Name: Claire Walker
Current camera: Nikon D750
Favourite type of photography: Horses, dogs and cats
Website: willowfieldportraits.co.uk
Location: Worcestershire, UK
My dad was always interested in photography and I think he inspired me. Back then he loved monochrome photography and that was where it all started for me. A good monochrome image is incredible. I love the gritty energy and atmosphere it creates. As a horse mad youngster, I once saw a centre page action photograph of horse racing in America and from that moment I was hooked on black and white photography.
Yes. As an Army Reservist I made some great connections while serving on tour in Afghanistan. I was assigned to cover several high profile VIP visits and some of my photographs were featured in MOD press releases. After the tour I was sent on a residential course where I qualified as a Defence Photographer. I have also won a few local photography competitions over the last few years.
I have always been a fan of Henri Cartier Bresson. When I first saw his black-and-white photograph at the top of the steps in Montmartre, Paris, I was completely spellbound.
I love the mindfulness, the creativity and the feeling you get when you see something that stirs an emotion. That feeling is personal to everyone and we each interpret it differently through the images we create. It is such a personal and creative experience that transports you into another world. It is mindful and fulfilling. Maybe that is why, no matter how hard we try not to, we sometimes take it to heart when someone does not appreciate our work in the same way, because the creative journey has meant so much to us. Photography is your place, your scene, your emotion and your passion, and that is exactly how it should be. It should be rewarding for you.
I wish I had made it my career.
In the woods. I love being there in the autumn or walking my dog on a cold, crisp winter morning.
No. I do not really know many techniques because I am mostly self-taught, so I do not tend to follow structured methods.
One of my favourite things is creating images using brushes and artistic styles. I love producing something more creative, such as transforming a landscape into a piece of art. I recently did this with one of my images and it won a prestigious award.
My trusty 28-120mm.
I love my sling harness.
No! I think I will be searching forever.
My favourite photographer has to be Henri Cartier Bresson for his incredible raw black and white street photography.
I follow Aga Karmol @agakarmol.art, who is a famous horse photographer. Getting anywhere near her level of expertise would be a dream.
I love photographing horse racing, so a 600mm lens would be wonderful.
Read: Creative Photography: What It Is and How to Get Started
I am very happy with what I photograph now, but I would love to have a go at night sky photography.
Having some of my photographs used in MOD press releases was a real highlight, and I recently won a prestigious award for one of my digital art images.
A time machine, so I would have all the time in the world to experiment with my images.
Listen to or Watch the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast
White chocolate chip cookies.
I have just turned 50 and work as a paramedic in a GP surgery. I have been interested in photography for around 25 years, ever since my dad gave me a Nikon F film camera. I was hooked almost immediately. After several years of practice, a friend asked me to photograph her wedding. I loved it so much that I soon found myself photographing more weddings.
Although I really enjoyed wedding photography, my role as an Army Reservist became more demanding and I gradually did less of it. When I deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, I took my camera everywhere. During the tour, our regimental press officer went on leave and I was asked to deputise. I was tasked with covering several high-profile VIP visits across our area of operations. It was incredibly exciting and rewarding, and it made me wish I had joined the Army as a photographer.
My greatest passion has always been horses. I completely lose myself when I am photographing them and being in that moment is where I feel happiest. I now live with my husband, our two cats and our little Labrador in north Worcestershire.
