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You don’t just take a photo
you make it.
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I first found my love for photography when I was part of a car club back in 2003, photographing cars at events for fun and posting on forums and loving the feedback I used to get. It then started to get frustrating when I wanted to capture cars moving and my little compact at the time just couldn’t quite cut it. So I invested in my first SLR and the rest is history, so they say.
My passion then moved to portraits after stumbling across photographer forums online and I was completely in awe of how personalities can be captured through the lens. I joined the Rushden & District Photography Club which has helped mould me technically into the photographer I am today, I owe almost all of my knowledge to my very good friend John Tisbury, who without him and his constant support I may not be where I am today.
I then made an investment into a mobile studio and started working as Claire Hirst Photography in 2008, travelling across Northamptonshire providing a service in home photography.
In 2009 I was lucky enough to be invited joined Disney Cruise Lines as a photographer travelling the world, shooting families in the studio, amazing weddings on islands you can only dream of - and who doesn’t want to be married by Micky Mouse.
The knowledge I gained was priceless, meeting the most amazing people with different cultures and traditions, to which I still keep in touch with today.
After 2 years I was ready for dry land and I joined the UK’s leading portrait company ‘Venture Photography’.
A more relaxed and natural style has taught me how to get really the most genuine and unposed shots and of course the secret to capturing personalities and enthusiasm in even the most challenging children and now I have found my real passion, weddings.
The nerves, the excitement, the build up right from meeting the bride and groom for the first time and knowing how great it is going to be. To then delivering the images and tears that are shed, the ultimate feeling you have managed to relive their day for them through your work.
I always come away from a wedding with a feeling so amazing, I wish I could bottle it up and often can’t wait to start edits they normally start that night with a sneaky peak as I’m too excited.
My photography style has evolved over the years learning how to put people at ease, keeping it informal, contemporary and overall an enjoyable experience. Being photographed can be very daunting for some couples but together with the right guidance and fun I will capture your day and create images for you to treasure for years to come.
In 2013 the North East captured my heart and I decided to make this place home. Within the past few years I have made great partnerships within the wedding industry and know it was the best move I ever made. Regular venues include Walworth Castle, Headlam Hall, Rockliffe Hall, Redworth Hall, Craythorne Hall to name a few.
Featured in Darlington Weddings Magazine, Living Magazine and Your North East Wedding Magazine, feeling very honoured to be associated with such great publications and to turn a passion into a career which makes me happy every day.
Recent Visits
Le Petit Chateau, Northumberland
Recent Press