The Cape Cod photography community has lost one of its most beloved and talented figures with the recent passing of Barry Donahue, a legendary photojournalist who captured the essence of the Outer Cape for decades. Known for his artistic eye and dedication to his craft, Donahue leaves behind a remarkable legacy of photojournalism that graced the front pages of The Cape Codder newspaper for many years.
"Shooting shapes and shadows again" was a phrase that fellow photographer Steve Heaslip would often receive from Donahue after his daily photo reviews at the Cape Cod Times. While Heaslip isn't certain if Donahue coined the term, he first heard it from the master photographer himself. The phrase perfectly captured Donahue's specialty: creating artsy, eye-catching photographs, usually in black and white, that transformed ordinary scenes into extraordinary visual stories.
Heaslip first met Donahue in the mid-1980s, during an era when photographers were simply called "news photogs" rather than visual journalists. Newspapers were thick with content, most photos ran in black and white, and photographers carried pairs of Nikons in ever-present canvas Domke camera bags on their shoulders. The two men developed a friendly rivalry, with Donahue working for The Cape Codder while Heaslip shot for the Times.
Despite their professional competition, Donahue consistently demonstrated his superior knowledge of the Outer Cape terrain and timing. At news events, he invariably arrived before his competitors, often leaving just as others were getting started. Heaslip recalls numerous marine mammal strandings where he would arrive late after driving from Hyannis, only to find Donahue departing with a characteristic smile and the quip, "I think there might still be something to see down there."
Donahue's creativity and resourcefulness set him apart from other photographers. When Heaslip thought he had secured an exclusive shot, Donahue would often appear unexpectedly, having arrived by water – rowing or paddling to access angles that land-locked photographers couldn't reach. During storm coverage, he became a familiar and respected figure, outfitted in knee-high rubber boots and a yellow slicker, working fearlessly either on land or aboard fishing boats to capture the ocean's fury in any weather conditions.
The two photographers maintained a playful, long-running competition, taking pictures of each other during awkward photographic moments – changing film just as dunes eroded, camera drops, and other occupational hazards. However, Heaslip's favorite photograph of Donahue tells the complete story of the man: showing him with a big smile, oars in the water, taking his grandson out for a row – the image of a true Cape Codder in his element.
Donahue possessed that rare combination of technical skill and artistic vision that separates good photographers from great ones. His exceptional eye for composition, combined with an innate ability to find exactly the right location and timing for his shots, made him a master of his craft. His photographs didn't just document events; they transformed everyday Cape Cod scenes into works of art that resonated with viewers.
As the Cape Cod community mourns the loss of this remarkable artist, Donahue's impact on local journalism and photography remains undeniable. His decades of work created a visual chronicle of Cape Cod life that will serve as both historical documentation and artistic inspiration for future generations. Through his lens, he captured not just images, but the very soul of the Outer Cape, leaving behind a lasting legacy of fine photojournalism that continues to inspire and inform.
