Capturing the everyday lives of Sunderland's RNLI volunteers

“People often see the call-outs, but rarely the lives that exist in between them,” says the photographer behind a unique project.

Photographer and final-year university student Claire Louise Bird has spent the last several months working closely with Sunderland RNLI volunteers to document a side of lifeboat crews that the public rarely sees.

Since February, Claire has been embedded with the volunteer crew as part of her final university project, spending time with members away from emergency call-outs to learn more about the people behind the pager.

The resulting project, Between Shouts, explores the everyday lives of volunteers who dedicate themselves to saving lives at sea while balancing careers, family commitments, hobbies and personal responsibilities.

Available around the clock, Sunderland RNLI volunteers can be called into action at any moment, day or night.

Yet beyond the dramatic rescues and emergency responses are individuals leading ordinary lives until the pager sounds.

“People often see the call-outs, but rarely the lives that exist in between them,” said Claire. “I wanted to tell the stories of the people behind the kit and highlight the dedication required to be constantly ready to respond while managing work, family life and everything else that comes with being a volunteer.”

A portrait from the project featuring Sunderland RNLI volunteer Lloyd Pickering, who is also a Freemason, has also been selected for the prestigious Photo Portrait Now exhibition and is currently on display at the National Portrait Gallery in London until 18 September.

The full Between Shouts project forms part of this year's University Degree Show and is being exhibited in the Priestman Building on the City Campus.

Alongside the exhibition, Claire has produced a companion photobook, also titled Between Shouts, which provides a deeper insight into the stories and images created throughout the project.

The book is currently available to pre-order through the RNLI shop and will also be available to order during Sunderland RNLI Harbour Day on 9 August.

Claire will be exhibiting images from the project at the event alongside a selection of Sunderland RNLI archival photographs, creating a visual celebration of the station's volunteers, heritage and ongoing service to the community.

Profits from book sales will be donated to Sunderland RNLI to support the station's vital lifesaving work.

Copies of Between Shouts can also be ordered through Claire's website at www.clairelouisephotographyuk.com.

To follow the ongoing development of the project and future photographic work, visit:Instagram: @clairelouisephotographyuk