About
Fiona Basile is an award-winning photographer and writer who loves traversing the globe in search of faces and places that enrich our world. A lover of open waters, she’s taken to swimming in Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay as often as possible, which has been the inspiration behind her latest photographic collection, ‘Ocean Swimmers’ and ‘Ocean Deep’.
Born in country Victoria, I’ve always loved wide open spaces, the fresh air and exploring different places. It comes from being ‘sent outside’ often to play, with the only rule being, ‘come back for lunch and dinner’ … which was often a home-cooked Italian feast.
We were fortunate as a family to enjoy overseas and interstate travel often, which sparked and fed my adventurous spirit. From an early age I knew I wanted to be a ‘photojournalist’ so that I could meet people, hear and share their stories, and capture the beauty that I discovered.
Over the years, photographic assignments have taken me to the United States, Italy, Bosnia, Mexico, Canada, Germany, England, Cook Islands, Fiji, South America, Sweden, South Africa and Malawi. Closer to home I’ve explored Australia’s outback, coastal regions, cities and local culture.
The spiritual life and nurturing my relationship with God, and others, is important to me. I feel God’s presence deeply in nature, which in turn inspires me to care for Creation.
Why do I photograph and write? We are blessed to live in a beautiful world, that speaks of God’s love in creation. My heart is joyful when I’m exploring, meeting people, and capturing this beauty, and sharing it. My photographic wall art invites you to enter into the scene, to feel the water, to breathe deeply, to appreciate the natural beauty around us. And ultimately, to give thanks for the gift of life - ‘This one, wild beautiful life’ as poet Mary Oliver says.
‘I create connection between people and the landscape and the natural world. I delve into the deeper questions of humanity, spirituality, inspiration and connection through my photography.’
Exhibitions
Under The Radar; At the Frontline – Non-Physician Clinicians and Emergency Obstetric Care (2010) in partnership with Averting Maternal Death and Disability, Columbia University (New York, USA), held at the 2010 International Women Conference, ‘Women Matters’ in Washington DC. Opened by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.
Shades Down Under (2006), Australian Landscapes and Portraits, Visby, Sweden.
De Donde Eres? (2004), South America Travel Photos, Melbourne, Australia
World Youth Day: Through The Lens (2001), Melbourne, Australia.
Books
Shhh… God is in the Silence (2016) - children’s book written by Fiona Basile, illustrated by Alice Mount, and published by Loyola Press (USA)
Food for the Highways and Byways (2019) - Cookbook featuring photography by Fiona Basile
Pia’s Table (2018) - Cookbook featuring photography by Fiona Basile
Food for the Soul (2017) - Cookbook featuring photography by Fiona Basile
Without Love, I’m Nothing (2014) - Family photos and history compiled by Fiona Basile
Awards
Finalist, 2019 International Book Awards, Children’s Religious: Shhh…God is in the Silence.
Distinguished Favourite, 2019 International Book Awards, Children’s Religious Non-Fiction:
Shhh…God is in the Silence.
Finalist, 2019 Best Book Awards, Children’s Religious: Shhh…God is in the Silence.
Third, 2019 Catholic Press Association, Children’s Books and Books for Teens: Shhh…God is in the Silence.
Best Original Photograph, 2015 Australasian Catholic Press Association, Sculptor Leopoldine Mimovich.
Bronze, Best Original Photography, 2014 Australasian Religious Press Association, Portrait of an Artist, Paul Fitzgerald.
Winner, Best Feature, 2014 Australian Catholic Press Association, Story by Edwina Hall, Photo by Fiona Basile, Judy Brewer-Fischer.
Winner, Best Original Photograph, 2012 Australasian Religious Press Association, In the Father’s Hands.
Highly Commended, Best Feature Story (Photographer and Author), 2012 Australasian Catholic Press Association, Heart for Photography.
Winner, Best Original Photograph, 2012 Australasian Catholic Press Association, Aunty Marjorie Liddy.
Winner, Best Original Photograph, 2011 Australasian Catholic Press Association, In the Father’s Hands.