Rising Stars: Meet Tori Chapman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tori Chapman

Hi Tori , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The first time I held a nice camera was my Sophomore year taking a yearbook class. I had always loved playing with my mom’s point and shoot Canon, but yearbook is where I knew I had found a passion. Fast forward to community college, I needed to pick an elective. I saw photography and decided it was a great reason to invest in my first camera. That class not only taught me the camera settings and editing techniques- but also the artistic and emotive side of photography. As far as getting the kick to turn my passion into a business, I can think local photographer Macee Hilliard for that!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think being a creative means it’s never a smooth road. Turning your art into a business is difficult. There’s imposter syndrome, there’s the months where you are struggling to make ends meet, and running a full business from bookkeeping to social media. As it can all be a lot, the reward is so worth it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a creative photographer who loves taking photos that tell a story. I specialize in portraits, branding, and boudoir- but I do weddings, engagements, and family photoshoots as well. I love the documentary style that is composed of more candid images versus posed. I love the more artistic and edgy approach. I think, for something that sets me apart from others, is that I can see a clients vision, and deliver what they want while still staying true to my style. I have worked with so many wonderful clients who have very different aesthetics, and I can see their vision before we start. Whether you want light and airy photos, or intense and moody- I can curate your perfect session.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My best advice is take photos whenever you can and whoever you can. The more you do it, the better you get and the more creative you can get. Challenge yourself with un-ideal lighting scenarios or backgrounds. If you are just starting out, it is better to not select a certain niche until you build your portfolio and can show your abilities to prospect clients.

If I could go back and tell myself one thing when I first started, I would say be more consistent. I would get discouraged easily, or think I could never turn my passion into my full-time job. But here I am, 3 years later and it is my main source of income and something I work on everyday.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obsidianphotoco/