About Patrick

This book is a LOVE STORY! Patrick O’Donnell’s LOVE of getting the best shot, which to him was getting the one that no one else was able to capture. Yes, that’s photojournalism in its purest form, but Pat infused his creative eye with his clever ways, often funny too… to capture the story through his lens, as well as gain access to cover events, some with strict credentialing. His book is a historical collection of stories from behind the scenes, the photos that followed and the good old days of journalism, dark rooms and newsrooms that have been forever changed by modern technology. The book is a treasure, and so is Pat.

You would have to walk in Patrick O’Donnell’s shoes to understand what it means to be a local journalist in the second largest media market in the country. Los Angeles is that city where president’s and celebrities come to make headlines, intentional or not. What this memoir says is that over 60 years, O’Donnell never lost his passion of the pursuit, never lost the gratitude of being among those with a front row seat to history. Kudos on a story well written and well shot. I’m honored to have stood on the risers with you for a fraction of your career.

Take a walk down memory lane with photojournalist Patrick O’Donnell who captured the human interest perspective in local and national historical moments. Reading this book and seeing the photos he took over decades of appearances of political leaders including 11 sitting presidents and other renown figures gives you an appreciation and better understanding of what a press photographer goes through to get the best shot: the one that tells the story without words!

What a rewarding trip down memory lane with a dedicated professional news photographer and master of his craft. This is a well-written personal account of the experience of covering the news, especially celebrities, by a man with a passion for his craft and an honest, fair-minded approach to reporting.