If you’ve ever fallen in love with one of our campaign photos, there’s a good chance it was captured by our talented photographer, Fiona – or Fi, as we all call her. Fi has been part of the Cachia family for years, bringing her creative magic to every shoot. Her eye for detail, love of storytelling, and easygoing energy make her an absolute joy to work with. We sat down with Fi to chat about her photography journey, her creative inspirations, and of course her favourite Cachia PJs!
What type of photography do you specialise in?
“I would say I shoot People & Places. Places meaning interiors, and People meaning portraits. So when I photograph an interior space, I’ll also take creative portraits of the designer, usually within the space they’ve created.
I used to shoot exclusively fashion, which is how I started my photography career. When I fell pregnant, I pivoted into interiors. Now Cachia is primarily the only fashion brand I still photograph for, although occasionally some smaller independent brands still come to me. But Cachia will forever be in my world!”
How did you begin your photography career?
“I started as a graphic designer in South Africa. I did that for many years working for an agency, and when I was on set, I always wanted to be doing what the photographer was doing. I’d always had a camera in my hand from a young age, and I just knew at the age of 25 that if I didn’t make the change to study photography then, I never would.
So I moved to Australia and studied for two years at a college that has actually closed down now.
I’ve always loved fashion photography. When I was studying, I would drool over pages and pages of fashion editorials. What I loved about it wasn’t necessarily the fashion, but the escapism to another world. It was the storytelling and the creativity you could have with the lighting, the set, the models, makeup and hair, the styling — it was all about escapism and creating something spectacular. When it all comes together it just explodes! And it’s such a surreal feeling when you know you’ve gotten the shot. I got so addicted to that feeling when I was shooting fashion — I just loved it.”
How long have you been photographing Cachia?
“I think this is the sixth year I’ve been shooting for Cachia. But Leah and I have known each other for many years. We actually first shot together on one of Leah’s previous brands. Then one day, after Leah had stepped away from that brand, she called me up and said, ‘I’ve got this new brand, and I need you on it!’ — and the rest is history!”
What are you doing when you’re not on set shooting?
“I don’t have much spare time, but when I do I love ocean swimming. I prefer to swim in the summertime, although I actually first took it up in winter during covid! Otherwise, I’m just looking after my kids — my beautiful girls.”
Who are some photographers that you admire and are inspired by?
“Richard Avedon, always! I just love his work. London-based photographer Nadav Kander — he’s actually South African-born — his work is always hugely inspirational. It’s absolutely timeless. In Australia, I really love Georges Antoni — I think he has really good work.”
What was the first pair of Cachia Pyjamas you ever owned?
“The first pair I ever had was the classic Gigi. Then Leah very kindly named the Fiona set after me because they were one of the styles at my first Cachia shoot!”
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue photography as a career?
“Don’t give up. If you really, really love it, don’t give up. If it moves you, and you can’t imagine a life where you’re not doing it, then keep going — because that’s the drive you’ll need when times are tough. And there will be times when it’s tough, but if you love it and you know you’re good at it, keep going because it will come!
Also, like with any job, it shifts — and you’ve got to be willing to pivot and keep up. I mean, social media, Instagram, AI — all these things come at you. I’m not a tech person and I’m not into all the latest gear, but I know what I need to create something and to be able to keep up.”
If you’re ordering Uber Eats, what are you getting?
“Dinner for the kids because I’m not prepared, haha! But if I’m ordering for me, then probably Indian.”
What’s your dream holiday destination?
“Paris! I’ve never been to Paris and have always dreamt of going.”
