hey there!
meet claire
Dog mom to Palmer, girlfriend to Cory, big sister, favorite aunt, dessert enthusiast and your go-to hype girl behind the camera saying "just one more" (when i absolutely mean five). I'm a natural light portrait photographer based in the Carolinas, specializing in families and newborns, and i'm all about capturing the real, the in-between, joy-filled moments
Since going full time in 2021 (after leaving the corporate world behind!), I've had the absolute joy of photographing over 200 families - and counting! Every session reminds me why i started - there's just nothing like freezing real connection and everyday magic into something you'll cherish forever.
I help busy families and couples press the pause button on this beautiful and messy thing we call life...
...to document joy, connection, and laughter in everyday moments and milestones. I come from a big family and I absolutely love being around kids and babies! My favorite part of my job is getting to know my wonderful clients and watching families grow over the years!
things my friends know
I’m a dog mom to Palmer (a very good boy with a very dramatic cheese addiction) and girlfriend to Cory, who’s been cheering me on since day one—usually with a coffee in hand and our 100lbs pup in his lap. I come from a big, loud, chat-all-day kind of family, where my siblings are my best friends and my nieces are my favorite little muses. Becoming an aunt has been the best thing ever—and yes, I will happily chase toddlers barefoot through a backyard just to get the perfect shot.
I’m also a total coffee shop hopper with no set order—Iced? Hot? Seasonal lavender oat milk latte with extra foam? Yes. Always yes. And if I give you my number (spoiler: I will), I mean it—text me your outfit ideas, send me your location pins, ask me about my go-to hair and makeup girl. I want to be your calm in the chaos and your biggest hype woman.
And if I’m not working, I’m probably sipping something sweet on a Charlotte patio, rolling my little pink suitcase through a new city, or planning a “quick” Target run that somehow turns into a full-blown haul.
(and we're friends now, right?)
Top: Palmer my child. Left, Cory and Palmer. Right: my incredible family
Your at-a-glance guide to where I stand on all the truly important things.
THE QUIZ
Favorite indulgence
ordering takeout while i'm grocery shopping
celeb i'd love to meet
anyone but Kevin Bacon.
Guilty pleasure
love is Blind - because clearly emotional chaos is my comfort zone
alternate universe job:
Pet Psychic. I already talk to dogs, might as well get paid
favorite place i've been:
30A - spiritually, i live there.
drink of choice
espresso in the morning, cabernet in the evening, Balance, baby
can't live without
an emotional support snack
usually craving
vacations I can't afford
beach vs mountains
a beach nap and a mountain sunrise
favorite show to binge
New Girl - i relate to Nick's chaotic panic and Schmidt's unnecessary confidence
Claire is both a phenomenal photographer and human being. She has the perfect combination of professionalism and personality. She was outstanding with our newborn!
I would absolutely recommend working with Claire. She takes what can be a stressful and demanding ordeal with little ones and makes sure it is the lovely experience it should be."
"It is evident that Claire cares for her clients and wants to deliver the best product and experience...
I cannot recommend Claire enough for a newborn session! She made sure we got all the shots we wanted and was a pro with our baby (who was not always cooperating)! We got a sneak peak the same day and our photos back in less than 2 weeks. She also let us move up our date since we had our baby a few days early. We’ve gotten so many compliments and we will cherish these pictures forever! Use Claire for all your family photo needs - you won’t regret it!"
"Claire truly captured our family (including our beloved pup) and we couldn’t be more happy with them!
The very first time we met, she immediately made us feel like we’d known each other forever with her cheerful, and sweet personality. When we get our pictures back - I mean dreamy is the only way I can describe them! The lighting, the expressions she captures - everything is so perfect. We love Claire so much and are so thankful for the magic she works on our photos. It’s easy to love her and easy to obsessively squeal each time I get a gallery back! Absolutely HIGHLY recommend!!"
"Claire directed us through poses and it felt so natural. She’s always up for anything, has such creative vision...
Working with Claire has been beyond amazing! She is so great with our toddler and now newborn. Taking family photos, especially small children, can be more stressful than people find worth it - but Claire makes the process so simple and fun! The pictures she has captured for our family are absolutely gorgeous and I can't thank her enough!"
"Claire makes the process so simple and fun!
If you are looking for family photos of any kind, Claire is your girl! She recently photographed our extended family which included 4 toddler boys, and Claire navigated the shoot so well. She showed up with bubbles for the kids, treats for the dogs and she was so sweet and patient. She keeps the energy up, guides everyone and captures all the best candid photos. She delivered so many amazing photos of our young boys that truly show their personalities! You need Claire in your life!!
"Claire is such a professional and has a heart of gold.
my promise to you:
YOUR FAMILY PHOTOS WILL ACTUALLY FEEL LIKE YOU
That means I never force anyone to hold still and say "cheese". First off, have you ever tried to get your toddler to hold still for more than a second? It's Impossible. Instead, I encourage your kids (and you!) to laugh, play and explore. Creating a relaxed scene is how we will be able to capture their true personalities and genuine smiles.
Connect
Claire Shiflett is a family photographer serving the Carolinas + beyond.