Episode 173: Claire Rosen (Nature Photography) cover art

Episode 173: Claire Rosen (Nature Photography)

Episode 173: Claire Rosen (Nature Photography)

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 🎨 Claire Rosen’s Whimsical World: From Beatrix Potter Inspiration to the Birds of a Feather Book Keywords: Claire Rosen, Birds of a Feather, fine‑art photography, animal photography, Beatrix Potter influence, conservation photography, conceptual photography, photography process, Fujifilm GFX, nature‑inspired art, limited‑edition photography book Meta description: Discover how award‑winning photographer Claire Rosen blends Beatrix Potter charm, nature conservation, and conceptual photography in her new book Birds of a Feather. Learn her creative process, gear, and where to buy the limited‑edition volume. 📖 Overview Claire Rosen, a Forbes “30 Under 30” honoree and celebrated fine‑art photographer, sits down on the 10 Frames Per Second podcast to discuss: Her early love for Beatrix Potter, natural‑history museums, and Dutch still‑life painting.The journey from her first staged photos with sisters to large‑scale animal “feasts.”The making of her newest, exquisitely crafted book Birds of a Feather – its concept, design, and limited‑run production.The technical tools (Fujifilm GFX, darkroom magic) that bring her whimsical animal portraits to life.How controversy sparked a deeper conversation about animal welfare and conservation. If you’re a photographer, a nature lover, or simply adore beautiful books, keep reading for an inside look at Claire’s process and tips you can apply to your own creative projects. 🌿 Who Is Claire Rosen? FactDetailAward‑winningForbes “30 Under 30” (2012‑2013)SpecialtyWhimsical, anthropomorphized animal photographyInfluencesBeatrix Potter, natural‑history museums, Dutch still‑life traditionKey ProjectsImaginarium (process guide), FEAST series, Birds of a Feather (2024)Current BaseGlenmore, Pennsylvania farm (≈ 1 hour from Philadelphia) 🐰 From Beatrix Potter to Conceptual Photography Why Beatrix Potter Matters Storytelling: Potter’s blend of cute animal characters and narrative inspired Claire’s “anthropomorphic” scenes.Conservation Roots: Potter used her book profits to buy land and start England’s first land trust – a model Claire mirrors in her own activism.Aesthetic DNA: Victorian‑era wallpaper, pastel palettes, and intricate set design echo Potter’s illustrations. “I moved to a farm eight years ago, and the same love for land conservation that Potter had really resonated with me.” – Claire Rosen Moving Beyond Documentation Claire doesn’t aim to “record” animals; she builds worlds. Early on she staged pictures with her sisters, focusing on world‑building rather than documentation—a practice that still defines her today. 📚 The Book: Birds of a Feather What Makes This Book Special? Limited Edition: Only 1,000 copies, half already sold.Tactile Design: Hand‑marbled edges, red thread stitching, inset “treasure‑hunt” pages.Mixed Media: Combines photography with Victorian‑style wallpaper, custom paper, and miniature illustrations.Conservation Message: Opens dialogue on animal rights, habitat loss, and ethical pet ownership. Key Sections Opening Quote: “Nature is the original and enduring muse.” – sets the tone for a reverence‑first approach.Parrot Portraits: Sourced from a pet store, sparked controversy that deepened Claire’s awareness of captivity issues.Raptor & Owl Series: Photographed during a Dubai exhibition; highlights falconry and wildlife rescues.Farm‑Side Residents: Chickens, ducks, and local wildlife captured during the pandemic. How to Get a Copy Primary Source: Claire’s official website (shop link).Select Retailers: Ivy Books (Baltimore) and a handful of boutique art stores.Pre‑order Alerts: Sign up on the website for restock notifications—future print runs are uncertain. 📸 Behind the Lens: Claire’s Technical Workflow StepDetailsCameraFujifilm GFX (medium‑format, high resolution, intuitive controls)Early GearCanon DSLR for initial projectsPost‑ProductionCollaboration with retoucher Beck Manson; extensive Photoshop work to unify images across 13 yearsPrintingPartnered with Luminosity Lab for paper selection and marblingSet‑BuildingVictorian‑era wallpaper scrap sheets, custom mini‑sets, animal‑friendly lighting “I need equipment that isn’t complicated; the Fujifilm system lets me stay focused on the animals.” – Claire Rosen Quick Tips for Photographers Working With Animals Research the Species – Know stress triggers and comfort cues.Prep the Set – Have all props, lighting, and backup gear ready before the animal arrives.Minimize Distractions – Keep the crew small and the environment calm.Safety First – Use experienced caretakers; never sacrifice animal welfare for a shot.Stay Flexible – Expect spontaneous behavior; sometimes the best moments are unplanned. 🌎 Conservation & Controversy: Turning Criticism into Dialogue 2013 Online Backlash: Critics attacked Claire for using ...
No reviews yet