Our RISK event will be photographed by Edinburgh based photographer Claire Watson. Read on to find out more about Claire’s work and visit her website to see more.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’ve always been a photographer. Mostly I think because I much prefer being behind the camera than in front of it. 

I have been a full time professional photographer in Edinburgh for over 4 years now. My focus is on photography for business. Capturing the people, events, products and services provided by my clients, so that they can better communicate their USP, message and personality to those they want to speak to.

I’m mostly self taught with a few great courses thrown in thanks to Stills, the OU and a couple of amazing wildlife photographers that thoroughly put me off. Turns out I’m too soft and lazy to do wildlife or landscape photography.
Prior to taking the plunge into self employment I practised my photography skills in Mexico and China while teaching English, New Zealand while playing rugby, and Namibia and the Caribbean while doing environmental research in what could be referred to as a career venn diagram more than a path. My much neglected Flikr account is testament to how learning is diverse, constant and ongoing process in my opinion.

What inspired you to first pick up a camera?

I honestly don’t remember. It’s something I’ve always done, as you can see from the picture. I’m from the era where your mother cut your hair, though I think that might be my sister’s own work and feral brothers were kept in cages.
What I take pictures of has changed since becoming a full-time professional. There is much less frustratingly bad pictures of family pets, but the joy of capturing images continues to inspire me.

What subjects are you most drawn to?

I’m always drawn to photographing people. Especially those who hate having their picture taken. I love the challenge of capturing how people want themselves to be seen. Demonstrating that photography isn’t down to the equipment.

What is your favourite gear you’re using at the moment? 

I’m not much of a gear head. My first DSLR was a Canon 40D, which served me well, and now I work with two 5Ds with 24-105mm & 70-200mm lenses. I find they are resilient enough to handle my slightly cack handed nature. One may or may not have some scratches from being knocked off a bench in the Botanics, but after my heart started beating again it proved absolutely fine. My definition of excellent gear!

Can you list a few of your favourite creative resources?

My inspiration usually comes from my clients and the great light and locations Scotland (and occasionally further afield) has to offer. I’m a bit of a traditionalist with my other resources: Magnum, National Geographic on Instagram and COOPH on YouTube for fascinating ideas.

Please tell us the story behind one of your favourite photographs.

These questions are hard! My favourite photographs and their stories are constantly changing. My favourite project is always the next one. However if pushed I’d probably pick this picture as one that continues to make me smile. It goes back to 2013 and the Rock Trust SleepOut in Festival Square. The weather was terrible, but that didn’t stop the hardy volunteers and sponsors having a great time. This picture captured the positive feeling and enthusiasm of everyone involved in raising money and awareness to help young people struggling with homelessness in Edinburgh and beyond. I’d like to think my photography has improved since then, but it does capture my desire to always look for images that tell the story that the client needs told.