ABOUT CLAIRE
Hi, I’m Claire—a portrait, dance, landscape, and lifestyle photographer based in Durham, NC. I specialize in capturing natural, authentic moments using natural light, and I especially love working with high school seniors, children, and performers. My sessions are fun and relaxed, which helps everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera.
With a lifelong passion for the arts, I bring a unique perspective to photography. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a concentration in jazz from East Carolina University, and I spent 19 years as the owner of a dance studio here in Durham. That background gives me a deep understanding of movement, expression, and timing—skills that allow me to capture dynamic shots of dancers and theatrical performances.
I’m also the visual arts teacher at Mangum Elementary School and hold a teaching license in art education.
Before COVID, I served as the school’s musical theatre director for seven years, blending my love of storytelling, movement, and visual art.
When I’m not in the classroom or behind the lens, you can find me being creative, spending time with my two boys (ages 21 and 16), or hanging out with our black cat, Essy.
Let’s create something beautiful together—whether you’re celebrating a senior year, a child’s milestone, or the artistry of dance.