Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Adkinson.
Hi Claire, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started photography as a hobby back in 2017, but my love for the camera actually started long before that. In high school, I was part of the yearbook team and had the chance to photograph events, and that’s really where everything clicked for me.
After graduating, I went to college but found myself struggling and unsure of what direction I wanted to take. I eventually made the decision to leave and entered the workforce. Around that time, I picked up a cheap camera and started photography as a hobby and a small side gig, not thinking it would ever turn into anything more.
Almost nine years later, it has grown into something I never could have imagined. What started as “just a hobby” slowly turned into my full-time career—and something I truly love.
Along the way, photography became so much more than just taking pictures. It became a way for me to capture real moments, real connections, and tell stories that people can hold onto forever. I’ve found so much purpose in creating a space where families feel comfortable, especially for children who may need a little extra patience, understanding, or flexibility.
That part is especially close to my heart. I have two children who are both on the autism spectrum, and being able to run my own business allows me the flexibility to be there for them in the ways they need. I’m also married to my high school sweetheart, who is a dairy farmer, so our life doesn’t exactly follow a typical schedule. Photography has given me the ability to build a career while still being present for my family.
It hasn’t been a straight path, but looking back, I wouldn’t change it. This journey has shaped not only my business, but who I am as a person—and I’m so grateful for where it’s led me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been a lot of ups and downs along the way, especially in the beginning when I was still figuring everything out.
Like many small business owners, I’ve had moments of self-doubt—wondering if I was good enough, if people would continue to book, or if I could really turn this into something sustainable. There were also times where it felt like I was the only one fully chasing this dream. Not everyone around me could see what it could become, and at times it felt like there wasn’t a lot of confidence in it actually turning into something successful. That was hard, and it made me question myself more than once.
Balancing life and work has also been a challenge, especially as my business started to grow. With two children on the autism spectrum, there are days that require a lot more flexibility, patience, and presence. Trying to manage that while also showing up fully for my clients hasn’t always been easy. On top of that, my husband is a dairy farmer, and our busiest seasons tend to overlap—so there are times of the year where life feels especially full and we don’t get as much time together as we’d like.
There have also been the typical struggles that come with running a business—learning pricing, setting boundaries, handling cancellations or no-shows, and figuring things out without a clear roadmap.
But through all of it, those challenges have really shaped me. They’ve helped me grow not just as a business owner, but as a person. I’ve learned to trust myself more, to keep going even when things felt uncertain, and to build something that truly fits my life.
Looking back now, I’m really proud that I didn’t give up during those moments when it felt like no one else could quite see the vision yet—because this business became everything I once hoped it could be, and more.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a photographer with a blended style, combining guided posing with natural, candid moments. I specialize in families, couples, seniors, newborns, milestones, and children. My goal isn’t just to take photos—it’s to capture real connection, genuine emotion, and the in-between moments that often mean the most.
I’ve found that what I’m most drawn to is creating a space where people feel comfortable being themselves. I’ll step in and give direction when needed so no one feels awkward or unsure, but I also leave room for real moments to unfold naturally. Whether it’s a playful, high-energy session with kids, a milestone moment, or a quiet, emotional connection between loved ones, I try to document it in a way that feels true to them.
Something that has really shaped my approach is my personal life. As a mom to two children on the autism spectrum, I understand that not every child—or family—fits into a “typical” session. Because of that, I’ve built my sessions around patience, flexibility, and meeting people where they’re at. I never expect perfection—I just want to capture who they are in that moment.
I think what sets me apart is that I truly see the beauty in all of it—the chaos, the quiet, the imperfect moments. I’m not focused on everything going “just right.” Some of the most meaningful images come from the moments in between, and I want my clients to walk away with photos that feel like them, not something forced.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Being invited into such personal moments—whether it’s a growing family, a senior milestone, welcoming a newborn, or even the harder seasons of life—is something I never take lightly. Knowing that I’m able to give people something they can hold onto for years to come is incredibly meaningful to me.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is being present—for my family and for the people I have the privilege of photographing.
As a mom, especially to two children on the autism spectrum, I’ve learned how important it is to slow down and really be in the moment. Life doesn’t always follow a perfect plan, and some of the most meaningful moments are the ones you can’t predict. That perspective has shaped not only my life, but also the way I approach my work.
I want my children to feel supported, understood, and truly seen, and that carries over into my photography. When families step in front of my camera, I want them to feel that same sense of comfort—that they don’t have to be perfect, they can just be themselves.
Time is something we can’t get back, and that’s something I think about often. The moments we’re living right now, no matter how big or small, become the memories we hold onto later. Being able to capture that for others, while also being present in my own life, is what matters most to me.
Pricing:
- Sessions range from $100-$550 depending on session type and length
- Family, couples, seniors, newborns, maternity, and milestone sessions offered
- Full sessions and mini sessions available, including extended family options
- All sessions include a full gallery of edited images
- Full investment and session details can be viewed here: https://claireelizabethphotography14.mypixieset.com/investment/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://claireelizabethphotography14.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claireelizphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claireelizphotography/
