How do you think Instagram has affected the field of photography? Do you Instagram? 
"I personally do not use Instagram. 

I have mixed feelings on the effect that Instagram has had on the field of photography. I think it is great how many more people have become interested in photography through the accessibility of the iPhone photography apps. In addition, the social media aspect of Instagram has become a very valuable marketing tool for many photographers. My personal debate lies within the value of iPhone photography in general as a serious medium.  I think it will be interesting to see what happens as the technology develops.  For a split second my instinct is to say, 'those filters make pictures more interesting then they would be normally and you have limited controls, so iPhone photography is like cheating' but maybe I am just bitter because it seems too easy. After all, I am a firm believer that your equipment doesn't make your pictures, you do still have to make a decision to put something interesting in the frame. This was probably similar to the feelings that occurred when digital photography first arrived on the scene. So I will wait to form my opinion."

What has been your favorite project so far and why? 
"A commercial series called Bespoke, created for and in collaboration with lighting designer, Alex Randall. Alex is a very inspiring artist. She creates unique lighting fixtures from taxidermy animals and reclaimed objects which we photograph in unusual narrative concepts.  There is a special synergy between us that has produced a body of work that I am very proud of."

What can we look forward to from you in terms of future projects? Or, what is something you hope to accomplish in the next year? 
"I am working on a coffee table book of my taxidermy series, 'The Millbrook Collection,' which (hopefully) will be finished in the next year. I am also working on a new fine art series of elaborate animal feasts. In the commercial spectrum I am always looking to expand my creative team and client base!"

What is one thing you remind yourself every day? 
"Everything worth doing is difficult so don't give up…"

Claire will be speaking at the Unique Photo® Booth #437 at PDN's PhotoPlus International Convention and Expo on October 25th, 26th and 27th at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC. To find out the speaking times and register for free, click here.

Photo: Courtesy of Claire Rosen