Meet Claire Hartley, Aviation Photographer

Claire Hartley is an aviation photographer from Lincoln, her work has been published in multiple news outlets and she will be judging the 2024 Airfix Aviation Photo Awards!

Find out what it’s really like to be an aviation photographer.

What inspired you to pursue aviation photography?

I was already a keen photographer living in Lincolnshire, known as “Bomber County” for its historic aviation links. A friend one day suggested taking some of photos of the Red Arrows during their local practise sessions. I went along to Scampton the next day and from then I was hooked. Three times a day, five days a week during winter training when work allowed! It then extended to venturing to Coningsby where the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Typhoons are based and then onto a “couple” of airshows. It soon took over and now my photography is pretty much dedicated to aviation. The fact that there are so many challenges but also possibilities with each shot, especially for aircraft in flight. There are so many things to look for within the sky, the light, the weather conditions to enable you to get adventurous with the shots and make them your own. I always push myself to better my last best shot and to try and get something different to other photographers!

Can you describe what it’s like to be known in the aviation industry?

Over the years I’ve become pretty established and it’s great to get recognition and credibility for the photos I take. It’s great to know that the photos I take through my own enjoyment are also pleasing to other people and agencies.

You mentioned that you had recently built your first Airfix kit.

I only recently received my first Airfix kit as a gift, A Red Arrow and a Spitfire set. I’ve never been good with painting or glue for that matter so it was a bit of a challenge, especially applying the decals. I stuck with it though (as did a few bits of aircraft to my fingernails) and now have a Red Arrow on a stand that I’m very proud of!

As a female aviation photographer what unique challenges or barriers have you come across in your career?

With it being a very male dominated environment I did initially experience some negativity from other more established photographers when I first started getting recognition for my work, assumptions that I’d been given special treatment rather than simply that I was able to take a good photo, or simply a photo that appealed to others.  Thankfully it just made me more determined than ever to keep pushing myself out there and I’ve had some amazing experiences over the years.

What brings you the most joy in your career?

Knowing that a photo I’ve taken because I like it is something that is also liked by others. I’ve had several hundred photos published in the national press including front page of the Times which I was extremely proud of. I think photographing historic aircraft is also a great way to keep the stories out there of the veterans that are no longer here to tell them.

In a traditionally male-dominated industry, how do you approach building relationships and earning respect among your peers and colleagues?

Not being afraid to try new things for my photos to stand out. Ignoring the “rules” such as not to shoot into the sun, stick to the rule of thirds etc – I’m not afraid to push boundaries to get different results. Help other people who ask for advice who are starting out, we were all there once. Let the photos speak for themselves!

Who are some of your aviation heroes?

The late Johnny Johnson and other veterans of his era, they are all heroes but so humble with it. They gave us our today and we must keep their memories alive.

And who would you love to meet one day?

I think I’ve been lucky enough to meet most people that I’ve wanted to and so many of them have amazing stories to tell. I was lucky enough to photograph Johnny Johnsons 100^th birthday party which was the biggest privilege ever.

What’s the one aircraft you dream of capturing?

Again I think I’ve captured most aircraft that I’ve wanted to. I’ve been lucky enough to do some air to air photography with a number of aircraft including a Spitfire, Tiger Moth and the Blades Aerobatic team. Although I’ve managed photos from the ground I’d love to one day fly alongside the Lancaster to take a picture from the air, once I’ve done that I would happily lay my camera down!

Do you ever feel nervous when turning up to big airshows?

Not really, it’s more excitement! Sometimes a slight butterfly or 2 if there’s a specific shot I need to nail i.e. the Reds over Blackpool Tower as you literally have a split second to get the shot as they fly over head! But generally its pure enjoyment.

What’s your favourite aircraft to photograph?

I don’t think I could pick just one! Red Arrows / Typhoon for jets you can get some amazing shots with different light and weather conditions and then the old warbirds such as Spitfires, Hurricanes, Lancaster due to the history surrounding them. I still get goosebumps every time I watch them fly.

What equipment would you suggest for someone looking to get into aviation photography and someone maybe looking to elevate their portfolio?

It’s generally more to do with the lens than the camera body, I have a number of different lenses collected over the years but a mid-range DSLR camera with a zoom lens of 300mm or more for close ups and a wider lens for more scenic shots.

Walk us through a typical day at work?

Head out to a local airbase unless I’ve been asked to go somewhere for a specific shoot. Lots of standing out in the cold, or heat, waiting for something to fly. We often get Red Arrows practise displays locally and the same for the Typhoon display and BBMF. Although you hope for flying it doesn’t always work out, due to weather, technical issues or other operational reasons. You must prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Usually I’ll spend the full day with the camera then return home and spend a few hours processing the photos taken during the day!

What’s your most memorable experience at work?

The air to air shoot I did with a spitfire, I've always admired other photographers air to air shots of the aircraft and never dreamt I could get similar results. The weather was kind and I was very proud of the results!

What’s one thing you would change about your job?

Absolutely nothing, except maybe sometimes the weather!

What advice would you give to other women who aspire to become aviation photographers?

Give it a go, experiment with your photos, don’t take negativity or criticism to heart and take photos that YOU love, if it’s something you have passion for it reflects in your photos.

You’ll find Claire’s photography available to view on her website (link - https://www.clairehartleyphotography.com/) and will be hearing much more from her as the judge of this years Aviation Photography Awards.