Fran

Fran Miller - Photographer

When we started CURL, Fran was already on our mind. We had seen her work on social media and were amazed by her talent. She's passionate about women’s surfing, and so are we! It was only natural that we would "hook" up and do some work together. Ladies, meet Fran!

Fran, can you tell us about who you are? (Where you grew up, where you live, what you do all day, your favorite things to do, your sports)

I grew up in Sydney but now live on the Gold Coast of Australia. I'm a surf photographer, which means I spend most of the day chasing surfers to get the best photos. This includes action shots in the water and lifestyle photos out of the water. I also spend a lot of time editing photos. Besides that, I try to surf every day, even if it's just for half an hour. I'm fortunate to live a minute from the beach, making it easy to hit the waves. My favorite pastime is hanging out with friends, whether we're catching live music, heading into the countryside, or visiting art shows. Art is a significant passion of mine. I love exploring it, seeing both new and established artists' works, and even sketching a bit myself. Outside of surfing, I enjoy diving, swimming in the ocean, and fishing.

When did photography come into your life? When did you decide to pursue it full-time?

Photography has been a part of my life since childhood. I used to play with my sister’s or parents' cameras, capturing moments from surfing, skateboarding, or snowboarding. Growing up, I was influenced by various magazines, from surf publications to Vogue. Although I never pursued formal training, I've dedicated years to the art and practice of photography. A few years ago, I took the leap to do it full-time. Recognizing the quality of my work, many of the world's best surfers have shown confidence in me, bolstering my self-belief.

Why the water?

Shooting in the water was a natural progression given my love for surfing. Being in the ocean, feeling the energy of waves and surfers, brings intensity and emotion to my photos.

Do you also shoot outside of the water?

Absolutely. I'm drawn to color, texture, tone, and space. I'm always on the lookout for scenes that incorporate these elements. Moreover, I capture plenty of lifestyle images related to surfing, highlighting the emotions after riding the waves.

Your photos have a dreamy quality, but capturing them must be challenging. Can you discuss the pros and cons of your job?

The fun aspects include spending time with fantastic people and traveling worldwide. Photography has helped me forge close relationships and broaden my horizons. However, there are challenges. Physically, swimming in the surf is demanding. Traveling can be tiring, and there are no days off. I've had injuries from shooting in the water and managing expensive equipment is stressful. Additionally, there are less glamorous tasks like hours of photo editing, client meetings, and handling business aspects. To be a top-tier surf photographer, you need resilience and skill.

Any close calls with surfers?

All the time! But I believe surfers get more nervous than I do. If it looks too close, I just dive under. Professional surfers are predictable, but inexperienced ones can be unpredictable in their moves.

By focusing on women, you've chosen a niche. Do you plan to diversify or stick to this niche?

I believe in women’s surfing and have supported it for the two decades I've been surfing. Men's surfing dominates advertising and endorsements. Numerous cameras are already on male surf icons. Many female surfers dedicate immense time and energy to their careers with little recognition. I aim to rectify that imbalance.

Do you still find time to surf? Is it frustrating to work when you could be surfing?

I still surf frequently since I live near the beach. I don't find it frustrating to be "working" when I could be surfing. My passion for creation equals my love for surfing. And if I weren't photographing, I'd be working elsewhere, so I wouldn’t be surfing during work hours.

Any plans for the future?

I'm fortunate to work in a field that fuels my creativity. Over the next year, I plan several photographic exhibitions to showcase my visions. I don’t want to be confined by the surf industry's expectations. My goal is to continually evolve and grow as a person.

Let me know if this aligns with the tone and message you intended!