Today we’d like to introduce you to Tori Cumming.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
As an individual, I’m most driven by my passion to connect with others; no crazy story, just the desire to feel. I purchased my first camera, a small Kodak point and shoot, when I was really young. From there, my appeal for photography and capturing moments as stills never stopped growing. As I’ve gotten older, and become a more experienced photographer, my need for order and understanding the art of aesthetics has helped me continue to refine my work and my business.
Aside from the logistics and my “eye” for photography, this career allows me to not only connect with people, but I get to help them connect with each other too.
When I was in high school, my family lost my oldest brother to an accident. After experiencing such a loss, the heart’s appreciation for love and connection evolves ten-fold, at least it did for me. Connecting with people, and helping them connect with and appreciate each other through these still moments in time became my healing mechanism.
I’m willing to bet, any photographer will agree with me when I say the post-processing of photos in this career can be daunting. I definitely spend more time editing photos on my couch than I do with my clients, which can be creatively draining at times, but those moments when I notice the smile on my face is as big as the smiles in front of my lens, I know I’m in the right place.
I’ve never considered my story before now, so thank you Voyage Chicago for helping me uncover it.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a lifestyle photographer, and I do everything I can to avoid limiting myself from certain styles of work. My goal each session is to create an authentic environment, where smiles and giggles can flow freely. I want to capture my clients enjoying themselves, those moments, and most importantly each other. My portfolio includes work from the following styles of sessions: newborn (in-hospital or in-studio), little ones, family/sibling, senior, engagement, wedding, couples, boudoir, and furry friends!
The message and driving focus is the same for me across each of these very different styles: capture the feelings, save these moments of laughter and love to be looked back on until the end of time. With each session’s flash drive package, I include a small surprise that allows my clients to have a physical keepsake from our session. I want to remind them, that in an age of virtual memories, nothing is quite as special as a tangible memory they can hold onto forever.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I think the role of artists has definitely increased in the lives of young people, and even those aging into their early thirties. This realm of social media that we have has people reeled into their screens; it’s become natural for us. I think it’s a beautiful time for photographers, because people are searching and longing to come across beauty in their feeds.
Some are looking for aesthetic beauty that appeals to the eye and satisfies that slice of their mind. Others are scrolling, longing to catch a glimpse of that deep, soul beauty, the kind that lets you feel the love in the photo for a second. As artists, we’ve got a sea of people scrolling, waiting to be moved by the heart we’re putting into our work.
As for events or issues that affect my art, I’m driven by connection. There’s a young lady from my hometown who has been fighting her butt off against cancer for years. Last year, she had the opportunity to design her own Childhood Cancer line for Ivory Ella, an east coast clothing company, and they needed a photographer to shoot photos of her at home for their website. We hit it off instantly, and she’s since become like a little sister to me. After the clothing line was released and her photos were up, I was excited about my opportunity to have my work on a major website, but I couldn’t get over the feeling that I’d really done nothing to help, which defeated the purpose of me picking up my camera in the first place. With the help of my community, I was able to fill the month of September, Childhood Cancer Awareness month, full with shoots, and donate 50% of every session to the cause. In the end, I received a beautiful friendship, and a new appreciation for the people I’m surrounded by.
Returning to the role of artists, and the way global issues affect my work. It’s important to highlight how much I get to watch women positively evolve through boudoir photography. We’re constantly scrolling, constantly looking for inspiration. In the world of a young woman, that inspiration often comes from women in Hollywood or Bali, posted in their feeds, who are being photographed by an expensive Nikon or Canon camera and professional photographer. This “inspiration” quickly becomes the contrary, especially when our bodies are created so extremely uniquely.
This constant comparison, and trend of women tearing themselves down, created a platform for my boudoir business to embrace these women. I needed these beautiful humans to see that they’re just as show stopping and stunning as the women in Hollywood when they have a Nikon camera following them around.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work is most frequently updated/posted on Instagram, but is better categorized by session style on Facebook in albums. Both pages are public and can be found by searching Tori Elizabeth Photography.
I have also created a women’s only Instagram account, where I post my boudoir photography. By creating this private page, women have a space where they feel comfortable celebrating their bodies, and all of the beauty and flaws they encompass. Women can follow this page to be inspired by others, or to learn more about the art of boudoir photography and what it consists of. Lots of women have reached out to tell me the testimonies from other ladies have helped them find the confidence to make the plunge and embrace a new appreciation for themselves.
Contact Info:
- Email: toricumming@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/torielizabethphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ToriElizabethPhotography
- Other: www.instagram.com/t.e.boudoir
Image Credit:
Personal photo: Alicia Matusiak
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
