Today we’d like to introduce you to Tori Bornholdt.
Hi Tori, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2017, I was a stay-at-home mom welcoming my second child, feeling lonely and craving connection. I began a small side hustle photographing babies, and it quickly evolved into something much bigger than I ever anticipated.
Over the years, through the arrival of another baby, a move to a new market, and an unexpected injury that forced me to rethink how I worked, my business transformed alongside my life. I refined my craft, restructured my pricing model, and stepped fully into my role as a business owner.
Today, I specialize in high school seniors and families, creating custom portrait experiences designed to feel as good as they look. I’m also slated to speak at Shutterfest 2026 on sustainable pricing and sales strategy.
My journey hasn’t been linear, but every challenge has shaped the business I lead today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road.
In the beginning, I felt like I had to say yes to everything. Instead of building slowly and sustainably, I overbooked myself, underpriced my work, and burned out quickly. Learning to say no and narrowing my focus was one of the hardest but most important lessons. Once I stopped trying to do everything, I was able to build something far more intentional and create more time with my family in the process.
I was also a business owner during the COVID pandemic while pregnant with my third child. It was an incredibly uncertain season, both personally and professionally. Many studios closed their doors, and there were moments when the future felt unclear. That period taught me patience and perspective. Sometimes the only path forward is taking one small step at a time. You don’t have to have the entire plan figured out to keep moving.
Just a year later, I moved to a new market and experienced an injury that forced another major shift. I had just opened a new studio when back strain from years of newborn photography made it physically impossible to continue in that direction. At first, I panicked. But I had already begun photographing high school seniors and realized how much I loved it. I shifted my full focus there, building a portfolio I was proud of and attracting the clients I truly wanted to serve.
As my work evolved, so did my pricing. I restructured my model to reflect the level of experience, artistry, and service I was providing. That transition required confidence, trial and error, and a willingness to trust myself. It ultimately created a healthier business, a stronger client experience, and a schedule that supports my family life.
The road wasn’t smooth, but it shaped a stronger business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in senior portraits and lead a high school influencer team open to students of all ages. Through concept-driven, high fashion–inspired shoots, my team collaborates to create images that feel dynamic and elevated. My senior sessions are fully customized. I listen closely to each client’s ideas and combine them with my expertise to create an experience that feels personal and intentional.
I’m especially known for my skies and outdoor portrait work. I’ve spent years refining how I use light, color, and composition to create images that feel dramatic yet timeless, portraits designed to live on the walls of my clients’ homes for decades.
What sets me apart is the complete experience I provide. From professional hair and makeup to wardrobe rental and guided styling, I manage every detail from start to finish. My signature editing style and attention to the client journey ensure each session feels effortless.
I’m most proud of my ability to adapt and evolve. My work today reflects steady growth and a commitment to creating portraits that feel as meaningful as they are beautiful.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One thing that may surprise people is that I have ADHD. For a long time, I was undiagnosed and in denial. There were days when building a business while raising a family felt too overwhelming. Once I was diagnosed and began to understand how my brain actually works, I realized there were strengths within it too.
My creativity, ability to see concepts quickly, and willingness to pivot when something isn’t working all stem from that wiring. It also gives me a strong sense of humor and keeps me from taking myself too seriously, which is invaluable when running a business. At the same time, having ADHD pushes me to build strong systems, refine my processes, and create structure within my business so I can operate at a high level.
Learning how to work with my brain instead of against it has been one of the most transformative parts of my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.toribornholdtphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toribornholdtphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toribornholdtphotography
