Photographer

Who am I?

My name is Claire Sullivan and I have been a successful professional photographer for over 10 years.

I am the sole photographer and owner of Desire Photography. Based in the South East I am available to photograph weddings of all faiths, civil partnerships, pregnancy and boudoir portraits, baby and newborn photography, portraits of children which captures their individuality, family portraits, PR and commercial photography of any kind. Over the last decade I have photographed hundreds of weddings, lots of gorgeous babies and children, lovely families and quite a few dogs!!

What do I do?

I shoot beautiful natural, relaxed and elegant photographs using the beauty of natural light. With over 10 years of experience within the industry I simply love what I do and I do what I love.

I love being able to capture photographs for families that will be looked at for countless hours. My home is filled with so many memories, from childhood to present, catching a glimpse of a framed photograph that makes you smile every time you walk by never gets boring. I like to create memories for my clients, a lasting memory that you can look back on and remember fondly. I truly believe that creating a beautiful photograph creates a memory that lasts a lifetime.

How would you describe yourself?

I am a photographer, this is my passion and it is what I do full time. I love photographs, taking them, looking at them, printing them...you get the idea?!

As you might have guessed from my website galleries I have a fairly relaxed attitude. My photographs are mixed up within the galleries on this website depending on how I feel when I look at them however as you may have guessed the LOVE gallery is mainly for wedding photographs but there could be some more weddings featured elsewhere in the other galleries.

The FUN gallery is my own personal image gallery - where I shoot stuff for fun and some of which I sell as artwork. Prices available upon request.

What else?

Well, I am a mummy and totally besotted with my baby girl...I find myself watching her whenever I can, taking in the little faces she makes, the noises she makes, she makes me smile every day! I adore my husband, my family and friends are very important to me, I love chocolate (Cadbury's being the favourite!), I love shopping, bags and shoes, babies make me broody, children make me smile, I love to people watch, I hate rudeness, I'm a bit of a techno phobe - if it does what I want it to do then I'm happy, I live in jeans (except when shooting weddings), I'm a night person, I hate Marmite and Autumn is my favourite time of year.

How would you describe your style when photographing weddings?

I like to think of my photographic style as exciting, relaxed, fresh and unique but with a timeless quality.

I absolutely love weddings, I love everything about them. It's such an exciting time, a day filled with love, laughter and many more emotions. A day filled with memories and a day that you will truly remember for the rest of your lives which is why it’s important to capture and document the day as it unfolds....because the photographs are the only thing left to remember the day once the day is over and everything has been packed away.

My aim is to capture all the excitement and emotions of the day for you without interference. Obviously there is a part of the day when the photography will be more directed. This is the time when I like to be able to create photographs that you truly desire without any fuss and without taking up all of your time so you can relax with your guests.

I will produce a stunning set of photographs and a beautiful handmade album that you will enjoy looking back on and treasure for many years to come.

Full price guide and information is available on request.

What venues have you worked at?

LOTS! My favourite venue is Horsley Towers in Surrey (it's where I got married). Others venues I have photographed weddings at include Eltham Palace, Addington Palace, Buxted Park, Losely Park, Cooling Castle Barn, Chilston Park, Nutfield Priory, Ashdown Park Hotel, Horsted Place, The Grove, Coltsford Mill, Gosford Hall, Oaks Farm Barn, Langshot Manor, Stanhill Court, The Elvetham, The Bingham, The Lansdown Club, Middle Temple Hall, Templeton, Pembroke Lodge, Chelsea Register Office, Westminster Registry Office, Leatherhead Registry Office, Grosvenor House Hotel, The Dorchester, The Four Seasons Hotel, Mayfair Hotel, Claridges.

How would you describe your style when photographing portraits?

Relaxed but with a fresh approach.

Each portrait session can be so different, one session might be a maternity session with the excited parents-to-be, another might be a precious newborn baby, one session might be one big family, another might be for a client wanting to have some sensual boudoir photographs taken for her partner and another session might just be someone who wants some head shots taken for PR purposes. Whatever the session, my aim is to keep it simple and get the most out of you in order for you to love your photographs and enjoy them for many years.

I like to work with natural light...which may mean moving around some furniture if we're at home or dragging out a chair if we're somewhere on location.

Before we start your session I like to have a look around your home, or location because I've learnt that what you might think is a boring old corner of the kitchen might actually be the best spot to take your photographs.

I always have an idea of what I’d like to do before the session so we'll have a chat about what it is you want before your session. Usually once clients have seen my work and my website they will know whether I am the photographer for them.

Before we start, perhaps even at the inital consultation, we'll have a chat about what it is you want from your photographs, what they are for, who they are for and your thoughts on how you want to frame or present your photographs.

I want my clients to feel comfortable about having their photographs taken by me because usually they haven't had a professional portrait session before so are unsure of what to expect.

Portrait sessions can take between 15 minutes - 3 hours and start from just 55GBP, have a look at 'PRICES'. Photographs start from 25GBP. Full information and price guide is available on request.

Do you have another photographer or assistant?

I prefer to shoot alone, purely because I feel that this is an unobtrusive way to photograph your wedding. Sometimes, if required, I may well have a second shooter or an assistant with me for logistical reasons however this is something we will discuss when you book your wedding with me.

I work exclusively alone on all portrait sessions.

I hate my photograph being taken....?

Usually if you don't like your photographs being taken it's because you don't like something about yourself or because you tense up when the camera is pointing towards you, which let's face it can be a pretty daunting experience. My aim is make you feel as comfortable as possible whilst your having your photographs taken so we'll have a chat before we start and I work quickly...except with babies and children.

Do you travel?

Yes. I travel all over, including overseas, to cover weddings and portraits. If you are having your wedding outside of the UK please feel free to contact me to discuss your requirements or for an individual quote.

Can you recommend a videographer, a florist, a make up artist?

Of course! I have worked with and met some great suppliers over the years. Please have a look at the links page where you will find links for various suppliers who I have worked with before and all of which are very good at what they do. Tell them that I sent you!

If you require more information or wish to make a booking with me please contact me via the CONTACTS page.