—Who is Claire Hirst Photography—

Claire Hirst Photography exists to tell your wedding day story — not the same couple standing in the same doorway. I capture love stories the way they feel, not the way they’re posed. Creating emotional, honest, and deeply authentic wedding photography across the North East and beyond, so your images are as unique as the day itself.

I fell in love with photography back in 2003 after joining a local camera club — never imagining where that passion would lead.  In 2009, my journey took an incredible turn when I was lucky enough to be selected as a photographer for Disney Cruise Lines. Camera in hand, I travelled the world, capturing people from all walks of life and learning how powerful photography can be when it tells a story, not just takes a picture. That experience shaped everything I do today — reinforcing my belief that the most meaningful images come from connection, emotion, and authenticity.

Over time, I became increasingly aware of how often wedding images looked beautiful, yet lacked feeling. Too many couples, the same poses, the same doorways — moments that didn’t truly reflect the people in them.

My mission is to make you feel completely at ease in front of the camera on one of the most meaningful days of your life. Through a relaxed pre-wedding session, you’ll discover that being photographed isn’t scary at all — it’s freeing. You don’t need to perform or pretend. Just show up as yourself, in all your glorious, imperfect, beautiful humanity. That’s where the magic lives.

I will never ask you to stare at the camera and smile.
Your images will always reflect who you truly are.
Using thoughtful prompts, I capture you at your very best — not posed, not forced, but real. When you look back at your wedding photographs, I want you to feel the emotion, the connection, and the authenticity of the day — your story, told honestly, not a copy of someone else’s.