If you are going to our lovely studio in Manchester to have your FYEO photoshoot then you are bound to bump into our new manager Claire! So, we thought we would do a quick ‘get to know you’ interview so Claire can tell you what she’s all about!

Tell us a little bit about yourself, where are you from and how did you become interested in photography?

Hey I’m Claire and I am originally from a town in South Wales called Tredegar. So I am very Welsh! Most people think that the most interesting thing about me is that I am a triplet (one sister and one brother). I have a Joint Honours degree in fine Art and English specialising in fine art photography.

What attracted you to FYEO?

I just really love the concept of making people believe that they are beautiful in their own skin with no artificiality. As Mr Gok Wan would say I want all you gorgeous, beautiful women and men ‘to love the skin you’re in!’. I think that the ethos of this company is very inspiring and empowering. I was attracted to concept of lifting peoples spirit by making them see these amazing flattering images of themselves no matter their size or body shape.

What can people expect when they walk through the doors of the FYEO Manchester studio?

A very bubbly welcome from our really wonderful team of girls! We will look after all your needs and try our best to make you feel as comfortable as you possibly can be. When you arrive we will sit you down with a lovely cup of tea and your photographer will come and have a good old chat to find out what you like/dislike, why you chose to come and see us etc. Then you will be whisked off into our delightful make-up haven where your make-up artist will transform you into a smokey-eyed beauty. Then you’re ready to enter our very cosy studio where our photographer will lead you through your FYEO journey of body sculpting poses to suit you and your needs. You can expect alot of directions to capture your best features. You will enjoy your experience so much you may even be sad when your photographer says ‘that’s a wrap!’. After your shoot, we will check through all your details and will be more than happy for you relax for a while in our beautiful pink haven.

What would you say to someone who is nervous about having a photoshoot at the Manchester studio?

Not to worry. I can promise you that by the end of your shoot you will be feeling fabulous – you could not imagine how fun we can make this experience for you. We will be your new best friends! Our studio is very laid back and our team are all very approachable. We hired them not only because they are talented girls but also because they have utterly adorable personalities.

Just for fun…

If you were to be stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you have with you?

Besides my gorgeous boyfriend? hmmm……….

It would definitely have to be my two cats – big momma cat Bumblebee and lil baby cat Teaspoon. Then I would need a lifetime supply of hair dye because I would be terrified if I saw my natural hair colour!

If you could be someone else for a day who would it be and why?

Ok, so excuse me for a second but to answer this question I am stepping back in time and choosing Elizabeth Eleanor Siddal – one of the beauties used as a model by the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood (Of course I would be her, minus the laudanum addiction). She is my choice because she was immersed in my favourite artistic movement and is the face of my favourite painting ‘Ophelia. Also I admire her because she was not just another pretty face but a poet and artist in her own right – two art forms I love and aspire to be good at.

and last but not least, what do you want to say to all our fabulous FYEO Blog Readers?

If you are reading this blog and thinking of coming in, just do it because you will not be disappointed. Also I hope you are having a fabulous day!

Thanks Claire, and good luck in your new role at Manchester FYEO!