Meet Kristin Teig: Food, Travel + Lifestyle Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristin Teig and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristin, what inspires you?
I pivoted in college from plans to study journalism to fine art, eventually working on a post-baccalaureate certificate in painting in Italy. While I was there over the holidays, my photography instructor invited me to join his family for a meal. For hours I watched as plates of food were shared along with long conversation, and I always think of this as the moment I knew I wanted to photograph food, and also document food culture.

I’m most inspired by venturing outside of the familiar, and the people I’ve met while traveling who I may never see again but have left an indelible mark. Prior to the pandemic I worked with my friend, author Jody Eddy, photographing the food in monasteries and temples around the world for her upcoming cookbook. The generosity of people and excitement to share their stories was constant, with food as the unifier. For Chef Hooni Kim’s cookbook, we traversed South Korea, visiting families and places that sparked memories from his childhood. On a fortunate long layover, I was able to spend less than 24 hours in Istanbul with Chef Ana Sortun, where she shared with me all that has deeply inspired her. To be able to observe and photograph people who are so committed to their work and to see what ignites them has kept me going during times when I’ve felt disconnected from my own work.

After over a decade of being self-employed, I’ve found that I need to keep a well of creative reserves to pull from when there are lows. In the past I definitely had an all-or-nothing mindset, but more recently am trying to think of small daily actions filling this reserve, whether that is a quick walk or meditation. There is a potent energy I gain from early morning rituals and stillness.

Above all I’m invigorated by the team of people I work with – long calls with fellow photographers, assistants who have gone above and beyond to keep shoots running smoothly, stylists who bring so much artistic vision, and chefs who I’m so grateful to for expanding my understanding of food.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I photograph food, people and products for brands, catalogs, cookbooks, magazines and restaurants. When I shifted from studio art to digital photography, in many ways my background was helpful but in other ways I felt like I was starting from scratch. For a while I was teaching painting to kids during the day, then in research mode all night about digital photography – this was before all of the online learning resources that are now available. I had a number of various office jobs and can say there was something gained from each that benefits my business now, even though at the time it felt that what I wanted to do couldn’t be further away. I found a job listing for a pet photographer, met up with the photographer who owned the business, Robert Duron, and learned so much from him (and how to bark so that the dogs tilted their heads for the camera). I decided to take classes part-time at night to learn more about digital photography, while working during the day and second-shooting weddings every weekend for Melissa Robotti, who I also learned a great deal from. In the beginning I put every last bit of my energy into starting my business, which was a big part of what gave it momentum but also not sustainable. I’m now trying to shift priorities and keep space for inspiration and improvement, and to keep learning as the industry continues to change.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I still work regularly out on the east coast, but back in CA Ventura is now home. There is so much of LA that I still have yet to explore, but if a friend was visiting (assuming this is when the pandemic is over), we’d visit The Broad, The Getty, explore Koreatown, roam around Grand Central Market, eat at Guelaguetza and Sushi Kiriko. We’d get pastries from Friends & Family and République. In Pasadena, we’d visit The Rose Bowl Flea Market and Norton Simon Museum, and at the end of the day maybe try some float tank therapy at Just Float. In Ventura, we’d hike up into the hills and through the Ventura Botanical Gardens and take in the view, walk around Main St. and visit thrift stores and shops, try aerial yoga at Aum Vibe, go to Prospect Coffee Roasters, Singing Sun Coffee, and The Jolly Oyster by the beach.
Then up to Ojai, we’d explore the town, stay at Caravan Outpost, browse the selection at one of my favorite bookstores, Bart’s Books, visit the farmers’ market and head up to Meditation Mount for the sunset. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I took a number of detours between college and starting my business – all of it was important and there are more people who deserve a shoutout than I can possibly say. I started out in Boston, and there are many in the food community who taught me so much, gave me opportunities and made it a place I consider home – food stylist Catrine Kelty, Jennifer Muller (at the time with Maine Magazine), and Alexa Demarco and Lisa Flores of Columbus Hospitality Group. When I returned to California I found more people who have meant a lot to me, including photographer David Peng and prop stylist Nidia Cueva. Thank you to my creative friends: Jody Eddy, photographers Rick Holbrook, Jason Frank, food stylist Liz Neily, and to my rep Robin Greene of Holl & Artists. Most of all thanks to my family, my sister/best friend Melinda and to Matt for rooting for me from day 1. 

Website: www.kristinteig.com

Instagram: @kteig

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinteig/