SheFeatures: Nuala O'Rourke
Name: Nuala O'Rourke
Camera: Sony A7R IV
Favourite type(s) of photography: Flowers, still life, portrait and compositing
Instagram: @nualao
Location: Stockport, UK
How did you get into photography?
My dad was very interested in photography and I picked up a camera in 1977. I did a journalism degree and there was a strong photographic element to it. I stopped (for some strange reason) when my children were young. I did get a digital camera in 1999, but used it mostly for taking photos of the children. I picked it up again more seriously in 2012.
Do you have any photographic qualifications or accolades?
No.
What's the first photograph you remember seeing or shooting?
I hired a camera to take photos of Bob Dylan at Blackbushe. It was a total waste of time, as he was so small in the frame.
What do you love about photography?
I love how mindful it is.
What do you wish you'd learned about photography earlier?
How to use lighting effectively.
Where is your favourite place for photography?
My study - I have set up a shooting desk and have light stands on the wall and window sill for my Godox 200.
Do you have a favourite photographic technique?
Using very narrow depth of field to create a dreamy feel.
Can you briefly outline your approach to image processing?
I'm probably a better Photoshopper than I am a photographer. I have a vision in my mind when I take a photo, and then I create it in Photoshop with layers and textures.
What's your favourite lens?
Sony FE 55mm f1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T*.
Do you have a favourite accessory?
My Godox lights and modifiers.
Have you found the perfect camera bag yet?
It's the Holy Grail and I have searched for years. Currently, I use a cheap insert from Amazon to put into my everyday bag and turn it into a camera bag.
Which photographers have influenced or inspired you, and how or why?
Polina Plotnikova for her beautiful flower photography. Sharon and Rob Prenton Jones for their composites.
Please recommend 2 or 3 female photographers to follow on Instagram.
Polina Plotnikova (@photoartitude), Sharon Prenton Jones (@prentonjones)
Is there a camera, lens or accessory that you don't have yet but you'd like to buy at some point?
Yes, I'd like a 24-70mm to add to the 16-35mm and the 70-200mm.
Is there a photography genre you love but haven't tried yet?
Intentional camera movement (ICM).
What's your proudest photographic moment?
I've only ever sold one photograph - but I sold it for £2,000.
If you could have one superpower that could help you with photography, what would it be?
Being able to walk without pain.
Your favourite baked goods are?
Scones
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I'm 63 and have recently retired. Sadly, over the last few years, my mobility has decreased, so I can no longer walk without sticks, and even then, not any significant distance. I've had to be creative to continue my photography and have set up a permanent studio in my study. My first career was in publishing, where I ran a newspaper and magazine group. My second career, which I started when I was nearly 50, was in Local Government, where I ran safeguarding services until I retired. I'm now going to be working part-time as a safeguarding consultant, which will give me plenty of time for photography. I'm mad about animals, and with my daughter, I have 11 cats, 2 dogs and 4 horses. I managed 9 years of a photo a day but had to stop last year when it got too much for me.
