One to One
Catherine O’Donnell’s family magic
Never work with animals or children might be a famous maxim, but some photographers find joy in capturing the everyday moments of family life. Our creative pro Catherine O’Donnell has always loved taking pictures (as well as painting and drawing), but she became obsessed with photography after she had her first baby five years ago. “I had an SLR, but I’d pretty much always kept it on auto,” she says. “I set about the long task of teaching myself how to use it (as well as going on many a workshop)”.
Catherine cuts a long story short to tell us that her passion grew, and a friend of a friend asked her to photograph their wedding. “Although petrified, I agreed; then another friend asked, and before I knew it I started getting approached by people I didn’t know, all the while trying to teach myself more and more.” Many late nights, several cameras and many wonderful people later, and Catherine is busier than ever, with a portrait business she loves… Our masterclass is taking place at Wrest Park, a gorgeous country estate in Bedfordshire that is surrounded by formal gardens. “I am so excited to offer clients exclusive access to photo shoots within the grounds,” says Catherine. “You feel like you’re stepping onto a movie set when you stroll around and take in the magnificent views.”
Catherine says having a fun, varied outdoor location is ideal for family shoots such as these. “There’s a beautiful orangery I love as a backdrop for portraits, because it has the prettiest diffused light. The venue also has a wood-carved play area – great for allowing the children to let off steam and capture a few ‘in action’ shots.”
We arrive at Wrest Park after midday, while the autumn sun is still crisp and bright in the sky. The little ones Catherine has arranged to photograph are photogenic brother and sister Ivy (age 5) and Reggie (almost 3), and their mum is there for a few shots, too. Although Catherine has shot the pair before, she still has to keep them entertained and relaxed to get the best
out of them. “Photographing children is about gaining their trust,” she says.
Some children are naturally shy, but Catherine is well-practised at adapting to each situation. “Every shoot is different, just as every child and family is different. You need to tune in to their energy.”
In terms of equipment, Catherine has kept it to a minimum. “When I’m working on location outside with children and families , it’s usually just me, my camera, my subjects, and my eye.” On the shoot, she uses natural daylight only, which enables her to work more quickly without cumbersome lighting getting in the way. “I find the more time I’m spending tinkering with equipment, the more of an opportunity I have to lose connection with my subjects, particularly children. I’m often running around after them, so that leaves little time for setting up anything else. If I’m working with models or have an assistant, then there’s more time.”
When Catherine does work inside with low light or in the studio, she prefers to use a continuous light source that replicates soft natural light. “I find that flash can be offputting, and I’m after shots with quite a natural feel and a sense of spontaneity.”
Catherine has brought a Canon 24-70mm 2.8 L lens with her, but uses a Canon 50mm 1.2 L and moves herself around the playful children instead. She also has a buggy of props such as hats and toys, which could be used if the young subjects’ enthusiasm started to waiver. “Little ones tend to have a short attention span,” she says.
I ask Catherine whether she has a plan in mind for her shoots, or if she goes entirely
I want to create an environment conducive to capturing beautiful images as well as happy memories...
with the flow on the day. “I try not to overforce things,” she replies. “For instance, I might see the perfect tree and think that it would make a great backdrop for a gorgeous portrait, but my little subject may have other ideas.” She wants the whole family (including dads) to enjoy the shoot, so that they look back on it fondly. “I want to create an environment conducive to capturing beautiful images as well as happy memories,
which can sometimes mean knowing when to put the camera down. Don’t get cross with your subjects either. You won’t get the pictures you want and they may start avoiding your lens.”
With two children of her own and having worked previously as a teacher, Catherine has a natural way with children. “It’s a combination of gentle direction and observation,” she says. As with many types of photography, knowing your subjects (and reacting to them) is important. “I often have to work quickly, changing my settings on the fly, especially if the light suddenly changes or I find myself underneath a tree. Sometimes there’s a lot going on at once, and learning to adapt is quite possibly one of the most precious skills you can learn.”
Catherine uses Manual mode throughout the afternoon. “I tend to shoot on a wide aperture and, where possible, a fairly fast shutter speed.” In the woodland areas of Wrest Park, she switches the white balance to Shade. “I usually shoot in portrait or standard mode, and the light alters the white balance I select. The nature of photographing children – particularly out on location – means that I never have just the one setting.”
Although Catherine uses her camera with great skill, she admits that she’s got more of a creative brain. “Yes, it’s always good to aim to take a beautiful photo technically, but keep your focus on the heart and soul of your picture: your subject.”
Late in the afternoon, the fading sun provides us with beautiful golden light, and we all head towards a big pile of autumn leaves that look as if they are waiting to be thrown. Catherine’s sense of fun is contagious as she sits down in the pile to capture both kids at eye level.
I wonder what is it that sets Catherine’s images apart from others. “For me, capturing beautiful expressive faces, a sense of life, connection, wonder, energy and emotion make the best child portraits. They are the ones your clients will fall in love with.”