ISIS INFERNO: IRAQ'S FLAMING OIL WELLS
THE BATTLE FOR MOSUL
Claire Thomas is an award-winning international photojournalist and fine art photographer from Wales, UK, currently based between London and New York. After graduating in Politics from the University of the West of England, she started her photojournalism journey mainly focused on political and military conflicts, human rights, and humanitarian and environmental crises. From within the camps that emerged from the refugee crisis in Europe to the frontlines in the battle against ISIS in Iraq, Claire has covered a range of stories in various countries, contributing images and photo essays to leading newspapers, magazines, and news agencies worldwide.
Her work has been published in many international Editorial clients, including The Sunday Times, Geographical Magazine, The Guardian, National Geographic Magazine, Greenpeace Magazine, Al Jazeera, and Newlines Magazine.
She also regularly works with United Nations agencies and international non-governmental organizations, including UNDP, UNHCR, Amnesty International, OXFAM, and Save the Children.
Claire's approach to photography is rooted in her passion for storytelling, seeking to reflect life's realities in a compelling, engaging, and artistic way. In pursuit of powerful and honest imagery, her work aims to convey a concept or emotion beyond the image itself, providing a more in-depth insight into the stories and a connection with the subjects.
Amongst her participation in international competitions, you will find in her achievements the Photojournalist of the Year at the 2017 Press Gazette British Journalism Awards, Photo Essay of the Year in the 2018 UK Picture Editors' Guild Awards, the 2018 Amnesty International UK Media Awards Photojournalism category, and Women Photograph 2019 Year in Pictures.
She is trained in battlefield first aid and surviving hostile environments, keen horse rider, motorcyclist, adventurer, and nature enthusiast.
It is a great pleasure to feature here two of her important documentary projects focused on Iraq. A country full of battles and destruction.