For the past 12 years, Theresa Sarjeant has photographed and printed work for a talented mix of Sydney artists. This technical role grew naturally from her long-held love of photography and her early proficiency in Photoshop. She began learning the software in its infancy while searching for a creative outlet during the years she spent raising young children.
Theresa’s interest in photography began about 40 years ago. Her ex-husband’s father, a professional photographer, introduced her to the craft, and she learned a great deal from him. Though she holds no formal qualifications, she has completed many photography courses over the years. A standout experience was a course in the US with Bruce Barnbaum, whose work—like that of Ansel Adams—focuses on the interplay of light within landscapes.
About five years ago, Theresa took part in a Canon photography challenge that inspired her to begin experimenting more seriously with her own images. She has since developed a particular passion for black and white photography. Often, she switches her camera to black and white mode to remove the distraction of colour and focus entirely on capturing light.
Bruce Barnbaum’s photographs often depict massive rock formations. These random, natural shapes become what he describes as a ‘symphony of light’. Theresa aims to evoke the same quality in her work. She uses fabric to create irregular forms and relies on the way light falls across these surfaces to reveal unexpected beauty.
Theresa enjoys the unpredictability of this process. Each new image brings the possibility of surprise. This approach offers a welcome contrast to the structured, technical nature of her daily work. It gives her the freedom to play, explore, and rediscover the joy that first drew her to photography.