Keith Barraclough
| Keith Barraclough | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 1, 1961 Bedford, England |
| 🏡 Residence | SoHo, New York City |
| 🏳️ Nationality | American (British-born) |
| 🏫 Education | State University of New York at Plattsburgh (B.A. in Art History and Photography) |
| 💼 Occupation | Photographer |
| 📆 Years active | 1986–present |
| Known for | The Redhead Project |
| Notable work | The Redhead Project, Tarmac Art |
| Style | Portrait, commercial, editorial |
| 👩 Spouse(s) | Kate Barraclough (producer) |
| 🌐 Website | keithbarraclough |
Keith Barraclough (born 1961) is a British-born American commercial, editorial, and portrait photographer based in SoHo, New York City. He is best known for The Redhead Project, an ongoing portrait series documenting natural redheads across the United States. His work is recognized for its cinematic lighting, emotional depth, and focus on authentic human connection.[1]
Early life and education
Barraclough was born in Bedford, England, in 1961. His father was a Foreign Service Officer, and as a result, the family lived in multiple countries during his childhood and early adulthood. He lived in Belgium twice (in 1965 and again in 1982), in Zambia from 1969 to 1972, and in Tokyo, Japan, where he graduated from high school between 1979 and 1982. He later lived in Paris, France, from 1983 to 1987.[2]
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History and Photography from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. During his studies, he developed an interest in both the technical and narrative aspects of visual storytelling, which would later shape his portrait and editorial work.[3]
Career
Early career (1986–2000)
Barraclough began his professional photography career in 1986 in Syracuse, New York. He later moved to Northern Virginia, where he worked for corporate and editorial clients such as the Donnelly Corporation and Monumental Sports Network (formerly Home Team Sports), photographing professional sporting events.[4]
In 1992, he began teaching high school photography while continuing his professional work. His client base during this period expanded to include the United States Chamber of Commerce, Discovery Channel, The Washington Post, and other advertising, corporate, and editorial clients. In 2000, Barraclough left teaching to pursue photography full-time.[3]
Transition to New York (2008–present)
In 2008, Barraclough moved to New York City to focus on advertising and portrait work. His clients have since included HarperCollins, Animal Planet, Apple Music, Amazon Studios, Columbia University, Allstate, and various pharmaceutical and lifestyle brands.[2]
He is known for his ability to quickly establish rapport with his subjects, producing portraits that convey personality and authenticity even in high-volume or time-limited shoots.[4]
The Redhead Project
Barraclough launched The Redhead Project in 2013 as a personal exploration of redheaded identity and diversity. The concept originated from an impromptu corporate portrait of a redheaded subject dressed in white, inspiring a long-term series that emphasized individuality through minimalist presentation.[5]
Since its inception, the project has featured over 500 participants, often photographed first against a white background to highlight hair, eye, and skin tones, followed by a creative portrait reflecting the subject’s personality.[1] The series has been exhibited and featured in major media outlets including The Guardian, CNN, and Professional Photographers of America magazine.[4][1]
Other projects
Barraclough has also produced conceptual work such as Tarmac Art, transforming aerial photographs of airport runways into abstract visual compositions. The project was profiled in Lürzer’s Archive.[6]
Style and approach
Barraclough’s photographic style is characterized by bold use of color, controlled lighting, and emotional accessibility. His portraits often merge editorial clarity with a cinematic atmosphere, emphasizing personal storytelling. He has described his approach as “asking more questions,” aiming to uncover what makes each subject unique.[2]
Personal life
Barraclough lives in SoHo, New York City, with his wife and producer, Kate Barraclough, and their dog, Kuma.[2]
Selected exhibitions and media coverage
- The Guardian – “It Creates a Community: The Redhead Project” (2024)[1]
- Professional Photographers of America Magazine – “The Portrait Whisperer” (2024)[4]
- Lürzer’s Archive – “Tarmac Art” (2023)[6]
- American Photographic Artists – “Red on White: The Redhead Project” (2023)[5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Freeman, Hadley (29 February 2024). "'It creates a community': one photographer's intimate portraits of more than 500 redheads". The Guardian. Guardian News & Media. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Keith Barraclough Photography". Keith Barraclough Official Website. Keith Barraclough Photography. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Keith Barraclough, APA National Profile". American Photographic Artists. APA National. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "The Portrait Whisperer". Professional Photographers of America. PPA Magazine. 2024. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Red on White: Keith Barraclough's Redhead Project". American Photographic Artists, New York Chapter. APA NY. 2023. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Keith Barraclough: Tarmac Art". Lürzer’s Archive. Lürzer’s International Archive GmbH. 2023. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
External links
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