Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Bira Forrest.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I started my business around seven years ago now, without any idea of what it might become or where it could take me. I fell in love with photography before I had any mastery or education in it, and learned my way into covering weddings. I had a full-time office job, where I stayed for two years to pay off student debt, buy enough gear to be successful, and save up a year’s salary in case everything went sideways– During my last year, I booked 20 weddings, so when I quit my job that spring, I was as prepared to become a wedding photographer as I could make myself.
From there, I fell in love with capturing motion and am still growing and learning the beauty of fine art film, moving video, and the magic that light and cameras can create! I’ve been booked solid every year since then and feel incredibly fortunate to be chasing the dreams God gave me to chase.
Please tell us about your art.
I love the different aspects of my art– landscape photographers, portrait photographers, videographers… we are all in the business of creating emotion by capturing something in an image that others can revisit and connect with.
“Those who perceive in themselves… the artistic vocation as poet, writer, sculptor, painter, musician, and actor feel at the same time an obligation not to waste this talent but to develop it, in order to put it to service of their neighbor and the humanity as a whole.” — John Paul II
I hope that what I’m doing with my career can touch and make an impact on people, and I hope that in the future I can find bigger and better ways to affect change in this world for the good.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I think the rise of social media and online marketing/sales has changed everything for the art community. An artist in San Diego can paint a boat, and while his/her neighbors may have seen hundreds of boats and paintings of them, that painting can touch someone living in the Midwest, and without ever having met one another, the two of them can do business and support each other.
In my opinion, there has never, in the history of the world, been a better time to be an artist and to be seen.
That doesn’t mean navigating social media and marketing is easy! I’m no pro- but I do get hope from knowing that it is possible!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I’m at www.imageclairity.com or on Facebook or Instagram–besides just booking me for a session, I teach some workshops and sell calendars every year for the holidays!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.imageclairity.com
- Phone: 573-225-6229
- Email: imageclairity@gmail.com
- Instagram: imageclairity
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/imageclairity
Image Credit:
Personal Photo – Carli Wolfe
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
