Today, we’d like to introduce you to Tori Woods. Tori was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Guillory Co..
Tori, can you walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey has truly been a rocky one when it comes to an interest that has turned into a passion. I started taking an interest in photography when I was about 14 years old in the year 2000. It was something I could do to take my mind off things while helping my mother Sandra, take care of my brother Andrew. He was in an awful car accident at the age of 18 that left him quadriplegic. I would take pictures of family functions just like my mom use to growing up. She would always be the main one to have a camera and made sure she had enough film, disposable cameras, and batteries! It’s funny because the family just knew she would always have a camera.
Just imagining how the way pictures are developed now and from when I was a child still amazes me. When it was time to go pick up her prints and see how they would come out, I remember how her expressions would change. Back then you never knew how your pictures would come out. My mom would show me the ones she loved and how good they would come out. Seeing that look of amazement is the look I want for my clients when reviewing their photos!
In 2002 my mother was diagnosed with an illness and had to undergo chemotherapy. It took a toll on her, and she was unable to fully care for my brother. Even though there was a home health nurse helping with the care of my brother, I still overlooked the care of my brother and mother. I then lost interest and took to caring for them both while going to school.
In 2005 after graduating high school in May I picked up my camera again as my mother was in remission and was back to being healthy. I was taking more pictures than I could ever imagine. I began to buy different camera shapes and sizes. I loved how each one was a different color or certain features each one had. All the different functions intrigued me. I would take nature photos, family photos, and of course selfies. It reminded me of all the photos my mother had in these oversized tote bags she kept over the years. It was a great feeling to be back into something I love to do. I wanted to create memories like the ones my mother’s created.
Shortly came the end of 2005 and this life event crushed my spirit. My brother passed away and I started to shut down from the world. Even then I saw Photography as an outlet where I could escape in my way. I was in a place where I felt lost in the world and my passion for taking pictures took off even further. Photography wasn’t a person I could talk to, but it was something I could put my emotions into to help cope with life. Photography helped open my eyes to see that memories are everlasting. To see photos of my brother and the memories we shared turned it all around.
Fast forward to 2009 I brought a baby girl into this world named Jocelyn. Like all first-time mothers, tons of photos were taken. Nothing like social media and digital uploads to help create albums full of pictures of just her.
In 2011 I married my husband, Derrick. I laugh at the thought of taking any photos of him because I have so many photographs of him always making a silly face before I give him that look “ be serious”. We had our first son Derrin in 2013 and the pictures of two kids were more amazing to share with friends and family. In 2016 our Second son Devon arrived and OH BOY was he a character to capture with his older siblings! My entire family has always and still do till this day give me what I would like to share with any client… and that’s memories. When a perfect moment is caught it will always be a forever memory.
Between those years of 2009 to 2020 I would only do family events, pictures of my children, nature shots and random things that caught my eye. My Husband asked me one day in 2021 “You love taking pictures so much why not do it professionally?” I find myself critiquing pictures that I have taken or ask him to let me edit his pictures of his products for his fragrance business to put on his website. I then thought about it. Why not share my talent with others? I decided to get serious about it this time. As so many life events had occurred in life, and I had put others before me as a mother and a wife. It’s time to invest in myself and do what makes me happy! I may be a small business, but my heart and creativity are big! I am grateful for those who are very dear to me who inspired and supported me along the way.
Please tell us more about your brand, So Picturesque Photography
I am a small photography business that provides services to all events below. Engagements Maternity sessions Senior pictures Birthday sessions Newborn pictures Headshots I listen to what the client is going for and use that to turn it into something creative. It is important to understand what a client wants as these are the memories to be shared with friends and families. It’s a moment in time to be a forever moment. Having my photos seen by hundreds of thousands of people to show off a client’s products.
Guillory Co. and Guillory Candle Co. have been great to us and I know you’ve got a great relationship with them as well. Maybe you can tell our audience a bit about Guillory Co. and Guillory Candle Co. and your experience with them.
Guillory Candle Co. has a large variety of phenomenal candle scents for your home and plant-based self-care products. All the products are vegan and hand-crafted. From candles to skincare care and even coffee!
A cozy vibe is given when you light a coconut soy candle or warm up a wax melt. These candles are not your ordinary candles as the wicks are wooden. The scents give you a whole new experience when you first smell them. Information about how to care for your candle is available. Wick cutters in the shape of a fleur-de-lis are unique and the wax warmers match any decor.
Lavende Orchidee and Charment are two lines of body care. From the body washes to the lotions and even a shea butter made with multiple oils will nourish your skin.
The moisturizing ingredients in the lip balms will have you rethinking if you wanna use another. There are six flavors that are made from Beeswax, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Oil, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, & Vitamin E. You can get them in Mint Julip, Cherry, Natural Flavor, Vanilla, Raspberry, and Peppermint.
The Air/linen sprays have multiple uses. These sprays are even safe to use on your skin. This line comes in 10 different scents that are both feminine and masculine.
If you love coffee, you will love the aroma of these two blends that are available in French Roast and Breakfast Blend.
Working with Marsha the owner of Guillory Candle Co. was a true delight. To bring the vision of the brand to life was all about listening. Understanding the vision and the history behind products and why she started She wanted to revamp the way her products would catch the eye in of her customers. All the products at Guillory Candle Co. gave another important lesson to listen to what my clients are looking for. I can provide a service that is personally branded.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sopicturesquephotography/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoPicturesquePhotography
