I'm Cara O'Dowd, a photographer and director specialising in people. Whether it's advertising, fashion or portraiture, photographing people is where my strengths lie. My relaxed, down-to-earth approach helps put people at ease and brings an energy to set that clients often come back for time and again. Behind that ease is a commercial photography degree, a meticulously planned technical process, an eye for detail and an instinctive understanding of light.
Whether I'm wrangling a cast of kids, shooting a time-poor celebrity, or managing the chaos that can come with large-scale productions, I bring plenty of energy, a calm head and almost MacGyver-level problem-solving skills when things don't go to plan. Having started my career assisting on Vogue and Vanity Fair shoots in London and New York, I learnt early on that technical expertise means little without the right energy on set.
As a producer once said, "If lighting and vibe are important, Cara is who you need on this job."
Having recently relocated to Byron Bay, I continue to shoot regularly in Sydney as a local, working with the same trusted teams I've worked with for years.
When I'm not on set, you'll usually find me in my darkroom. In the age of AI imagery, I've found myself drawn back to the magic of the photographic process. I recently built a darkroom at home and started shooting again on the first camera I ever owned, my grandfather's Nikon F4. Stay tuned for some hand-printed personal work.
Clients include Zimmermann, Heidi, Ultherapy Prime, Uniqlo, Spell, Industrie, Koala, Michael Hill, Shona Joy, Cotton On, Myer, Harpers Bazaar, Microsoft, Rolling Stone, Sally Hansen, Camilla and Marc, Megan Park, Macgraw, Ellery, Toni May, Quest Apartments, Sony Foundation, Stellar Magazine, Arnotts, Big W, The Social Outfit, Holly Ryan, The Maritime Museum,
Full client list here
TESTIMONIALS
“Working with Cara is always such a pleasure; we have worked together closely on over 15 successful campaigns for Cotton On Kids over the last 2 years. Cara's ability to transcend studio and location with impeccable lighting and technique has allowed us the flexibility to try new things and execute many wonderful moments. She is understanding of our ever-changing, fast-paced commercial briefs and always up for a challenge.
With a dynamic on-set energy, Cara is authentic, hardworking and someone I can always rely on.”
— Holly Canham, Art Director, Cotton On
”I have worked with Cara since the beginning of MATTIR. She consistently goes above and beyond on every shoot, capturing every required image with precision and ease, and always without fuss. Cara’s understanding of lighting is exceptional, and her deep care for the brand and its vision is evident in every frame. Her ability to intuitively understand what is needed and deliver consistently high-quality imagery allows the MATTIR vision to truly come to life.” Hard to put into words how bloody amazing you are!
— Krystel English, Creative Director, MATTIR
“You're the queen of lighting.”
— Loz Maneschi, Creative Director
“Cara is a legend, and any output is better with her involvement."
— Jess Irvine, Weld Stories
“Weld Stories has worked with Cara for several years now, across a range of content and subject matters, with 'real' people, professional talent, animals and kids. No matter what the setting is, Cara works at speed, delivers to the highest standard, and ensures the set is a positive environment. Cara has a unique ability to put her subjects at ease and it always shows in the final product.”
— Shannon O’Meara, Owner, Weld Stories
“I have had the pleasure to work with Cara over the last 5 years and during our time together we have captured impactful campaigns set against some of Australia’s diverse and expansive backdrops. From coastal landscapes and sprawling farms, Mid-century architecture right through to a DIY outdoor studio during difficult times of COVID. There is no set too big or small, no brief that is impossible. It has been a pleasure to work with Cara whose enthusiasm and passion and a hands-on approach for her work is captured in every shot.
She is a master storyteller.”
— Marsha Vetolskiy, Creative Director
“‘Cara and I had the pleasure of shooting an outdoor campaign on one of the wettest and windiest days on record. And on a day like that, there isn’t anyone else I’d want by my side. Cara’s ability to carry the production with her incredible calm sensibility and determination and then capture such beautiful imagery under the most insane of conditions makes her one of the best in the business."
— Ed Macaulay, Snr Art Director
I had been wanting to work with Cara for a long time; she is an absolute master of her craft. Cara is highly intuitive, deeply dedicated, and possesses a rare talent for capturing a person's authentic personality and professional brand. I could not recommend her enough. Lauren and I are so happy with the outcome, finally having photos of ourselves that we are proud to share.
— Melanie Purcell, Creative Director, SNDYS The Label
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