Fit to Print: Defining Moments from the Fairfax Photo Archive (2nd Edition)

Immerse yourself in the second edition of Fit to Print, with nearly 100 new images from the Fairfax Photographic Archive.

Author Mike Bowers

Publication Date 01 Oct 2026

Catalogue

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A vintage black and white photograph featuring a large, dark tree dominating the left side, casting shadows over a street scene with an old horse-drawn carriage and several figures. In the background, there are large, imposing buildings, possibly from a city or fairground setting. The image is presented with a 'FIT TO PRINT' overlay.

At its very best, photojournalism can define a moment, a movement, an era or a whole generation. It can bring down a careless politician or elevate them to a winning status; it can lift a weary spirit and, sometimes, it can move opinions and the way we view the world.

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 rural and urban scenes, industry, politicians, celebrities, photographs of daily life and special events (such as the opening of the Sydney Harbour bridge), sporting and social events and more.

In the collection

Interior view of a large, rustic industrial building, likely a wool processing or shearing shed, featuring wooden walls and high rafters. Several workers are present, and large baskets filled with raw, fluffy wool are scattered throughout the wooden floor.

George Bell (1862–1925), Men at work in a shearing shed at Boonoke Station, New South Wales, c.1920, nla.obj-162963514

A black and white photograph capturing a group of young men gathered around a train car, with one man in a uniform interacting with another.

Herbert Henry Fishwyck (1882–1957), A newly enlisted man is farewelled by a wounded soldier, New South Wales, c.1915, nla.obj-162929961

A black and white photograph showing the intricate steel truss structure of a large bridge extending into the distance.

Unknown Photographer, Cars on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, c.1932, nla.obj-161902952

A black and white photograph captures a young child passionately singing while playing an acoustic guitar outdoors. An adult's arm and torso are visible in the upper left corner, seemingly interacting with the child.

Unknown Photographer, African American child showing off his musical skills, New South Wales, c.1928, nla.obj-163124495

A black and white photograph showing an interior staircase area with a non-operational escalator. A man in a hat is seated on the steps, reading a newspaper.

Unknown Photographer, Catching up on the news, Sydney, c.1920s, nla.obj-163365935

A black man wearing a hat and a light-colored suit jacket is photographed outdoors, looking directly at the camera. The background is somewhat blurred, showing industrial or urban structures.

Unknown Photographer, Portrait of Sir Douglas Nicholls KCVO, OBE, c.1931, nla.obj-158016010

A group of men, including railway workers and officials, stand on a train platform next to a dark, vintage railway car inside a covered train station.

Unknown Photographer, The first electric train to arrive at the newly opened Wynyard underground station, Sydney, c.1932, nla.obj-162863147

A black and white portrait of a young girl with curly hair, smiling while holding a large piece of fruit.

Unknown Photographer, Young girl holding an exceptionally large apple, c.1930, nla.obj-163350126

A small koala clinging to the trunk of a tree, next to a sign identifying it as a Koala or Native Bear from Australia.

Unknown Photographer, ‘That’s me’: koala clinging to a tree, New South Wales c.1930, nla.obj-162076473

A group of female dancers in light-colored costumes are captured mid-air, performing an energetic routine outdoors in a grassy park setting under bright daylight.

Unknown Photographer, Six of Inge Stange’s pupils in performance, New South Wales, c.1933, nla.obj-162055145

About the author

Mike Bowers sitting in a suit holding a camera

Mike Bowers found his love of photography while still at school. After working in the darkrooms of The Australian National University and The Australian War Memorial in Canberra he embarked on a career in photojournalism. Mike spent 37 years in the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery working for a number of publications including The Australian, The Age, BRW, Time, The Daily Telegraph and The Sydney Morning Herald.

He covered five federal election campaigns and has accompanied three prime ministers on assignments both around Australia and overseas. He has published three books; Gallipoli Untold Stories, The Big Picture 175 Years of The Sydney Morning Herald and A Century of Pictures, 100 years of Herald photography. Mike is now a freelance photographer and host of Talking Pictures on Insiders on ABC1 at 9:00am on Sunday.