About
Fiona Basile is an internationally 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 book, Immerse, and wall art 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 and share the beauty that I discovered.
Over the years, photographic assignments have taken me to Rwanda, Ireland, Italy, United States, 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.
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 book, Immerse, and 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
2024 (November-December): Immerse, celebrating the beauty of the ocean and the joy of a special open water swimming community, Antipodes Bookshop and Gallery, Sorrento, Victoria, Australia.
2024 (April-June): Immerse, Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston, Victoria, Australia.
2010: Under The Radar; At the Frontline – Non-Physician Clinicians and Emergency Obstetric Care 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.
2006: Shades Down Under, Australian Landscapes and Portraits, Visby, Sweden.
2004: De Donde Eres?, South America Travel Photos, Melbourne, Australia.
2001: World Youth Day: Through The Lens, Melbourne, Australia.
Books
2023/24: Immerse, 144-page photographic coffee table book celebrating the beauty of the ocean and a special open water swimming community in bayside Melbourne
2022: Tawararra Abbey: A Cistercian Monastery, Historical book featuring photography by Fiona
2019: Food for the Highways and Byways, Cookbook featuring photography by Fiona
2018: Pia’s Table, Cookbook featuring photography by Fiona
2018: Food for the Soul, Cookbook featuring photography by Fiona
2016: Shhh…God is in the Silence, award winning children’s book written by Fiona, illustrated by Alice Mount, and published by Loyola Press (USA)
2014: Without Love, I’m Nothing, Family photos and history compiled by Fiona
Awards
2024: Third Prize, International Photography Awards, for Immerse in Self published book category.
2024: Official Selection, International Photography Awards, for Immerse in Self-published book category.
2024: Highly Commended/ Runner up, Best News Story, Australasian Catholic Press Association.
2023: Highly Commended/ Runner Up, Best News Story, Australasian Catholic Press Association.
2019: Finalist, International Book Awards, Children’s Religious: Shhh…God is in the Silence.
2019: Distinguished Favourite, International Book Awards, Children’s Religious Non-Fiction: Shhh…God is in the Silence.
2019: Finalist, Best Book Awards, Children’s Religious: Shhh…God is in the Silence.
2019: Third, Catholic Press Association, Children’s Books and Books for Teens: Shhh…God is in the Silence.
2015: Best Original Photograph, Australasian Catholic Press Association.
2014: Bronze, Best Original Photography, Australasian Religious Press Association, Portrait of an Artist, Paul Fitzgerald.
2014: Winner, Best Feature, Australian Catholic Press Association, Story by Edwina Hall, Photo by Fiona Basile.
2012: Winner, Best Original Photograph, Australasian Religious Press Association, In the Father’s Hands.
2012: Highly Commended, Best Feature Story (Photographer and Author), Australasian Catholic Press Association.
2012: Winner, Best Original Photograph, Australasian Catholic Press Association.
2011: Winner, Best Original Photograph, Australasian Catholic Press Association.