ABOUT US
We’re Clare and Joe—partners in life, creativity, and this small, intentional business we call Poppy Bee.
We didn’t build this brand by following a blueprint. We’ve always done things our own way—fiercely independent, endlessly curious, and willing to take the long road if it leads somewhere better, (like the process we developed behind our rollable surfaces, which you can read about HERE.)
This business was born out of our own creative needs and has grown into something we’re proud to share with other photographers, artists, and makers.
JOE
Joe makes almost every single surface you see in our shop. He designs the original artwork, runs all production from start to finish, inspects every print, applies our custom lamination by hand, packs your order, and ships it from our Vermont studio. His fingerprints are literally on every backdrop we sell.
He has a BFA in painting and printmaking, and before this, he spent years as a working artist and a builder—which makes a lot of sense when you consider the precision, patience, and craft required to do what he does here. His fine art background shows up in the richness and texture of every design, and his carpenter brain kicks in when it’s time to solve problems, create systems, or build something from nothing.
Clare (hi,that's me)
I photograph all of our original designs and handle everything you see outward-facing: all the images on the site, every video, every piece of content on social, every ad. I manage our marketing, our website, and all customer communication. I also teach our in-person retreats and online photography classes—and I’ve been teaching since 2008.
I have a BFA in photography and have worked as a professional photographer since 2000, focusing on food photography since 2010. I’ve shot over three dozen cookbooks and work with food brands, restaurants, and publishers all over the country.
If you’re a brand, publisher, or business looking for photography that tells your story in a thoughtful, soulful, strategic way, then reach out and we can see if we're a good fit. I take a limited number of clients per month.
hugo
Our kid, Hugo, is the beating heart of this family. Kind, empathetic, wildly creative, and always up for an adventure—he rolls with our chaotic schedules like a champ, walks our unruly dog daily, and brings constant light to our days. He loves anime, drawing, inventing stories, games of all kinds, biking, swimming, audiobooks, and thinking about big things.
Honestly? He’s a better human than most adults we know.
Cleo
Cleo is our 18-month-old rescue and the most intense member of the family by a mile. She’s fast, playful, dramatic, loud, and full of opinions. She keeps us on our toes, herds Hugo like it’s her full-time job, and is extremely possessive of her toys and friends. She dismantles stuffies with alarming precision, barks at retirees, and makes us laugh every single day.