In our latest In Focus feature, Clare Ratcliffe shares how photography has been a positive force on her journey to health and wellness. It’s been a privilege to have her eye-catching images feature in Breaking Glass galleries regularly over the past few years…

Hi, my name is Clare and I’m an amateur photographer from Peterborough, UK. I started to become passionate about photography around 12 years ago, when I thought I’d treat myself to a DSLR camera. I’ve since attended workshops / tutorials / photoshoots / camera club sessions to try to broaden my knowledge and pick up useful tips. My favourite subjects to photograph are gigs, wildlife and general travel photography.

A year and a half ago, I was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer. As a fit and healthy 49 year old, this was a real shock; I spent my 50th birthday in hospital having radiotherapy! I have, however, found that my love of photography has kept me sane over this period. The treatment can indeed be brutal but having a hobby that I enjoy, to take my mind off all the hospital appointments, I feel has really helped and is continuing to help with my recovery.

The first few months after my diagnosis & the start of my treatment, I would often sit watching and photographing the birds and wildlife in my back garden when I wasn’t up to leaving the house.

I was then told that the chemo had caused Osteopenia (brittle bones) and that walking is a good way of strengthening your bones, so I would go for long walks with my camera, taking photos along the way of the wildlife & beautiful scenery. Being outside in the fresh air, getting some exercise works wonders.

I have a lot of friends in the music industry and have been lucky enough to obtain photo passes for a few gigs. At a Fields of the Nephilim gig, I was surprised to find myself in the photo pit next to my music photography idol, Paul Harries. Capturing half decent images of this band through the smoke is always a real challenge.

There is a fantastic live music scene in Peterborough and going to gigs & festivals is something my husband and I really enjoy.  When I am unable to take my DSLR to a gig, I will do my best with a compact point and shoot camera.

Contributing to a magazine like this one has been a privilege – seeing your pictures online, appearing on social media & being appreciated can really help to give you a boost.

And the final picture says it all, taken above Peterborough Hospital during covid times… Thank u NHS.

One life, live it…

Check out more of Clare’s photography on her socials here:
Instagram | Facebook

Words and photos © Clare Ratcliffe