Cara O’Dowd is a leading Australian commercial fashion photographer by day and an acclaimed fine art photographer after hours.
Having a press photographer grandfather, the medium runs through her veins. From just 7-years-old, Cara became renowned in her Victorian hometown of Colac by capturing the action at sports events. She would also become an early expert in darkroom alchemy.
Fascinated by the spectrum of female identity, Cara's images are feminine and strong. She’s passionate about scouting unique locations, often shooting in wide scale to blur the lines between portraiture and landscape photography.
Lighting is Cara’s second medium, manipulating it exquisitely to evoke her signature nostalgic style. Having learned to shoot in 5x4 transparency with no room for error, precision is Cara’s standard practice.
More recently Cara has become known for her distinct portrait style. Her friendly down to earth nature helps sitters feel comfortable and calm ensuring she gets the best out of them.
After attaining her Commercial Photography degree, Cara hit the UK to assist well-known fashion photographers including Craig McDean and Jason Bell. Now Sydney-based, Cara travels abroad frequently for work.
Cara’s has a reputation with clients, subjects, and models for empathetic professionalism and creating a fun and relaxed yet highly-focused on-set environment.
Clients include; Camilla and Marc, Cue, Industrie, Harpers Bazaar, Rolling Stone, Myer, Cotton on, Indie Kids, Nancy Ganz, Van Heusen, Cotton On Kids, Bardot Jnr, Shona Joy, Maritime Museum, Baxter Boots, REST Superannuation, Campari, Schôn Magazine, Holly Ryan, Georgia Alice, Dyspnea
Testimonials
“‘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 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, 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 story teller.”
-Marsha Vetolskiy, Creative Director