Our Team

MEET TERESA & The Team

Teresa Porter

Ever since she could unbuckle her own seatbelt, Teresa has been insisting someone turn the car around so she can jump out and grab a picture. She has been trying to make people laugh since her first popsicle. She always sat with the new kid in school, rocked a safety vest on safety patrol, and cried along with anyone who had their feelings hurt. After going to Elon University and a brief career as a social worker, (and once being a candidate for ordination), Teresa picked up a camera and wait for it… it clicked. Pun definitely intended.

Now all the cheesey jokes, building quick rapport, and looking to the sky for creative inspiration mix together for a perfect photography combination. A little therapy for when you’re not feeling camera-ready. A little humor for the camera-shy person who doesn’t like to smile. A little safety patrol anxiety for catching the smallest details. Tears of joy to share with you when it all comes together better than you could ever imagine. And a chair, slid out to greet you, to say let’s be friends.

Meet the Staff

Denise Hutter – Hair & Make Up Artist

With over 20 years of experience, Denise is an expert at making everyone look their best.  Specializing in camera-ready make up for productions, she knows how to work with all people.  A top talent in the industry, Denise is frequently on-set for SAS, WakeMed, Dateline, HGTV, NBC-17, and ESPN.  People of all ages, races, genders, and levels of comfort with make up trust their final looks to her – and end up thrilled every time. 

SCOTT SMITH – ART INSTALLER

“Hey Dad, can you install a few canvases for one of my clients?”  So began Scott’s second career: – lab operations consultant during the week, professional installer on weekends.  The Ph.D. he earned in Analytical Chemistry at NC State now stands for ‘Picture-hangin’ Dad’.  Scott is also the person who executes Teresa’s crazy ideas like “hey Dad, can you build a waterfall?” or “I need a backdrop made of whitewashed pallets . . . portable.”.  Scott has been hanging pictures and mirrors for My Friend Teresa Studios clients and others under the banner of Radiance Art Installation for 5+ years. Sometimes it’s just a picture in a hallway, other times it is a house full of portraits on newly-painted walls.  It’s no secret, Teresa is his favorite artist but he will install artwork for interior designers, other photographers, and everyday folk who need help.