Claire Harbage
Claire Harbage is a visual storyteller and editor based at NPR, the United States’ non-profit National Public Radio network known for its in-depth reporting and cultural programming. Working from Washington, D.C., she shapes the visual direction of NPR’s coverage while also producing her own immersive stories in the field.
From war-torn cities to refugee camps, she documents the human stories behind the headlines. Her images emphasise resilience, hope, and shared humanity, bringing underrepresented voices to the fore with empathy and journalistic precision.
Claire holds two master’s degrees from Ohio University, one in Visual Communication and the other in African Studies. She also completed a certificate programme in documentary photography through the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies. Before moving full-time into photographic reportage, she worked as a photo editor and educator, teaching at Ohio University and Maine Media Workshops and College. She also reviewed work for LensCulture, supporting emerging photographers by providing professional critique and guidance.
Her career includes long-term documentary work in challenging settings, covering conflicts, migration, human rights issues and the effects of war. At NPR, she produces photographic stories that combine immersive fieldwork with nuanced storytelling. Her teaching roles reinforce her commitment to mentorship and visual literacy, helping young photographers develop both technical skills and sensitive storytelling approaches.
Harbage’s projects often explore themes of displacement, identity, and survival, bringing attention to people whose stories are too often reduced or overlooked. She has produced stories and photo essays in varied geographies, including work in Ukraine, refugee settings, and regions affected by social, political or environmental crises. Her published work and peer recognition place her among respected contemporary documentary photographers.
Her achievements have been recognised with an impressive range of awards for both her photography and her photo editing. These include honours from the National Press Photographers Association, the White House News Photographers Association, the Society of News Design, the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, the Livingston Awards, an Edward R. Murrow Award, a Dupont, and a Scripps Howard Award. This dual recognition highlights her ability to shape powerful stories both behind the camera and at the editorial desk, strengthening her reputation as a versatile and influential voice in visual journalism.
Claire Harbage is based in Washington, D.C., though much of her work takes her abroad to document displacement, conflict, and resilience in marginalised communities. She often incorporates alternative photographic processes and bookmaking into her practice, as well as multimedia storytelling. Her background in African Studies informs both subject matter and method, giving her documentary work substantial contextual depth. Her career continues to contribute to both journalism and visual art, bridging editorial publishing, mentorship, and socially engaged documentary practice.
Claire worked as an educator and photo editor before becoming a full-time photographer, teaching at Ohio University and the Maine Media Workshops and College, and reviewing photography for LensCulture. She’s been recognized with awards both for photography and photo editing from the National Press Photographers Association, the White House News Photographers Association, the Society of News Design, the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, the Livingston Awards, an Edward R Murrow award, a Dupont, and a Scripps Howard Award.