Creativity conjures up The Midland Theatre photographer Lindsey McCutchan

NEWARK – Creativity fees his batteries.

“I was a music nerd and part-time athlete,” Lindsey McCutchan stated. “I played soccer through high school but wasn’t very good. I took up guitar too in high school and played in a band through college that extended through till about two or three years ago when I just didn’t have time anymore.”

“Strangely, I don’t have much recollection of what I dreamed of doing when I was a kid,” he stated. “I’ve always loved science, and at one point wanted to be a biologist. I got an interest in psychology in high school, which led me to that in college. And then I go to law school, so go figure. One thing always ends up leading to another, and here I am.”

Today, amongst different issues, McCutchan is the board secretary and home photographer at The Midland Theatre.

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“Lindsey McCutchan has an extraordinary gift for capturing the heart of every show,” stated Maryann Crist, government director of The Midland Theatre. “His photos don’t just document moments – they tell stories. Returning artists are honored to see their images proudly displayed in our star dressing rooms and lobby, and many rely on those same photos for their own promotions. Beyond the lens, Lindsey has a rare way with words, thoughtfully interviewing artists and sharing the deeper stories behind their lives and songs. His work is truly priceless, and as a nonprofit, we’re incredibly fortunate he’s willing to let us pay him in calories.”

“The Midland is not my day job. I work for an insurance company,” McCutchan stated. “But my firm belief is that giving to the community in which I live and work is an important part of making the community a better place. So I sit on the board and contribute my photography services as part of my volunteer contributions to the theater.”

McCutchan, 60, grew up in Columbus, graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1984, Denison University in 1988 with a level in psychology, then obtained a Juris Doctor legislation diploma from Capital University Law School.

“I got my first real camera when I was a senior in high school,” he stated. “And I took my first photography class my senior year in college.

“I’d say I really got into photography in about 2005 while living in Arizona,” he stated. “Landscapes and wildlife were always my go-to. I later developed an interest in street photography. I’ve always loved observing everyday life in cities and the people in the world. I also do some what I’d call ‘real’ portrait work, headshots, senior pictures and the like. I really love photographing people and helping them feel confident and present their best self. And I started photographing concerts shortly after I joined the board of The Midland in 2021.”

McCutchan images these concert events for a music publication he began known as Midwest Riff Review.

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“After taking photos at several shows at The Midland, I got the itch to shoot shows at other venues,” he stated. “I was able to get access as a freelance photographer to some smaller bands locally and in Columbus by reaching out to the bands directly. What I found quickly though was the larger bands were really only allowing photography access to the press or music publications. I was able to get access to a few shows through a couple of publications I connected with but found that to be frustrating so I decided to start my own. I built a website (midwestriffreview.com), social media pages on Instagram and Facebook and started doing concert reviews and interviews in addition to the photography. This has allowed me to get access to some pretty great shows, like the Dave Matthews Band among others.

“There’s something about using the creative side of my brain that really charges my batteries.”

Aces of Trades is a weekly collection specializing in folks and their jobs – whether or not they’re uncommon jobs, enjoyable jobs or individuals who take unusual jobs and make them extraordinary. If you might have a suggestion for a future profile, tell us at advocate@newarkadvocate.com.