Meet Claire Butcher | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Claire Butcher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claire, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Growing up I always knew that I loved photography, I just never thought to do it as more than a hobby. But, overtime I got more into and people would sometimes ask me to take their picture and I started to want to make it a career. Even then I never thought I could make it a full time career because I wasn’t convinced I was good enough in this competitive field to make enough income to be comfortable. But now, after almost 2 years of having my LLC I am finally getting to the point where it can be a full time career, which is both exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. Essentially, if you feel like doing something of your own and you are willing to work towards your goal, you can do it. It may take time, but it will happen.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
A lot of what I consider my art isn’t my portraiture but is more so my work of nature scenes and wildlife. I think I just have a love for nature not a lot of other people share, so I notice things that most people might look past, but I notice small details of everyday life that can be photographed and actually look interesting. I’m really proud of some of my wildlife work, I have a photo of a bear that I took in Yosemite when he walked past us, truly speechless.

Where I am today wasn’t necessarily easy, but wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. As long as you have a consistent online presence and have pride in your work, people will follow. You just have to maintain your presence so people online can find you easily.

I just want people to know that when someone chooses me as their photographer it is such a good feeling because I know that they trust ME to get the photos of their dreams, and I always do my absolute best to deliver.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in the middle of a lot of corn fields so there isn’t much to do unless you own a tractor. But in all seriousness, I’d take them on a little tour of Bucyrus and maybe visit the park, get some ice cream, and come back to my house to chill with my cats. Maybe go flower picking at the local market and pick up some fresh produce when we are done. I’m a homebody so I don’t have much else to say.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My love for photography is always accompanied by Ansel Adams, even though I don’t photography strictly nature scenes, he is really an inspiration and had such a beautiful view on the world he was in and made me want to do the same. Also, in college I had a professor by the name of Tom Dubanowich who was such a great mentor and role model. He wasn’t your average professor of “do this, do that” he was very involved with the class and taught by example, which is the best way for me to learn. He really helped me find my confidence in my own work and helped lead me to where I am today. I still ask him questions from time to time whenever I’m unsure of something and he always has an answer.

Website: https://clairebutcherphotography.myportfolio.com/work

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairebutcher_photography/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clairebutcherphotography/