Claire Ballard at byBALLARD Photography runs a welcoming Brockley studio, specialising in natural, flattering portraits and professional headshots that capture authentic confidence.
byBALLARD Photography is Claire Ballard’s Brockley portrait studio, built around a simple belief: portraits should feel honest, flattering and entirely like you. As a specialist in portrait photography I focus on capturing personality and presence—whether you're booking a studio portrait to mark a personal milestone or a professional headshot to support your career and online presence. My approach is calm, conversational and collaborative. Sessions are designed to put you at ease from the moment you arrive: we talk through what you want to say with your images, choose backgrounds and poses that suit your style, and I give gentle direction so you look natural rather than posed. Light, composition and expression are my tools for revealing confidence and warmth—small adjustments in posture or eye contact make big differences on camera, and I guide each client through those moments with care. The studio in Brockley is a relaxed space where people can be themselves. I work to create an atmosphere that reduces nerves and invites connection: music, thoughtful pacing and clear guidance help even camera-shy clients relax. For portraits I prioritise clean, timeless looks that translate across prints, socials and professional profiles. For clients wanting business portraits or LinkedIn-ready headshots, I provide practical support on wardrobe choices and the tone that will best represent your personal brand—while keeping the emphasis on authentic expression rather than stiff formality. Choosing byBALLARD means working with a photographer who values clarity, warmth and professionalism. I bring a considered eye to every session, focusing on genuine interaction rather than staged theatrics. Many clients come because they want images that feel like them—images they’re proud to share and that stand the test of time. If you’re in Brockley or elsewhere in the UK and looking for portrait work that balances creativity with approachability, I’d love to hear about your ideas. Together we’ll shape a session that reflects who you are and presents you with confidence, whether for personal portraiture or a polished professional headshot.