I’m Clare, I’m a photographer and food stylist and most definitely a self confessed Foodie! Growing up on a farm meant an understanding about eating seasonally and farm to fork was ingrained in me from an early age. It has also allowed me to gain a real sense of the hard work it takes to produce food, seeing my father spending all day out in the fields from sunrise to sunset and living most my childhood in a pair of wellies getting stuck in to whatever jobs needed to be done has been my foundation and given me my respect I have for all things food related.
My interest in food led me to train as a chef in Ballymaloe Cookery School. This furthered my understanding of the wonderful seasonal and local food Ireland has to offer. After running a food business for a number of years I know all about the late nights in hot kitchens, knocking on supermarket doors and tight margins that are part of food producers’ seven day working week.
It’s a competitive market and to stand out you need beautiful images of the products you’ve worked so hard to create.
Alongside my passion for developing recipes was an interest in photography – inevitable growing up in a house full of amateur photographers! Wanting to break away from the amateurs I completed professional photography courses. Moving into food photography and styling seemed like following my destiny. And while I occasionally shoot portraits and non-food products, the driving force behind A Moment In Thyme is a passion for making food look fantastic.
I work with all sorts of clients from international and national brands to smaller food producers, local restaurants and publishers.
Every food product is different and requires a different creative approach to make it visually appealing when photographed.
When I’m not on a photo shoot or in the kitchen coming up with new recipes you’ll find me outside. I’m still enjoying farm to fork meals – I grow my own fruit and vegetables and keep bees with my dad, he likes to say I’m just there to steal his honey! When I have more time I head for the hills and spend the day hiking, foraging for snacks from what nature has to offer along the way. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, food is never far from my mind!
