~ pets ~ » Claire Pearson Photography

A few things about me:

I'm British.

My favourite relaxing passtime is knitting. In times past it used to be running (alas, not much since giving birth to my delightful daughter - one day I'll run a marathon again).

When I first came to Basel I brought with me only some clothes, 2 pairs of shoes, a shuttle computer (very small desktop PC, no monitor) and my cello in order to live a more simple life. It worked... for a while.

I am the eldest of three, my two other siblings being brothers, Dan and Tom.

There is a 13 year gap between me and my youngest brother.

I grew up in small southern villages in the UK.

I have a degree from the University of Sheffield in Mathematics and Philosophy.

I really wish there was a real fish and chip shop here in Basel. Just one. (Nordsee doesn't count!)

Same goes for a M&S.

In the right mood my eyes can change colour and become flurescent green.

I love taking pictures.

Category Archives: ~ pets ~

~ Big Brown Eyes ~

Monday, November 22, 2010

When I say big brown eyes, I really mean it! Look at this absolutely handsome little fella. I was also happy to see that he also had a big brother in the form of a West Highland Terrier. I used to have one of these doggies when I was a little girl and I can’t help but go a bit mushy and give these dogs lots of affection when I come across them. This little one was called Rascal, his twin, Mischeif (too cute!) had passed a few years ago, but I was happy to see that in the office there was a big canvas of them together. My little doggie was called Benji and I still think of him often.

So, back to this adorable little boy who was just melting my heart the whole session. As it’s often realised, the expat world can transpire to actually be a bit of a small one. The first thing he did was show me a book that he loved. I recognised it – it is a book that my daughter also loves – ‘Rumble in the Jungle’, a gift from an amazing friend. It so happened that his version was from that exact same friend – the amazing Jane Fairclough (who is nearly set to officially announce her Baby Carer services – more on that later). We all realised this about a few days earlier when Jane had been to visit this family for lunch. It made for the whole session feeling just that little bit more familiar and comfortable.

Now for those sneak peak images. Playing with his train set:

Perfect little toes:

More of those beautiful eyes:

And the long long eyelashes:

Rascal:

Finally, for now, the full happy family. I had lots of fun with you all and hope you enjoyed it all as much as I did, I look forward to seeing you again soon:

~ Apple trees ~

Saturday, October 30, 2010

I must admit that it was actually pretty amazing that I even managed to turn up to this session. I had left the house without my phone, so I had no way to contact them or call a friend to direct me to the right location and on top of that I only had the last part of the map printed out to show me where they lived (and in my head it was a different road to what it actually was). Not to let such small things get in my way, I followed my instincts and ended up finding my destination. As luck would have it, the kiddie-winks had been having a nap anyway and were only just coming round to being awake again as I got there. Perfect!

A lovely cup of tea later – thank you for that, I think I needed it! – we were ready to get on with our shoot. There was no need to go very far, there was a wonderfully lit barn out the back where we set up the mini studio and a great garden with apple trees in the back. Ideal. I love it when a location just screams out for me to take pictures at it and I would hire mum for her keen trips back to the house for different outfits for the kids.

The little girl had just turned one and was really keen on trying to walk everywhere, I should imagine she actually is now. The little boy was just charming and cheeky – just as boys should be. Thanks for a great session!

kisses from mummy in the studio:

And of course a very regal portrait of the feline member of the family:

Baby steps:

Enjoying the freshly fallen apples:

Just chillin’:

And a happy Halloween to everyone this weekend (don’t the colours all go great together here!):

~ meow ~

Thursday, September 9, 2010

A cat as black
As blackest coal
Is out upon
His midnight stroll,
His steps are soft,
His walk is slow,
His eyes are gold,
They flash and glow.
And so I run
And so I duck,
I do not need
His black-cat luck.

~Author Unknown~

~ Big doggie, teeny kitty and a smiley little girl ~

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

I had another trip over to Zurich last Friday. As I was following the GPS machine I thought the route looked familiar and as predicted, I realised that this family were recommended by a previous client of mine living down the same valley. Last time I got terribly lost and it was very snowy. This time it was summer and I knew *exactly* where I was going. I shouldn’t be surprised any more when I realise that the degrees of separation are far less than 6 in an expat community. The mummy of this family is also a very good friend of another family I know really well in Basel. In fact, the same was true of the family I saw that afternoon too!

So, more doggie love here. I do love dogs and somehow seem to win their affection by the end of a shoot. This lovely big St. Bernard was trying to hug me from behind whilst I was taking the last of the family shots. The little kitty too was just adorable and full of lots of energy – the perfect playmate for a toddler (a very gentle and kind toddler at that). So here is the sneak peak for the blog:

Welcoming smiles: