Claire Yaffa took her first photograph 45 years ago when her son was 18 months old and it was the beginning of her journey, first as a mother, then as a photographer. She has worked extensively for The New York Times and Associated Press. Her photographs have appeared in countless influential publications and have been exhibited at major venues in the US and around the world.
Portraits of Meaningful People
Many people pass our way as we live our lives. Why do we turn around and respond to someone who becomes special for us? A chance meeting on the street, or a posed portrait, a request. “May I take a picture?” A yes from our subject enables us to respond and reach out to the person we have selected. Why do they become special for us and what is it about them which makes us want to photograph them? There is something that makes us see and feel a life lived, the happiness, beauty, pain or sorrow which we see and want to share with them. It is an effort not to let them disappear. The camera helps to keep them with us. The photograph preserves the feeling that we had when we met them and then were able to share it with others.
There are many meaningful people in one’s life. They are loved and lost. The photographs preserve our memory of them and help to keep them with us forever.

John and Pat

Robert

Larry and Anne

Antonio

Toni and Lisl

Ray

Ray, after I asked if I could take his picture. His reply, “You have made my day!”

Eugene

Lela

Ivan

Sister Connie and Anthony

Isabel

Stefan

René

– Claire Yaffa
You can also see more of Claire’s work on her website, www.claireyaffa.com.