White Pages® News

A snapshot of the man behind the lens...

January 31, 2011

Image: 

For the past 10 years, from Beaudesert in Queensland, to Warrnambool in Victoria, and Bunbury in Western Australia, Andrew Craig has been the photographer that brings to life the covers of the White Pages® directories.

In the lead up to the launch of this year’s cover’s theme, we spoke to Andrew to find out about the adventurous moments he’s survived, the great Australians he’s met, and the unique skills he has developed. We discover that the journey is just as interesting as the destination.

Securing over 60 images each campaign is no small feat for a photographer. In an average year, Andrew will traverse the country, travelling between six and eight thousand kilometres, so there aren’t many places in Australia that he has not been to, flown over or driven through.

During these adventures, Andrew is often required to be more than a photographer. He is also a weatherman. Ask him which way the sun sets across the grape vines during winter in the Barossa Valley, or the most spectacular season to see the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and he’ll tell you the answer, without a moment of hesitation.

Andrew is also a carer. During shooting for the Courageous Australians covers, he assisted Wollongong cover hero and double amputee, Len Snowdon down the beach to the water’s edge. With camera equipment over one shoulder, Len on his left arm, and Len’s prosthetic leg and arm in the other, it was Andrew who was inspired.

It is these incredible individuals that make his job so satisfying. Andrew admits the opportunity to meet new individuals, who are often accomplishing amazing things in very quiet and unsung ways, is what gives him an unparalleled level of satisfaction.

 The campaign has provided Andrew with many memorable moments, including the Hobart photo shoot in 2001. Above the snow-capped Federation Peak, he found himself suspended out of the window of a single-engine Cessna aeroplane. Gripping his camera with one hand and holding the window open with the other, it took Andrew two hours to capture the perfect shot. Despite freezing hands and a few close calls, the image remains his favourite to date.

With an archive of treasured memories and iconic images, we wait with great anticipation for the release of this year’s White Pages® and the latest installment of Australia through the lens of Andrew Craig.