Clare Smart

ABOUT WORK

London-based documentary photographer Clare Smart uses photography and multi-media to create images rich in character. Her social portraits always remain true to the real lives of the people she photographs, focusing on identity, family and narrative.

With a background in the world of clubbing and music, Clare is well placed to draw out the subtleties behind some of the urban subculture’s most fascinating characters. Her personal projects, including the celebrated Club Documentary series, explore aspects of ordinary people, bringing out their extraordinary flair, charisma and poise.

Clare has a passion for using photography, video and multimedia to tell people’s stories and to raise awareness. She strongly believes in immersing herself in the world of her subjects, allowing space and time to build genuine relationships.

Clare merges the techniques of documentary, portraiture and photojournalism to create compelling series of work which have caught the attention of collectors and gallery owners. One image from her Club Documentary series appeared in the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery and she was a finalist in the 2009 BJP Assistance Award. She also reached the finals of two European film festivals with her art film "A Fine Romance".

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