BJP: Where does the idea for Fire Cracker come from?

Fiona Rogers: I wanted an opportunity to engage with other photographers away from my role which can often be quite defining. I wanted to make a meaningful project on a subject I felt passionately about, and one that ultimately could be used to get great female photographers in front of the industry professionals who could make a difference to their careers. When organising a photography workshop in Perth early last year I met Lee Grant, a wonderful female photographer who runs a similar site called LightJourneys.org, supporting Australian women in photography. She was my inspiration.

BJP: Why did you believe there was a need for such a platform?

Fiona Rogers: I've been working in photography for the past 6 years and the underrepresentation of women photographers struck me on several levels. There seems to me to be an abundance of women studying photography and photographic practice, but the majority leave their educations and take on administrational, organisational, or nurturing roles within the visual arts. I realise this could be perceived as a sweeping generalisation, and certainly some women photographers will stongly disagree, but it is my personal experience and how my own career has developed since leaving my degree. That experience seems to be replicated in many of the clients and colleagues I've met during my working life.

BJP: Can you explain how it will work?

Fiona Rogers: The website will feature around 20-30 images from one project by one female photographer every month, with slots guest curated by industry professionals, such as Hannah Watson of Trolley Books, who is selecting our February photographer. Once shown, the work moves into the Archive section so it can always be re-reviewed.

BJP: How can photographers be featured on Fire Cracker?

Fiona Rogers: I didn't want to be too formal about the submission process, so it's fairly open. If you live in Europe, or where born in Europe, then you will be eligble. All kinds of photography will be considered, but with my background in documentary this is what I'm mostly interested in seeing with an emphasis on a cross section of documentary practices.

BJP: What are the long-term plans for this platform? How would you like to see it evolve?

Fiona Rogers: The ambition for the project longer term would be to eventually set up a grant or award scheme to support a project, book or exhibition. I love what the Inge Morath Award does for young, emerging female photographers and it would be great to offer a similar opportunity. But shorter term if a handful of featured photographers receive a commission, or they develop a longer term relationship with a key professional, then I'll be happy.

Visit www.fire-cracker.org.