Claire Pearson Photography

Lifestyle photography in Basel, Switzerland.

A few things about me:

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 bought 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.

I grew up in small southern villages in the UK.

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

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

I love taking pictures.

~ Snow, public transport and flavoured sausages ~

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

I’ve spent the last two days in London attending the Business School section of the 6 day long SWPP Convention, tag-lined as ‘Europe’s largest all-welcome event for the serious photographer’. The SWPP is The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers, a worldwide photography association that hosts this convention each year. Apparently over 17,000 tickets have been sold this year, making it the biggest ever yet and I was one of approximately 150-200 of those that attended the two day Business school that starts the whole thing off.

I’ve spent two days sitting through talks on Marketing, Social Media, Accounting, Values and more (including a sing song with Mark Leightley at the end of his wonderful lecture). I’ve already made new friends, made copious amounts of notes and have lots and lots of ideas for the new year. It already feels like I’ve been here for more than 2 days and there are 5 more to go.

I return back to Switzerland after a 6.5 hour day with Jerry Ghionis next Monday. For those not in the know, this man is one of the top ten wedding photographers in the world and I’m really looking forward to being in the same room as him. Jerry can see light and use it like no other. Having him as your wedding photographer will set you back at least $10,000.

Not only is it good to be back in the UK, I’m strangely also really enjoying having a commute and getting the train/tube every day. The snow has caused quite a few delays, but it’s not dampening my spirits. I’m enjoying the food back here too (as always). Last night I was treated to some very yummy flavoured sausages accompanied by lovely creamy mash, veg and caramalised onion gravy, but an old housemate of mine – yum yum!

Funnily enough, I’m also finding it surprising that nearly everyone speaks English and that there are so many pubs around!

I’ve not really had time to take any pictures, so I am sharing with you the two images of mine that won a Gold award from the SWPP monthly competitions I entered last year. Each month you can enter one image in each category (there are quite a few). I started in August, entered again in September and then got too busy with my day job of being a photographer to enter for the rest of year. It’s something I hope to continue in the new year. As a result, I am in with a chance (a very small chance, but a chance nevertheless) of winning an award at the Awards Dinner on Sunday night. It’s a black tie event with approximately 500 attendees. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Here are the images:

Macro Category (August):

Baby Category (September):

Thanks again to all my friends and clients that have helped my business over the last two years, I feel so fortunate to be doing a job I love so much and I’m full of lots of enthusiasm to continue to grow it and make it a complete success over the years to come.