Meet Claire
I’m thrilled you are here, browsing the images, diving into the information, and exploring the possibilities. I’m SO looking forward to collaborating with you to create dreamy, unique, iconic, and meaningful photographs that stand the test of time.
I’m a detail oriented and high energy photographer with a love for new adventures and experiences and can’t wait to hear your story and learn about what drives you!
I truly believe in doing whatever it takes to make dreams a reality. I crave new adventures and meaningful experiences with my loved ones, which has taken me all around the world in my adult life. My earliest memories of taking photos began with documenting everyone and everything in my own little world. Creativity came naturally for me, business did not, so off to business school I went - where a BSBA is not all I went away with. I got engaged my senior year!
Flash forward to the year 2007. I graduated that spring and won first place in a National Collegiate Sales Competition (which funded my first professional camera), married the love of my life, Paul, and ambitiously began a career in Marketing and Development in television and media. Oh yes, and started my own photography company on the side. 2007 was a wild year.
My first wedding on 07-07-07 was absolutely *it* for me. There was everything: Glamor, drama, love, human connection, beauty, fashion, and the fast-paced environment I absolutely thrived in. I knew I had found my calling and my element.
I’m deeply thankful for the professional relationships and friendships I’ve built in this fantastic industry over the years. I think it’s safe to say I owe my success to my extremely social, kind, and supportive clients and industry peers who put their trust in me. We all share a passion for perfection, attention to detail, and a touch of dramatic flare, with LOVE and a MEANINGFUL experience being our top priority.
When I’m not photographing a wedding, you can find me making memories in downtown Kansas City with my husband and kitties OR playing tourist abroad.
I love making memories and having meaningful experiences. From food, culture, and art, to nature, wildlife, and adventure, the world is an infinite source of inspiration to me.
My travels have taken me to the heart of the Amazon Jungle, the heights of Machu Picchu, the bustling streets of Paris, Rome, Florence and Milan, the remote jungles of Corcovado, the volcanic Azores Islands in the middle of the Atlantic, the shark-filled reefs of Belize and beyond. My nature and wildlife photos help the Nature Conservancy organization in their conservation efforts and campaigns. I do care deeply about responsible stewardship of our planet and love to give back.
Morning Routine: Homemade cappuccino made with my favorite Italian Roast Espresso beans shipped in from small batch roaster, Peter James Coffee, in San Leandro CA. OBSESSED.
Mistaken Identity: I have an identical twin sister! She’s an attorney in Portland, OR. Undergrad was at UMKC and people around town often think I am her.
Where I’m From: Born in New Braunfels, TX and then lived in the gulf coast of Mississippi followed by Central Illinois. Most of my family is currently “out west” as far as Ohau, but also east in Atlanta and DC! I didn’t relocate to the Kansas City area until my sophomore year of HS, but I consider it home.
Fave Streaming: Love is Blind, Westworld, The Boys, Power, The Americans, Cosmos, Bill Nye, Queer Eye.
Fave Cocktails: 1. Espresso Martini, 2. Dirty Martini, 3. …a good sipping tequila!
Relationship Status: Married June 2, 2007. My husband’s name is Paul Ryser (and yes, if you’re old enough, he DOES get, “like the actor?!” all the time!) He is the easiest most wonderful part of my life and I am so lucky I get to grow (older and wiser) in life with him. We sold our big suburban home and moved to downtown KC in 2017. We love it - Kansas City is a hidden gem and a fantastic home base.
Pets: I love dogs, but have 2 cats. They’re a handful.
Hobbies: I am a travel addict and a member of the Kansas City chapter of Girls Love Travel - Our group meets regularly! If you’re in KC and love to travel, let me know!
Enneagram Test Results: Equal parts 7, 9, 3, in case this information is meaningful to you!
Your experience as the client is my true obsession
What will these photos mean to you? We’ll collaborate and I’ll hone my focus on the elements of your day that matter to you the most. Thoughtful planning into the timing and details of your day keep me staying just a step or two ahead as the moments unfold, prepared to capture the laughs, smiles, and tears before you even know they’re coming. So relax, pop the Dom Perignon, and enjoy the ride! I can’t wait to bring your photo dreams to life!
