MICC graduate Grant Scobbie (‘23) didn’t start out at MICC planning to become a sports photographer. Photography was one of his many hobbies, inspired by his grandfather and a childhood friend, Lexi, who were both nature photographers. He enjoyed photography mainly by capturing images at family reunions. Family members suggested he had a good eye but he thought they were just being kind and brushed it off.
Unfortunately, Lexi passed away in 2018, and Grant’s grandfather also passed a few years after that. Grant felt a renewed desire to honor their legacy by following in their footsteps. He wanted to explore new opportunities in photography, but he didn’t know where to start. While still in College at MICC, Grant signed up for an excursion to see the Minnesota Frost Women’s Hockey Team. Suddenly, he got an idea!
Grant recalls, “It was an MICC social, and I was curious if I was able to bring my camera. So I asked the MICC social team, and they’re like, reach out to the [team] and see. And I was able to grab a media pass.”
This was Grant’s first official sports photography experience! He credits MICC staff with helping him take the first step toward his dream, encouraging him to reach out on his own.
Grant says, “I knew if I had them reach out, it wouldn’t help. I got a response and that…helped boost my confidence.”
After graduating from the MICC College program, Grant continued to expand his portfolio by photographing karate tournaments, something he participated in and loved as a child. He also enrolled at Minneapolis College to take more photography classes. An instructor suggested an exciting opportunity: apply to be an intern photographer at the 3M Open Golf Tournament in Blaine!
Grant says, “One of my teachers knew that I really love sports photography. She gave me a print-off [of the flyer] and she’s like, hey, I think you would be very interested in this. Not sure if you’re interested in golf.”
Grant applied, interviewed, and was selected to be one of several media interns covering the event in July 2025! After receiving an event media training and a tour of the course, Grant and the other interns set their schedules to capture the tournament. The size of the course necessitated a large group of photographers, and they had different assignments from two official 3M photographers.
Grant describes his role as, “taking pictures of the atmosphere, general attendees, logos, partnership, and product placement.”
Grant enjoyed the opportunity to practice his skills in sports photography and to work with other professionals. At the end of his shift, he would edit in real time and share the photos with the team, so they could post on their Instagram that same day!
What’s next for Grant? He wants to continue taking classes at Minneapolis College pursuing either a certificate or associate’s degree in photography. He also continues his day job working for the agricultural research station at the University of Minnesota. But what’s his big dream? Grant wants to take his photography on the road! He participated in a local karate tournament as a child and he knows there is great opportunity for larger national events if he can upscale his business to accommodate locations that are farther away. He has connected with two photographers who photograph karate tournaments across the United States, and he hopes to gain insight from them on how to expand his business.
Congrats, Grant! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
See some of Grant’s photos from the 3M Open below: