Catherine journeys from the stage to behind the camera

Graduating Photography Studies College (PSC) student Catherine Woodger has always been a storyteller. By pursuing an Advanced Diploma of Photography, she’s channelled her genuine love for working with people into a new medium.

Having previously worked in theatre as a writer, director and performer, and also as a percussionist, collaboration has been at the centre of Catherine’s work for much of her career.

Percussion saw her working in corporate entertainment at the Sydney Olympic Games and drumming atop a huge scaffolding tower built on the Sydney Opera House forecourt as part of a historical documentary show about Ned Kelly.

Over the years Catherine has also also worked as a customs officer, as an English and drama teacher, and now she works in content creation for a not-for-profit, tinkering with photography in the background all the while.

“After having worked for quite a few years as a performer at festivals and events and being involved with lots of people and lots of groups of people, I wanted to do something which would allow me to just develop my own creative voice that I could do in my own way, in my own time,” Catherine told Southbank News.

At the start of her studies at PSC, Catherine had a keen interest in urban landscape photography, but soon grew to love portraiture as she learned about the importance of the relationship between the photographer and the subject.

“I didn’t initially think that I was all that interested in portraiture … learning how to create a portrait with a person in the studio or out in the field really opened my eyes up to what’s possible, and how it’s my relationship with the subject that really helps create the photo,” she said.

It’s not just about them. It’s about the interaction you have with them and them having enough trust in you that you’re going to represent them in a positive light.

This idea of mutual respect and trust was key when Catherine was developing her graduate exhibition, which chronicles the remarkable story of Carol Baker.

“She was the first woman police officer to undertake the police driving course, back in 1964. I was fascinated by this, so I got to know her, asked a few questions,” Catherine said. “She actually topped the class. So, she was the first woman to do the course and then she topped the class. She showed me some of her archives, which are fascinating.”

Described by Catherine as an installation, her graduate exhibition incorporates portraits of Carol, a couple of her belongings, archival documents, an audio interview and photographs of specific sites that Carol refers to in her stories.

“For me, personally, I think I find I’m more engaged if I bring in those tangible elements we can see and touch and hear,” Catherine said.

The exhibition, titled Focal | Vocal, includes the work of all seven Advanced Diploma of Photography graduates for 2024 and is showing at the Yarra Sculpture Gallery in Abbotsford until December 15. •