Fit to Print | National Library of Australia (NLA)

Fit to Print

Author Mike Bowers
Publication Date 01 Mar 2025

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Book cover for 'Fit to Print' which features the title in white text and a black and white photo of two men working on a large ship propeller

In Fit to Print, photographer and media commentator Mike Bowers explores the Fairfax Photographic Archive held by the National Library of Australia. This collection comprises over 18,000 glass-plate negatives, photographs of which appeared in Fairfax publications such as The Sydney Morning Herald, The Sun and Sydney Mail.

In creating photographs for mainstream publications, the early photojournalists familiarised Australians with a new visual language of the news.

Covering the period 1890–1948, the book includes photographs of rural and urban scenes, industry, politicians, celebrities, daily life, special events (such as the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge), sporting and social events, and more.

About the author

Mike Bowers sitting in a suit holding a camera

Mike Bowers is a photojournalist with over 37 years’ experience. He currently hosts the Talking Pictures segment on ABC TV’s Insiders. He has covered 13 federal election campaigns, and photographed conflicts in Cambodia, Kosovo, Bougainville, Papua New Guinea and the Middle East.

Mike has worked for some of Australia’s most prestigious publications, including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian (Australia), The Australian, The Canberra Times, The Age, The Bulletin, The Australian Financial Review, BRW, Time and The Daily Telegraph.

Page published: 06 Mar 2025

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