SheFeatures: Nuala O’Rourke

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.

Read our Nikon Z8 Review

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.

Nuala’s Favourite Images