This website is operated by Up and Running Computers Pty Ltd (ACN 88 009 554 910) trading as Beatties Digital Studio.
All images remain copyright of Beatties Digital Studio.
Frequently Asked Questions.
How can I buy one of these photos to hang on my wall?
As you browse the galleries, when you find a photo you would like to buy, press the "buy" button at the right hand side if the shopping options are not displayed. A few common sizes are displayed or you can press "Visit Shop" to see the full list of ways to enjoy this photo. You can add as many items to your shopping cart as you wish, then proceed to checkout to finalise your order.
Do you have a photo of <something important to you>?
We have a search facility on the web site which can assist you in locating images of specific places that you may be interested in. We intend to digitise all 7000+ photos. To date, about 5000 are available, but we are working as fast as we can to complete the collection. We are happy to answer email about specific requests, but remember we are a "team" of two (William and John Stephenson), so replies may take some time. Also we are photographers, not historians. Most of the information about our photos has come from generous historians and members of the public. There was hardly any information about the photos saved after the fire, no index, no descriptions, no dates, just thousands of negatives in paper bags with a number written on the bag, sometimes. We love to hear from people who have information about our photos. Please use the contact page on this web site.
Did John Watt Beattie really take all these photos?
No. Please see our Beattie's Studio History page. Mr Beattie bought the studio from the Anson brothers who in turn had bought previous photographic businesses. The line of studios traces back to the 1840's. With each acquisition or transfer of the business, the collection of negatives was passed along. Also Mr Beattie and the other studio owners had photographers who worked for them. Other photographers of note contributed images to what we call the Beattie's Studio collection.
What quality can I expect from 100 year old photos?
John Stephenson has chosen to re-interpret the collection for a modern audience. The digital recreations are far clearer and have more contrast than previously seen.
"For at least the last 10 years, there have been more photographs taken every single year than in all the years of recorded history put together. Today, most people carry a highly capable camera with them 24x7. We have the rise of "computational photography" where artificial intelligence creates the photo, taking "point and shoot" to an entirely new level. People don't make photos anymore, computers make photos. I believe that if John Watt Beattie was alive today, he would be producing entirely different images. And that's what I am doing with the collection that he left behind. I am working with the best of the images, producing new, unique works of art, that I believe Mr Beattie would be proud of."
Most of our collection is what we term 5 star. We also have a number of 3 star images that are historically significant. These will have blemishes that have not been removed. The original negative may have been damaged (many have survived 2 fires) or the image may have been recovered from a print as the negative was lost. We believe these 3 star images are still valuable. As technology and budget allows, we will be seeking to improve them, but currently offer them in the best form we can. If you look at the tags listed below each photo, you will see the "3Star" tag on 3 star photos. In some cases, we may edit a 3 star photo before we print it for you.
What is the delivery time?
For Australian customers, we use Express Post. From our experience, most customers receive their prints within 3 working days of dispatch. Larger and framed items may take a little longer.
International customers - A4 prints are despatched using Express Post International and we are told delivery is typically 10 days to major cities. Larger prints are sent International Air and we are told 14 day delivery is typical.
If I order a print does it have the "(c) Beatties Studio" watermark on it?
No. The watermark (in the centre) only displays on the web site, it does not appear on finished photographs. The "www.beattiesstudio.com" signature in the bottom left corner will appear. Analogue prints by John Watt Beattie and all subsequent Beatties Studio photographers were always signed. We have chosen to sign our prints in a similar manner.