Behind The Camera: Megan Dowling

You may have noticed some of the amazing photos taken around the College over the last two years. The credit goes to our amazing photographer, Megan Dowling. Usually, behind the camera, we thought it time we bought her out from there and introduce her in our latest staff profile.

What is your role at Santa Maria and what does that involve?

I am the College photographer, and my role is to share the stories of our students and staff through pictures and video via our publications, blogs and social media platforms. 

How long have you worked at the College?

I joined Santa Maria in Term 3, 2019. 

What did you do before your role at the College?

Prior to my role here at Santa Maria, I was a staff photographer at The West Australian newspaper for 20 years. The work was challenging, often under tight deadlines and demanding editors, but with that came the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life; from the homeless to Prime Ministers, bikies, celebrities, touring bands and pop stars, sporting champions, politicians, and ordinary Australians doing amazing things (my favourite). I also spent two years based in Karratha, covering the news of the North-West, from Carnarvon to Kununurra. They were probably my most adventurous years at The West; driving thousands of kilometres across the desert to remote communities, flying in helicopters and once a hot air balloon, and negotiating cyclones, unsealed roads and wildlife, to share the stories of the people who live there.

Everyone has a story to tell and it’s no different here at Santa Maria.

After 20 years in the media, it was time for a change. Both my parents were teachers, and I married a teacher so I’ve always thought schools were great places to work, and I was right!

What do you enjoy most about your role?

It’s energising to be around young people; their enthusiasm is infectious! I enjoy sharing the talents and achievements of our amazing students and dedicated staff with the wider community.

What type of photography do you enjoy?

I have three children so it’s no surprise that my life revolves around them. I’m very grateful that I have the skills to capture the special moments in their lives. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I don’t have a lot of free time, but I most enjoy being together with my husband and children. Watching our kids at weekend sport takes up a lot of our time but it’s one of my favourite things to do. And a week at Rottnest is also hard to beat!

Who inspires you?

I will always admire the work of press photographers around the world, particularly those shooting in dangerous situations to bring the rest of us stories from the front line. I also love to follow the work of my ex-colleagues at The West whose skills and creativity under pressure are the best in the business.