Mary Kate Teske
Mary Kate Teske, 23, is a Billings, MT-based photographer, who is often recognized by her vehicle, Frank. It’s not just any road tripping vehicle, Frank is a blue 1961 Dodge Lancer. Mary Kate took a road trip with Frank early last summer, cruising through Montana, Idaho, Washington, California, Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming. Apart from her adventures with Frank, Mary Kate enjoys rock climbing, going on walks and writing poetry.
What kind of camera do you use?
Canon5D Mark III.
What’s the story behind Frank?
My grandpa used to own a gas station in Seattle and there was an elderly woman who came into his store in need of a ride. Her car broke down while she was giving her husband a ride to a nursing home. My grandpa realized that she needed the car more than he did so he gave Frank to her. Later he sold the gas station and started a farm in Terry, Montana. It wasn’t until years later after the elderly woman passed away that she left Frank for him in her will. Frank sat on the farm in Terry for fifteen years before hitting the road again. During the summer, my siblings and I used to work on the farm for my grandpa and one summer he pulled me aside and asked to help restore it with him.
What’s your favorite thing about adventure photography?
Being thrown in circumstances where I get to meet new people and see new places. Another cool thing [about adventure photography] is that I think in total I spent a month and a half about 7 or 8,000 miles on the road by myself. As a young woman, I feel like I was told "no" a lot when I decided to take a solo road trip. My family and friends were a little bit against me going, but I kind of just did it anyway. It all turned out really great and I got awesome photos. I started in Billings, went through Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming and back.
Who are other photographers that inspire you most?
I would say Andrew Kearns and Harry Glazier!
Where’s the ultimate place to shoot for you?
Anything and anywhere with Frank in the photo. He’s kind of like a companion, sort of a like a needy boyfriend I guess- he breaks down and needs repair. I do all of my mechanic work too, I know how to work on cars, so whenever he breaks down I am the one who fixes him. I remember one incident actually, where my alternator went out and I had to fix it. Then my starter went out and I had to replace it myself. My dad, my grandpa, and my uncles taught me how to fix cars over the years.
Favorite place you’ve ever shot?
My favorite place I’ve ever shot would be at Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, California. I really love that area- just the pastel [colors] with the ocean and the scenery. The landscape was really immense and gorgeous! I just woke up really early a lot while I was there, which was awesome because a lot of times I had that area to myself. It was amazing and mind blowing mostly because of the colors and the landscape.
What are your other hobbies?
I play a few different instruments; I like to take my dog on walks too. When I was on the trip over the summer, I picked up writing poetry again which was something I used to in high school. I started writing a lot more poems. I’ve worked on putting them together. Other than shooting a lot obviously, I enjoy rock climbing and poetry- that’s pretty much me.
Follow her adventures:
http://marykateteske.com/
https://www.facebook.com/marykateteskephoto/
https://www.instagram.com/marykateteske/
