Claire Gillo
Name: Claire Gillo
Camera: Nikon D850
Favourite type of photography: Documentary, creative, portraiture, still life, landscape
Location: Dartmouth, Devon, UK
Website: www.clairegillo.com, www.saltyroseweddings.co.uk
Instagram: @clairegillophotography
How did you get into photography?
I loved art and being creative at school, however, I didn't have the patience at times to sit and draw. I opted to take photography as an A Level and absolutely loved it! I used to spend hours in the darkroom developing my films and images, and in 2005, I went on to pursue a photography degree at the Arts University at Bournemouth.
Do you have any photographic qualifications or accolades?
BA (Hons) Photography.
What's the first photograph you remember seeing or shooting?
I remember shooting a black and white image of a boat on film that I was super pleased with! The first image I remember making an impact on me was migrant mother by Dorothea Lange. That image showed the true power of how photography could be used to tell a story.
What do you love about photography?
Storytelling and creativity. Photography, for me, is a creative outlet and a way to show how I see the world around me.
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What do you wish you'd learned about photography earlier?
I wish I had learnt more about studio lighting at a younger age, as everything I know has been self-taught.
Where is your favourite place for photography?
I live by the sea, so if I'm on the beach, I'm pretty happy, but I also love photographing a music event. Sometimes I love being in my home and creating a still life setup. It depends on my mood and if I'm feeling introverted or sociable.
Do you have a favourite photographic technique?
F/2.8 and a prime lens! Beautiful!
Can you briefly outline your approach to image processing?
Lightroom all the way! I have some favourite profiles I whip out to tone and style my images as desired, and then I usually make some basic adjustments. Photoshop is occasionally used if layers are needed.
What's your favourite lens?
Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens.
Do you have a favourite accessory?
I have an old Manfrotto 3-way head tripod which still does the job!
Have you found the perfect camera bag yet?
I have a big Lowepro backpack (can't remember the name) but it fits all my kit and is comfortable to carry, so it’s a winner!
Which photographers have influenced or inspired you, and how or why?
So many have inspired me. During my degree, I got into cameraless photography, and artists like Adam Fuss, Susan Derges, Man Ray, Anna Atkins and Garry Fabian Miller all influenced my work. I've also always loved documentary photography and photographers like Nan Goldin, Diane Arbus, Steve McCurry, Don McCullin, Martin Parr, Richard Billingham and Cindy Sherman have also been an inspiration.
Please recommend 2 or 3 female photographers to follow on Instagram.
Cristina Mittermeier - @mitty (love her work and how she uses photography to educate) and Alex Cameron @alex_cameron (I love how she uses natural light and is an awesome fashion photographer).
Is there a camera, lens or accessory that you don't have yet but you'd like to buy at some point?
Yes, I'd like to go mirrorless; however, I really love my Nikon D850 and the optical viewfinder - I'm just not quite ready to say goodbye to it yet!
Is there a genre of photography that you love but that you haven't tried yet?
I would like to try some drone photography.
What's your proudest photographic moment?
Getting a first in my degree was a big moment, and also when I set up Claire Gillo Photography and I started getting work.
If you could have one superpower that could help you with photography, what would it be?
I'd like to fly because I've always wanted that superpower anyway, but if you could fly, you could get some cool compositions from up there! Time travel would also be useful for getting to locations...
Your favourite baked goods are?
I do love a pain au chocolat, ooooh and a cherry bakewell!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m an 80s child, born and raised in Dartmouth, Devon. Eager to explore new horizons, I moved to Bournemouth at the age of 20 to pursue a photography degree at the Arts University Bournemouth. After graduating, I spent several years working in the publishing industry, contributing to various photography magazines. In 2018, and after starting a family, I made the decision to move back to Devon. It was here that I founded Claire Gillo Photography and Salty Rose Weddings (my wedding photography business).
