Swatcher Spotlight: Claire / claire.lapointe._
Follow Claire
What's the most exciting thing about swatching for you? (i.e. why do you do it?)
Being able to show off the polish and it’s beauty is my favorite part! I also love being able to see products before they launch and help be a part of promoting them. It’s always a different challenge every time photographing the polish depending on the type. I like the challenge of showing off the polish!
If you could give advice to newbies it would be _______________?
Be patient! It may feel frustrating getting very few opportunities, but keep waiting and you’ll time will come. And when it does, it feels so good! Also take constructive criticism. Ask the makers you swatch for what they like and don’t like about your pictures to see how you can improve.
What was the first brand that you worked with?
I think it was Dimension Nails. It was back in January of 2019. Stephanie was kind enough to send me two polishes to swatch when I was still very small. I’m very grateful to her for giving me that opportunity.
How do you keep your shots so uniformed? (Same hand positions, bottle shots, etc.)
I separate my photos into 3 areas: main pictures, macros, and bottle shots. My Instagram is a 3 post layout so for every polish I swatch I take pictures in these 3 areas. I generally have my same hand poses that I always like and use, but I do try and experiment with different angles, poses, and shots sometimes!
What do you use to take your photos with?
I still use my iPhone XR with a clip on macro lens. I think we should normalize swatchers not using the fanciest equipment! I have absolutely no experience in photography or with DSLR cameras, nor do I have the budget. I’ve found what works for me and I am happy with my results!
Tips for lighting?
Change it depending on the type of polish. This is a huge lesson I’ve learned in my swatching career. Holographic polishes look best in direct light. Especially sunlight. Multichromes, shimmers, and flakies look best in indirect light. Play around with temperatures, lighting angles, and positioning to find what works for you.
Has swatching changed your relationship with nail polish? How?
I stated swatching because of my love for polish. I’d say swatching has only made my love stronger. I just love the endless possibilities and seeing creativity of makers
Favorite collection you've swatched? Or favorite PPU polish you've swatched?
My favorite collection I’ve ever swatched is Cupcake Polish’s Fall 2020 70’s collection. It was my first time swatching for cupcake polish and I was so honored! It’s such a beautiful collection and I’m proud of how it came out.
Favorite finish to photograph? Least favorite finish?
My favorite is flakies! I love capturing the shift!
How many bottles of nail polish do you own? How many do you actually use?
I think I own about 2,000! I regularly use probably half of them I’d say because I do a lot of nail art.
How do you store your polishes?
I use a combination of shelves and helmer drawers.
