Faces & Faves - Clare Scott, Photographer
Clare Scott
Learn how her first book of portraits was created through local engagement, and discover her favourite photos taken around Steveston Village.
About the artist
Quoted from Clare's website
I was born Clare Gillingham, in England, and moved to Richmond as a child. I am thrilled to call Steveston my home.
I get to wake up everyday feeling inspired to go out with my camera to capture the enticing energy, history, natural beauty and the people of this incredible village.
How Faces of Steveston was created
Cover of Faces of Steveston
Clare: When I moved back to Steveston three years ago (after a four-year stint of living the Yaletown life), I came back with a few goals:
1. Get a ginger cat
2. Get more involved in the community
3. Get my art OUT THERE!
My “passion project”, a photo-biography book titled Faces of Steveston, was my starting point.
As I ran, walked, kayaked, drove, and rode my bike around the village, I noticed familiar faces smiling and waving as I went by. And I thought to myself, “Who are these people?” So I set out to find out!
One night I asked a local group on Facebook, “Who do you think of when you think of Steveston?” I awoke the next day to over 100 responses—and they were growing by the minute! I was blown away! There were so many common suggestions, as well as some funny and ridiculous ones. Interesting debates even started too!
Once I narrowed down my list, I went ahead to interview and take portraits. Then, Covid hit! I completed the book a little later than I had hoped, but was pleased with the results. It was such a fun project and I learned so much about not just the people in the village, but the history of our amazing town!
In the process of creating Faces of Steveston, I think it helped that I had worked for the Steveston Community centre in my youth. Even after many years, I was still able to connect with some of my former coworkers and members there. The community centre has a long history, and the staff there felt strongly about their involvement with the people they served.
Becoming a member at large of Steveston Historical Society also helped me in my process. A couple people from my book are members of the society, and what a wealth of knowledge they have about the history of Steveston! By joining the society, I hope to be able to contribute more to Steveston and preserve its character.
Book 2, Images of Steveston, came out shortly after, and Book 3 is in the works! Through my images, my goal is to show and share the beauty of our diverse village, and to invite people to see it through my eyes!
Back of Faces of Steveston. Partial proceeds benefit Steveston Historical Society.
Show & Tell - Clare’s Favourite Photos
Steveston Habour
Clare: This is a typical shot of the Steveston Harbour—but from a different view point—my kayak! This was taken with my iPhone. And when I post process I like to pump the colour a little and use an editing tool that makes it look kind of like a painting.
Great Blue Heron
Clare: I caught this beauty (the official Bird of Richmond) as I was walking my golden retriever just past Garry Point. We slowly approached the bird, and then my dog lunged (on leash) and the heron took off, but I managed to take the pic with one hand!
Doors of Steveston
Clare: Taken in 2014, some these doors don’t exist anymore. And if you look closely, you’ll see a much younger looking "Nick the Bread Guy"!
I have done a lot of traveling and have a bit of an obsession with DOORS.
I have done this format in many of the places where I've been—drives my traveling companions crazy as we are out and about exploring, and there I am, taking photos of doors!
