions and explanations with the photos, and little things I'd entirely forgotten about came back to me as I looked through it - like sitting in the shade of your horse when there's no other shade anywhere.  My grandfather used to do that.  The glossary is excellent too.  That photo of cattle crossing the Cooper is magnificent.

And...

Your book continues to give me great pleasure, and a number of visitors who have picked it up to pass the time have become engrossed and not wanted to put it down.  What pleases them all is the explanations and comments - they really give extra life and meaning to the whole enterprise.

Thanks again, D.S., A.C.T.

 

 

OTHER COUNTRIES

 

New Zealand

Fiona,

have just received 'Life as an Australian Horseman'.  Congratulations on a great book; and thank-you, brings back a lot of memories.  Keep up the good work and hope you can do another one. All the best to you and your family,

Regards, Vance Percy, Hawkes Bay

 

Giday Fiona,

Thanks very much I have received your book.  It is very nice - you have a lot of lovely photos.  I'm very happy that I purchased it, just to see those photos, brings back so many great memories.  I was working mainly up in the Northern Territory and the Kimberleys.  Since leaving Aus, have flown all over the world - Guam, Micronesian Islands, Scotland, Tassie, Canada, Alaska, America, Laos...I was mustering wild cattle in Alaska.  I was out in the Aleutian Islands, out past Dutch harbour, where they do all that King Crab fishing - you know, the one on the Discovery Channel.

Anyway...I went out there for a few months.  An American chap wanted all of the cattle mustered and slaughtered, leaving some breeding cows. We were to be working on an island called Umnak.  The cattle hadn't been manhandled since the sixties...they were very wild...there were a lot of bulls.  The island was 70 miles long and 30 miles wide, but full of mountains, and tricky gullies and gorges, with soft swampy country.  There was never an easy route when following them along with the heli.  So always had to fly ahead and pick routes that had some hard ground.  It was very slow going and the weather was horrendous - 70 mile-an-hour winds, with blizzards, and white-out, and temperatures dropping to minus 15 degrees celcius.

We had a slaugher house on the island and had 15 Mexicans working there, butchering the cattle.  It was all to be hamburger meat and was going down to Seattle.  We had an old DC4 aeroplane there and when the beef was boxed and chilled to a certain temp it was flown into Dutch harbour and boated down to Seattle.

Some of the cowboys wanted to bring the horses out and help me.  When I was a day away from the ranch and they turned up, the bulls were flat out chasing the horses.  LOL...very funny aye...it was just hard to explain how wild they actually were.  I've seen quite a few wildies in  my time but jingoes these fellas took the cake.

David Law, Taranaki

 

I am a Townsville expat who went to school in Charters Towers, now living on a dairy farm in New Zealand and breeding Brahman x Friesians.  LOVE your book 'tho it made me a little homesick!  Our 'Brahmys', as far as we know, are the only ones of their kind here and have aroused quite a bit of interest and your book shows the resilience and beauty of these animals and the stunning grandeur of Aus.  Thank you Fiona.

Cheers, Dimitte Baldwin, Woodville (North Island) 

 

Germany

Hi Fiona,

I just went over all the photos again and first of all I want to say great job!  'Rubbing the horse's ears' is probably my favourite photo in the book.  The lighting is great (early morning) and it just shows a nice intimate moment.  I spent some of my time in Australia working on stations, too, and I have to say I really envy you for experiencing all of this.

Best wishes, Markus Steinhauser, Gaggenau

 

United Kingdom

Fiona,

I have your book in my hand and it is absolutely wonderful; quite beautiful and superbly done.  I felt so nostalgic looking at it, it quite brought tears to my eyes.  Just fantastic.  Well done on a truly wonderful work of art.  I will treasure it.

Deborah Blackie, Gloucestershire

 

Dear Fiona,

Many thanks for your book 'A Million Acre Masterpiece'.  It has given me a far better view into what my son is doing as a ringer in Northern Queensland than I had hoped for.  It is a beautiful book.  The pictures are breathtaking.

I now enclose an order for a further two books.  One for my son as a keepsake for him to look back on his time in Australia and one for the grandparents.

Regards, Mark Light, Dorset

 

Hi Fiona,

The book "A Million Acre Masterpiece" is fabulous...can't wait to take it home to my farming family in the UK. 

Charmaine Raw, North Yorkshire

 

America

I collect books on ranching and cattle when I can, where I can and if I can.  Your last book was one of the best, if not the best, coffee-table variety I have ever seen. 

Best wishes to you and yours down under, John Newcomb, Texan

 

Fiona,

I returned from a very long trip and my books were on my desk.  I have looked through and I must say you are amazing.  The photos are beautiful and the book will make a wonderful gift for customers and friends.  Thank you for your effort in developing this book and thank God for your talent. 

All the best, Wes E Klett, Anipro/Xtraformance Feeds, Colorado

 

I have received my order of your wonderful book; it arrived the day before our election of Barack Obama as next president.  Two exciting events at once!  Now that things are starting to settle down in America, I can turn my anxious attention to your book.   What a marvellous creation!  Thank you also for the extras that came with the book: the neat cattle station tote bag, the Chrismas and note cards I ordered (and the extras - thank you), the information sheet, the bookmarks.  Thank you for everything.  I appreciate being entered in your drawings, and I will enter the 'futures' drawing after I've had time to digest the book and send you my comments.  I wish I could go to the events, but there's a matter of a few miles to travel.

Not to bore you...but I love your country.  I am 65 and grew up hearing about its wonderful charms from my mother, who had a rich uncle/station owner who paid her way over on a ship in the late 1930's.  She was a violin player and she went there to study at the famous music conservatorium in Sydney.  So when I married in 2002, we honeymooned with an astronomy group and saw the eclipse in the Outback (and visited her school).  I returned on my own in '06 for 6 weeks of wandering solo, and plan to return very soon.  Most of my time has been across the south...from Sydney to Alice Springs to Perth, Melbourne and Tasmania.  We did honeymoon in part of your Lizard Island.  I want to spend more time in the outback, in Queensland.  I also want to get to Darwin, the Kimberleys, and slowly down each coast.  I plan soon to look at your artwork online and explore more of your website.  It was great serendipity to find it.  It's terrific.  Thanks again for the book.  I am going to get into it right this minute.

And...

Dear Fiona,

I have greatly enjoyed "A Million Acre Masterpiece."  Now I receive equal pleasure with "Life as an Australian Horseman".  The detailed and graphic photographs in your newest book bring this Australia fan to the point of feeling that he is actually in the awesomely beautiful, ruggedly rural part of it.  I can almost taste the dust, feel the heat, hear the ringers barking their orders to the cattle, and chinwagging with each other.  And no text is required to understand.  Short of being there, the remarkable photos and the brief captions do the trick.  You and your team are real Australian treasures, in my view.  Thanks from an aging Yank who believes (but cannot confirm) that Aussie blood runs in his veins.

Best regards, Michael R. Grant, Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

I was visiting a friend in London whose daughter is in Australia, and had sent her the book (A Million Acre Masterpiece).  I loved it!  Wanted on for myself and as a gift for another friend of mine.  Thank you for putting it all together - very lovely!

Paula Peters, California

 

Hi Fiona,

The three copies arrived - thank you, thank you - your work is superb.  As an Australian living in the U.S. for the past 20 years, your work possibly has even more impact - perhaps it is the tyranny of time and distance, but one certainly chooses to take more time to ponder and reflect on it and what it represents.  The 'Masterpiece' captures everything that is good about the Australian outback and what it means to be an Aussie - a life that is so real - the love of the land, the life and the values of the men that live the life.  Compared with you who has seen so much of that life and lifestyle, who am I as a city slicker really, to comment - nonetheless there is something about the Aussie bush and the land that runs very deep within Aussies.  As I was turning the pages for the very first time, I had this sense that you have recorded here something very important - something which, but for your work, might get lost....a sad, rather scary and sobering thought perhaps - what a loss should this ever be so..it is the very stuff of which the country was built...such a dramatic contrast to the non-character building and molly coddled lifestyle that most of us in the Western world experience.

So thank you for having the guts and determination to go for it, to do what you wanted to do from your heart - you've pulled it off - in grand style and excellence!  It is a deposit left for all who come after, which I hope never gets lost.

Warm regards, Ian (and Bev) Roberts, Virginia

 

Absolutely wonderful book!  I'm so delighted with 'A Million Acre Masterpiece' that I plan to order a copy for my sister who lives in Cody, Wyoming (we grew up on a small dairy farm in Kansas).  I know it will make a fantastic birthday gift for Jan.  I knew from what I saw on the net this was going to be a great book, but it exceeded my expectations & I was especially delighted to receive it in a nice tote bag. 

This brought back many delightful memories of my 25 months in Exmouth, WA in the mid-80s.  A million THANKS!

Donna Flannery, Pennsylvania

 

G'day Fiona,

I received your wonderful book last Friday along with the cards, bookmark, and bookbag, all very nice.  Thank you!

After spending a peaceful weekend enjoying your book these are my thoughts.  The design of the book is very nice and well thought out, in keeping with the theme of the project.  From the inside cover image to the glossary, it was a pleasure to page through.

The themes explored as outlined in the Table of Contents, and expressed in the photography, were a compliment to the lifestyle of the people and animals experiencing this remote part of Australia.  Every chapter had a story told through a photographic journey that wonderfully expressed the people, land, and lifestyle.  Really!  I enjoyed each chapter, but being an architect I would have liked to have seen more on the homesteads and the lifestyle around them.  Saying that, the overall selection is carefully balanced and works well.

All the images from the landscapes to people show the skill in dealing with various subjects.  The colors and quality of light were artistic and technically expressive, and a joy to experience.  For me this color light, and composition were the best part of the book, and a compliment to the story and land.

I feel you have done a very professional and artistic job of photography, story telling, and publishing design that is a joy to experience.  I am looking forward to the promise at the end of the book about more cattle stations to discover, and your next book.

Kind regards, William Brace, California

 

Your dedication at the beginning of 'A Million Acre Masterpiece' says it all for I truly would rather be living in the bush.  Many thanks for you and your work I will be a frequent visitor to your website/blog.

David Walker, Tampa, Florida

 

Fiona -

thank you for your quick reply.  You know, I just happened upon your website, briefly glanced at what you have done, and couldn't believe my eyes.

Thank you thank you and thank you for what you have conceived, appreciated, and pulled together in capturing the beauty and magic of the Australian Outback through these stations.  You couldn't have targeted this piece of work more accurately to someone like me.  I live in Boston - have been here for 20+ years and am a 51 year old expatriate.

I grew up in Brisbane and spent from the age of 8 through to 17 spending all my vacation time on outback stations basically mustering, fencing, castrating, and tree lopping for feed.  As I went off to Uni, got a job in engineering, then in banking, my life on the land unfortunately faded in reality but never in my memories.

I am sending the first copy to my mother who lives on the Gold Coast who grew up on a sheep station - I know she will love it too.

And...

I received my copy of your book a week ago and have been pawing through it ever since.  I has exceeded my expectations - terrific - I hope you sell a million of them.  Every Australian should have a copy.

Best wishes, Rob McDougall, Boston

 

Fiona,

the books arrived today, Christmas Eve, and I couldn't be happier!!!  My dad is going to love them!  Thanks so much and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Judy Dorenkamp, Colorado

 

I love to hear what you think and I love to hear personal stories - so don't hesitate to send me a message.  Don't worry you won't be publicly quoted without me first contacting you to obtain specific permission to do so (and messages can sometimes be edited so that especially personal comments are left off, and/or initials just used).

Thanks again to everyone who has taken the trouble to tell me what they think, it is very much appreciated, and inspiring.  The comments above are just a few of those that have been emailed to me - many more messages have been received by email; and also by mail, fax and phone.

It is very rewarding and encouraging to be reminded of how these photographs of the Australian bush are bringing enjoyment and happy memories to so many, and inspiring dreams in others.

 

 

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