Meet Theresa DiMenno

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Theresa DiMenno a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Theresa, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

My purpose found me. As a child growing up, I enjoyed taking pictures. I’d bring my instamatic camera on the last day of school before summer break, taking photos of classmates and teachers. In my late teens, I was drawn to clouds, sunsets, and the ocean. By the time I graduated, and weary of school, I opted out of college, and got an office job, an apartment, and a better car. The pressure of adult responsibilities so soon after high school began to weigh on me. In the late summer of 1977, I purchased my first 35mm film camera, and at my boyfriend’s urging, quit my job and we headed west. California was transformative in its beauty, attitude, and scent of eucalyptus. After returning to Houston three months later, and processing countless rolls of film, I realized I had a pretty good eye. I gravitated to photographing people in the office where I worked. I chased sunsets, and photographed festivals and concerts. On a whim, I entered a photo contest in The Houston Post. I won second place, received my first byline, and was awarded $75.00. In that pivotal moment, I was on my way and never looked back. Numerous events led me to dive headfirst into being a freelance photographer, including answering an ad in an inner-city music paper requesting volunteer photographers. I didn’t have a business plan or any plan at all. Self-taught, I had wild successes, made numerous mistakes, and stayed the course. There were naysayers along the way, but I was stubborn and rarely listened. There were times when I probably should have. I suffered rejection and disappointment, and months when I could barely pay rent. I persevered and have had a brilliant and fulfilling career with my life’s passion of being a photographer. My current writing venture has materialized in a similar way. English was my favorite subject in school, and I wrote books of poetry throughout my life. Teen Magazine published my poem “Without You” in 1974. Personal experiences have moved through me with a compulsion to put pen to paper. I took a couple of writing classes over the years but seemed to accomplish more on my own. Writing has always been in the background, with photography front and center. Taking time away from photographing and the business of image-making, oftentimes seemed a futile endeavor. I gradually moved forward by writing a few pieces for an online nature photography blog, followed by my first published and paid magazine piece in 2021. Unsure of how to move forward substantially, I decided to place my writings on a platform where I could share and receive feedback. I launched Shimmer & Ink, on the morning of the 2024 spring equinox, with an aptly titled piece, Earth’s Rhythm. I’ve committed to posting every other Wednesday. To my surprise, after the first two stories were published, I received three paid subscriptions. I had to push myself over the obstacles that were holding me back from realizing my full potential as a writer. It still feels awkward to call myself a writer, but it’s important to embrace the wholeness of the moment with boldness and confidence.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Photography has sustained me for decades as my passion and career path. For the past several years, I’ve periodically written inspirational stories and memoir for a nature blog. I’ve had one piece published in a magazine. I recently launched Shimmer & Ink on Substack, a writer’s platform. I mostly write of my impressions which emerge from the images I capture. Conservation and wildlife advocacy are vital concerns. I gravitate to wide open spaces, thunderstorms, human connection, and always, the light. I’m a storyteller at heart, and it’s liberating to share in words what I’ve shared in imagery. I love the backstory of a photograph, painting, or piece of art. Writing as an extension of my photography feels like a new beginning. Please take a moment and subscribe to my Substack page!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Boldness. Stepping firmly outside one’s comfort zone is the moment one’s life changes. The following quote by Goethe has been a touchstone of mine for decades. “Whatever you can do or dream you can begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

Action. Knowing what you want to pursue is the first step, followed by setting an intention. Good intentions are great, but meaningless if you don’t follow through on the final and most important step, taking action.

Perseverance. There will be numerous distractions and obstacles along your journey, but the true test is longevity. Persistence and determination run parallel with unlimited potential. Be patient and stay the course.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Embarking on a writing career feels like opening a window and feeling a cool breeze rustle through sheer, soft curtains in golden afternoon light. I haven’t yet found my flow, but by committing to writing a new piece every other Wednesday, I’m pushing myself to remain focused and in the moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theresadimenno.com/index
• Instagram: @tdimenno
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theresa.dimenno/
• Other: Substack: https://substack.com/@theresadimenno?utm_source=profile-page

Image Credits

All photographs © Theresa DiMenno