How did it begin?

Clairelyseen Photography came out of a lasting love for preserving memories of people and places. Ever since I was little, my parents constantly brought the camera along for any and every occasion. I learned from them that pictures are worth investing in. I remember the first time I got to use a DSLR; I was 10 and giddy at the opportunity. Now photography has been a great joy in Czech, in Chicago, in Colorado and beyond. 

What is Clairelyseen all about?

Clairelyseen Photography is currently based in Chicago, IL, and I specialize in natural light portrait photography. My vision is to bring a smile to your face as you look at stories as seen through my lens and hope to capture the way you felt in the moment. It is a privilege to document genuine emotion, whether that be for an engagement session, for two best friends, or for a family when they're together.

​Who is Claire?

My name is Claire Patty. ​I grew up in the Czech Republic, where my parents serve as missionaries with Josiah Venture. I loved living there. When I graduated from Czech high-school, I decided to move to the States and study Children's Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. My heart home is still in Czech, but for now, the Lord has me in Chicago. Photography is a breath of fresh air amid studies!

If someone interviewed me for a random magazine article, they might find out that:

My family means the world to me
I drink a couple cups of tea a day
Snowflakes and thunder make me happy
Being in the mountains refreshes my soul
Dark chocolate is my favorite
Snail-mail is the best day-maker
I love to paint and illustrate
Gluten and lactose-intolerance means creative alternatives 
I'm a little obsessed with honey
I enjoy travel (I especially love trains, and planes!)
I speak Czech
I love Jesus