Mick Dempsey from Margaret River Climbing Co hangs off the Bob’s Hollow crag, near Contos Beach, WA. “Rock climbing is a popular outdoor activity in Margaret River and it was a priority for me to feature it in my book,” says Frances. “Mick Dempsey took me out to Bob’s Hollow, a location that was far more difficult to get to in a 4WD than it was to actually photograph.”

A sweeping view of Canal Rocks, near Yallingup. “The rocks are red in some areas and not in others,” observes Frances. “It’s not as rich as in the Kimberley and Pilbara, but of course they are beautiful to photograph.”

Sunset sweeps across Hamelin Bay, one of the few localities on the Cape to Cape track, which extends from Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste.

“The photograph had been lined up as a landscape but once I started shooting, these local boys who had come to bodyboard walked into the frame,” explains Frances. “We introduced ourselves and I asked them to repeat it a few times, to be certain I got the shot. I much prefer the photograph with them present than the original landscape.”

This sculpture by Margaret River glass artist Rick Cook draws on nature for inspiration. “Rick was recommended to me by the renowned Gunyulgup Galleries in Margaret River,” says Frances. “I shot it at the Rivermouth – it just felt like it belonged there.”

A friendly ray greets a swimmer at Hamelin Bay. Frances says she always asks subjects if they mind having their photograph taken. “Nearly everyone is happy for me to photograph them. Then I ask them to sign a model release form and email them a picture, as a thank you.”

Cabernet merlot grapes during vintage at Cherubino Winery, Wilyabrup. “I capture what my eye is most drawn to – we are all the same in that respect,” says Frances. “These close-up photographs have just as much emotive information as wider shots.”

“When beach scenes are stormy at dusk, the likelihood of an amazing sunset is high,” says Frances. “In this case it didn’t eventuate, but for me it worked equally as well – the tide was not high enough for the river to reach the ocean, hence the green colour in the foreground. The people walking through the frame in the distance perfected the shot.”

This inquisitive blue wren (Malurus cyaneus) was snapped at the Berry Farm, Rosa Glen. “We stopped to have lunch at the Berry Farm – a well-known spot for these exquisite birds. I used my 400mm lens so that my distance made the birds feel safe. I then patiently waited for the right moment as this blue wren approached.”

Cabernet sauvignon vines at dawn, Moss Wood winery, Wilyabrup.

The Baudin’s black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus baudinii) is endemic to south-western Australia. “I was photographing some canoeists on the water and as we got back to the banks of the Margaret River, the sun was just setting and the birds were making a racket,” says Frances. “It was just a matter of luck, of us being there at the same time.”

Egg-shaped rocks along the shores of Margaret River.

David Hohnen of The Farm House with a drift of pigs in Jarrahdene, south of Margaret River.

Boranup Beach, in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, offers a vast and secluded portion of Australia’s west coast.

A kangaroo with joey in pouch bounds across the cliffs at Moses Rock. “I was told that in the early morning kangaroos can be spotted at Moses Rock Beach, and one morning I decided to investigate,” Frances recalls. “Shooting with a long lens, I was able to get quite close to them.”

Karri trees on the edge of the Boranup Forest.

Amid the harvest chaos, blue heelers sleep under the grapes at Moss Wood winery. “I was photographing vintage at Moss Wood winery when I came across the owner’s dogs sleeping under the vines, while all the travellers and staff were hard at work. When shooting I’m constantly drawn to the smaller details.”

Thrill-seekers ride mountain bikes near Carters Road, Margaret River. For her book, Frances says she arranged to meet with two local mountain-biking enthusiasts with a lot of knowledge of the region’s best tracks. “I didn’t ride with them; instead I selected this vantage point to show the curve in the Margaret River.”

Surf culture is prominent in the region, and Frances says she has come to appreciate the skill and dedication involved in the sport. “Early starts, weather watching, not to mention actually surfing! I kept in touch with a local professional surfer who would let me know the best locations when the swell was high,” she says.

This image was taken at a garden in Kudardup, near Augusta. “I was photographing this old abandoned cottage surrounded by paulownia trees and when I ventured next door to gain permission to publish the images, I came across an even bigger treasure-trove.”

Local glass artist Rick Cook works hard at his craft in Cowaramup. “Rick’s face is intense with focus. I watch his every move – timing is crucial in a shot like this,” says Frances.

A hidden trail among the karris in Boranup Forest.

John Strickland on guitar and Bill Webb on didgeridoo at Warden Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Yallingup.