The Mill City Times Interview: Theresa Scarbrough, Photographer
Monday, July 27, 2020 at 9:19AMArticle by Becky Fillinger, photos provided
Minneapolis is chock full of talented and generous people. We talked to Minneapolis resident and professional photographer Theresa Scarbrough about her influences and how she gives back to our community.
Q: I read in your bio online that you’re from Chicago. What brought you to Minnesota?
A: I did grow up in Chicago. I attended Columbia College in Chicago for photography and journalism. After graduating, I moved to Laredo, TX to work as a staff photographer for the Laredo Morning Times. In late 2007 I moved back to Chicago to start freelancing, and moved to Minneapolis in 2018 to be closer to family who retired to northern Wisconsin.
Q: Who influences you as a photographer?
A: I have a few influences. Bruce Davidson who is a street photographer, his 1980's NYC series Subway is a favorite. Garry Winogrand's 1964 series, and Diane Arbus as well. Food wise, I try to follow blogs that cater towards the documentary side, that tell the story of the chef and the origination of the dish.
Q: You’ve made a very generous offer to Minneapolis restaurants. Can you tell us about it?
A: The pandemic has affected my business like everyone else, so it really made me realize that we are all in this together and why I wanted to volunteer where I can. I am offering pro bono photography shoots to any interested restaurant to help them with their social media and web marketing. I was thinking of a few hero food shots, but also brand photography behind the scenes and candid portraits of the owners/staff to tell the business’ day to day story.
Q: Your list of clients is so impressive.* How did you build your business?
A: Thank you! I've always kept a blog, networked, and have been a member of photography associations where I have found most of my clients or they have found me.
Q: We all want to photograph our food these days. Give us some tips for getting the perfect Instagram photo.
A: Natural light is best, so set up by a not too bright window. Most indoor lighting can leave a color cast in the image that doesn't make food look very appetizing!
Q: How do you judge a great photograph?
A: I've always been drawn to images that tell a story, are candid, and have beautiful natural lighting.
Q: How do you stay up to date in your craft?
A: Photographing as much as I can and researching the subject matter. Each subject has its own set of rules, how to light, style, and what equipment to use.
Q: How may we contact you?
A: My website at TheresaScarbrough.com. You can follow me on Facebook or Instagram.
*Client List: Associated Press, Bake Magazine, Cooking Light, Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, Houston Chronicle, Sun Times Group, USA Today, Bartmann Group, Book Club Restaurant, DRAFT Magazine, The Food Network, Google, Grow Marketing, Hopkins & Associates, Intl Brotherhood of Teamsters, Israel Idonije Foundation, Lake Shore Gastroenterology, Lake Society Magazine, Northern Heir, Out Here Magazine, Patterson Publishing, Ripson Communications, TH Productions, The American Legion
Here are some samples of Theresa's work:
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About Becky Fillinger
I’ve been a resident of the Mill District only since July 2019, but have visited the Guthrie, the Farmers Market, restaurants and friends in the area for many years prior to making the leap to Minneapolis. I’ve lived in many places (and climates) in the US and can testify that our cultural events, bicycle and hiking trails, parks and green spaces, museums, diverse neighborhoods and wonderful restaurants put Minnesota and Minneapolis high on my best places list. I’m a member of the Mill City Singers and look forward to our choir practices and performances.
One of my main interests is community - a very broad concept. For me it means bringing people together with common interests to form meaningful relationships. I look forward to reporting on businesses and individuals in our neighborhoods. Feel free to drop me an email at becky_fillinger@hotmail.com with your thoughts and ideas for stories.
