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24 hours at sopwell house in st. albans, herts

Join us on a journey as we explore some of the services that this magnificent estate has to offer, from stunning accommodation and award-winning dining to their rejuvenating Club at Cottonmill Spa.

Meet The Member - Claire Connold Photography

 

 
 

Meet The Member - Claire Connold Photography

We caught up with our member Claire to talk about everything photography.


Hello Claire, You are a photographer. What are your specialisms?

Hello! Great to talk to you! I specialise in business branding shoots, headshots in the office, on location or my studio and family portraits. I also cover weddings, events & other commercial shoots. 

When did you realise your interest in photography could be a career for you? 

I worked for Reuters as a TV Producer in my previous career, I was editing television footage and interviewing. I also often dealt with the stills department (photos) and my interest sparked from there. On maternity leave with my second child, I bought a camera and went on photography courses at Central St. Martins. From there the passion just grew. 

Can you tell us a bit about your experiences in photography and where your work has been featured?  

My work is really varied and has evolved over the years. It has been featured in local press, on My Wedding Blog, Vogue, & Hertfordshire Life magazine. In 2023 I won an award for the Best Commercial Photographer in St. Albans, and I’m ranked by Three Best Rated in the top 3 photographers in St. Albans. 

You cover Hertfordshire, London, and the surrounding areas. Do you have a favourite place or two for a photo-shoot? 

I mainly use the parks and woodlands that surround St. Albans & Hertfordshire. Jersey Farm Woodland, Highfield Park and Harpenden Common are regular haunts. 

You undertake very different types of projects, from corporate headshots to family portraits. What do you like specifically about both? 

I love helping clients with their businesses and websites. Having a headshot session is such a hard thing to do for many, but seeing how pleased clients are afterwards with the results is really pleasing. 

Family photoshoots are completely different with each family. There is a lot thinking on my feet regarding where we go & what we do. You never quite know what will happen. There are so many factors, like, how lively are the children? is the dog coming too? How will the weather & light look? The season will be reflected in the result of the photos. 

What are the challenges when taking portraits of children? 

Small children are often quite shy initially and unclear what is expected of them. It’s important they see me as a safe adult who is just out for a walk with the family to enjoy the park and countryside. Families that have regular photoshoots get really good results. 

Do you still enjoy taking personal portraits of your own or does it feel too much like work? 

My daughters are at an age where they don’t like me taking photos of them anymore, which is a shame. So, like most people these days holiday snaps are often on my phone, which of course there is nothing wrong with that. Our phones are handy, practical and produce good quality photos! A dedicated family portrait session is a very different experience and result. 

Is there a particular hotel or restaurant in Hertfordshire you think is visually very special? 

St. Michaels Manor ticks all the boxes for events in St. Albans. The gardens, the hotel and its situation on the historical & quaint Fishpool Street are all so attractive for photos. 

Aside from photography, are there any hobbies you’re passionate about? 

I love travelling and therefore travel photography, also baking, books, yoga & skiing.

Lastly, tell us some of your favourite local haunts. 

I love going to the Verulam Open Air Theatre in the summer and the Odyssey cinema in the winter, we’re so lucky to have these both on the doorstep in St. Albans.