Claire is one of the newer additions to Raccoon’s London photography team and brings a unique angle to our offering of sport and fitness. With a background shooting fashion for the last 10 years, Claire brings her clean and colourful photographic style to capture events for clients in fashion and fitness such as Adidas, Primark, Nike, Elle and Women's Health. She is observant and energetic, likes to shoot with available light, and is experienced at capturing movement. When she's not shooting you'll probably find her cycling up a mountain or racing a triathlon somewhere.
Where did you grow up and did that place influence your work?
I grew up mostly in suburban Hertfordshire, except for a very random 4 years between the ages of 6 and 10 when we moved to the Seychelles for my Dad's work. I think it probably did influence my development as a photographer as it was a fun hobby for me then - lots to take pictures of. Even if I did have to wait several weeks to send the film back to the UK to have it developed and returned to me. It also taught me at quite a young age that there's a big world out there to explore - and also that life can take unexpected and exciting turns.
What’s been the biggest highlight in your career so far?
Probably seeing the campaigns I shot for The Championships Wimbledon in 2018 and 2019 displayed all over the Wimbledon site, in the shops and shop windows and advertising boards at the station. And going to watch a day of tennis with my mum at the same time!
Is there a project you’ve been wanting to shoot but not had a chance to yet? Dream subject?
I recently started doing some underwater photography and would love to travel somewhere where the sea is clear and calm enough to shoot unlike the UK. That plan is on hold for a while but any suggestions welcome...
What purchase of £100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months or recently?
Uniqlo Ultralight Down. It's a puffer jacket that folds away to the size of a water bottle. Total lifesaver on many a cold shoot/camping trip/bike ride.
In the last five years, what new belief, behaviour, or habit has most improved your life?
Stopped putting milk in my tea. Now I never have to worry about buying milk!
What recommendations do you have for someone wanting to become a photographer? Or what advice do you wish you’d heard before starting out?
The best advice I've received is just to shoot loads and loads. The 10,000 hour thing really is true. I wish that someone had told me to be more bold and confident with my creative ideas as I think a lack of confidence stifled my creativity and I was often concerned about whether my work was "good" or not (probably even worse now for the Instagram generation).
When you are feeling creatively stuck, what do you do or what do you ask yourself?
Go for a bike ride. That's when I always have ideas.
What is unique in your work or approach that separates you from other photographers?
I think we are all unique in our own combinations of experiences, personalities and interests, that make us see things a certain way. For me it's probably something like a weird mash up of being on one hand someone who loves fashion and art and music and on the other hand someone who is happiest covered in sweat wearing very uncool lycra cycling up a mountain. But for the right kind of client you bring those interests together and your perspective is invaluable. Or for me I've learnt that I don't have to be a loud, performative, extrovert photographer, because that's not just my personality. And actually just being myself often puts subjects more at ease and allows for a more authentic perspective.
How important do you think social media output and engagement is in the create industry? Has the impact been positive or negative?
It definitely helps photographers be discovered, promote themselves and get work. But the algorithm - or the instagram audience - does seem to favour a certain type of image so I think it's really important to be aware of that and not let it dictate the type of work you are making or think that because something doesn't get a lot of likes on Instagram then it's not successful work.
If you weren’t a photographer - what would you be?
A cycle courier. (bit of a biking theme going on in my answers I'm afraid!)
To book Claire to photograph your sport or fitness brand or cover your sporting event please get in touch at info@raccoonlondon.com. You can view her full sports portfolio here.
