120 years of timeless photography
CAINES Jannif, a company born of vision, perseverance and the timeless art of photography, recently celebrated its 120th anniversary.
On Monday, February 26, Caines Jannif marked the occasion with a dinner at the Chili House on Suva’s Brown St.
Gathered were not just employees, but extended family members and the deep bonds nurtured over decades.
Amid the jubilant atmosphere, reminiscent of the camaraderie that defined Caine Jannif since its inception, the celebration served as a poignant reminder of the journey that began more than a century ago.
It all started in 1904 when Fredrick Caines, a man with a passion for capturing moments, embarked on a journey to establish his own photographic studio.
Acquiring the Le Faivre Photographic Studio, Mr Caine’s breathed new life into the business, renaming it Caine’s Studios.
As the years passed, the studio flourished under Mr Caines’ leadership. In 1912, he welcomed Mr N A Khan into the fold, entrusting him with the role of manager.
In 1924, destiny intervened when Mr Khan’s nephew, Hannif Akbar, joined the company, followed shortly by his younger brother, Ben Jannif, in 1926. Together, they brought fresh perspectives and determination, infusing new energy into Caines Studios.
Mr Caine and his dedicated team pressed on, navigating the challenges of the ever-evolving photographic landscape with resilience and ingenuity.
In 1935, fate intervened again as Mr Caine, beset by ill health, made the difficult decision to step back from the business, entrusting its future to a partnership comprising Mrs Caine, Hannif Akbar and Ben Jannif.
In 1953, due to the difficulties faced by the business, Mrs Caine and Mr Akbar withdrew from the partnership. Amina Jannif, wife of Mr Jannif joined the business.
The years that followed were marked by expansion and innovation as Caine’s Studios solidified its position as a leading force in Fiji’s photography industry. Ben Jannif later passed on the business to Ikbal Jannif, his only son, who played a pivotal role in nurturing the legacy and prominence Caines Jannif is known for today.
“It is so pleasing indeed to see so many of you, past and present staff, present here this evening,” said director Sofia Jannif during the celebratory dinner.
“It is exactly six years ago today, at this exact time, that our Raiwai Factory was burning.
“Tonight is about celebrating and let us all do that and enjoy.”
Kelsey Jannif, wife of the late Ikbal Jannif, is the longest serving employee of the company.
“I started around ‘75,” she said. “I worked at Colour Lab, in the painting and colour processing department, and we used to hand roll the paper onto wheels and take the four wheels on the spindles and then take the two spindles.
“And when the gas burst, you drained it and then you put in the next one.
“And then the DNP (Digitalise Negative Processing) services came in and you just hooked everything up and it just ran up automatically and it made everything much faster.”
Mrs Jannif, who’s worked for the company since the early years after Fiji’s Independence, started in the first lab on Victoria Parade and witnessed the expansion of labs in other parts of Fiji.
She explained how 16 years after their first expansion, the world began to go digital. Not long after, the Colour Labs began to close.
“But that process, where everyone was getting their films developed, getting the prints and waiting for that print, to have those services where we could just pop in the film and grab a cup of coffee and come back, it was magical, but with digital you can’t experience that,” she said.
“We have people who started as salespersons straight out of high school, now they head our finance (department).
“So, in a way, Caines Jannif is like their second home.”
Caines Jannif has fostered a deep sense of loyalty and camaraderie among its employees, many of whom have been with the company since their early days out of high school.
“Whenever the company needs us, we will be there,” said employee Yangtesh Reddy.
This bond is a testament to the company’s culture of treating employees like family, fostering an environment where individuals feel valued, supported and motivated to contribute their best.
From shaping the photographic landscape to providing quality services, the company has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to capturing the essence of Fiji’s rich history.
As custodian of the nation’s collective memory, it has played an integral role in immortalising pivotal moments that define Fiji’s identity. One such historic occasion occurred on Saturday, October 10, 1970, when Prince Charles ceremoniously
handed over the instruments of independence to Fiji’s first prime minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
When the Union Jack was lowered for the last time and the Fiji flag was proudly raised, amidst the palpable atmosphere of change and anticipation, Caines Jannif was on the ground at Albert Park, poised to capture the monumental event.
“When we were flooded with work on the very first day of opening, it made us realise how much photography was important to the people and that they were waiting for something like this,” Ms Jannif added.
Throughout its journey, Caines Jannif has forged a sterling eputation marked by expansion and prosperity. As the company looks ahead, its future trajectory is guided by the rich legacy it leaves behind for the next generation to uphold and build upon. Indeed, the company’s enduring impact has reshaped the photographic landscape, setting new standards of excellence and innovation.
From its humble beginnings to its status as a household name, the legacy of Caine’s Studios continues to inspire, capturing the beauty and essence of Fiji for all time.