I'm Tori
oh hey you!
I’M A New Jersey-Based WEDDING & Elopement PHOTOGRAPHER for adventurous couples doing their wedding their way.
Before diving into all of fun details, I want you to get to know a little bit about me! Here’s all you need to know:
1) You can almost always find me snuggled up with my fuzzy socks on and vegan cookie dough in hand! However, I have such a travel bug in me and love to explore the world! Seriously, take me anywhere, I’m so up for the adventure!
2) I’m a sucker for the DIY life. Anything I see in a store, I think, “Oh, I can make that,” and then it ends up costing me way more to make than to buy. Whoops!
3) Britney Spears is my spirit animal and my forever queen. I saw her in concert in Las Vegas twice now, and, yes, I ugly cried so hard. No shame... kind of. :)
4) I’m a self-proclaimed plant mom, I love making smoothies, and artichokes have my heart! I also live for Oreos. Vegan much?!
5) I am crazy passionate about helping photographers feel confident in their work, grow their business, and reach those big dream goals! I’m so here for you!
oh, you want more?
mentoring session investment guide
Meet Tori
Session Experience
GALLERIES
the process
love letters
albums
lemme tell you the good stuff
Holy heckkk. I’m so freakin’ excited that you are here. You know why? It means you’re ready. Ready to dive into this creative passion of yours and make it work for you. I know what it’s like to want to take your hobby to the next level – to turn this dream into the real deal. To want to see progress in your work and to feel fulfilled in your every day life.
I remember feeling so overwhelmed when I started thinking about starting my photography business. There are so many options from self-education, online courses, workshops, conferences, mentoring, or just straight up bootstrapping it. I’ve read pages and pages of other photographer’s blog posts to absorb all of the free education I could get, I’ve spent thousands on online courses, and even more thousands on in-person workshops and conferences. I am grateful for every penny I spent on investing in my education and my business, but if I had to do it all again, I would choose one-on-one mentoring sessions over anything every single time. There is just nothing like personalized attention and help from professionals you admire and appreciate. I’ve found that online courses are like college classes, and I just don’t like putting in all the work. I’ve found that workshops are fun, inspiring, and super helpful, but not as customized to my specific needs. One-on-one mentoring?! Well, there’s a reason why I’m offering it to aspiring photographers and experienced photographers looking to level up! I believe in it completely. I want you to get your money’s worth and know that this is truly an investment in your future, not just in your craft.
I believe in you. I support you. I admire you for taking this next step. There is so much to learn. I want to help you skip years of trying to figure it all out for yourself and get you many steps ahead from where you are now. Sound good to you?! I’m glad you’re here!
love it, tor.
gimme all the deets
three unique opportunities for go-getters who want to build their dream business!
90-Minute Strategy Call
This strategy session is 90-minutes of dedicated video call time geared toward the select pain points you need help with currently. This can truly be whatever you need to talk or learn about! Some common topics include: shooting & editing questions, social media content, website set up and review, client experience, using Honeybook, and more! I will send a questionnaire to get to know you and your business so we can make the best use of our video call time together!
$300
half-day intensive
This one-day session offers you a deep dive into any photography or business related topics of your choice. This is your time whether you want to grab coffee and learn for a few hours or pair a live mini session with a real couple in with plenty of Q&A time. Each session is customized to fit your unique needs and usually lasts around 5 hours. We can set up a video call or meet in-person! In-person sessions include a mini headshot shoot to get you updated content for your website and social media! 30-minute follow up call included.
$550
90-day intensive
This experience includes extended intensive coaching, resources, and guidance over a 90-day timeframe for go-getter photographers wanting someone to lead them through multiple stages of their business for rapid growth. 6 strategy calls scheduled at your own cadence, a live shoot, open communication for questions along the way, and valuable resources (guides, templates, etc.) provided throughout our time together! Great for photographers looking to scale and grow a sustainable and thriving business and life.
$600/mo
I will provide you with a questionnaire to get your gears turning and give me a great idea of where you're at in your journey! Please feel free to come prepared with a list of questions and topics you would like to discuss so I can best help you during our time!
In-person mentoring session locations (coffee chats and shoots) are chosen by Tori
Click here to download the extended guide that dives into the 90-day intensive further!
I found Tori on Instagram and was immediately drawn to her work. After following her for a while and watching her stories, I knew I wanted to be friends! She is hilarious and so genuine. I finally reached out to her and we planned a mentoring session. I drove all the way from Maryland to meet up with her in New Jersey.
From the moment I met her, I felt like we were already friends. She put together tons of information for us to go over and answered all of my questions without judgement. She found an amazing couple for us to shoot together and showed me how she prompts and poses her couples. Her shoots are so much fun! After we finished the shoot, she showed me her whole editing and post processing workflow.
We could have talked for hours! She has so much knowledge and you can really tell how passionate she is about photography. Since our meeting, we have kept in close contact and she answers all my crazy questions! Whenever she comes across something she thinks would be beneficial for me, whether it’s an online workshop or just Lightroom editing tutorials, she sends them my way. Tori really wants to see her mentees succeed!
I was scared to reach out at first because I was afraid to be turned down and be seen as future competition in the field, but Tori is all about community over competition and is willing to help in any way possible! I can't wait for our future sessions!
- Jaclyn Steele Photography
view the gallery
melissa & chris
half-day intensive
live shoot
view the gallery
sabrina & sebastian
half-day intensive
live shoot
view the gallery
brenna marie
headshots
mentoring session
currently crushing on...
Tori is THE BEST. I worked with Tori through her mentor sessions. As a new photographer, I was really looking for a local mentor that I would connect with and was truly passionate about helping others - there is no doubt, that is Tori.
We met up to chat and wound up talking for double the amount of time that we planned because she had SO much to share and coach me on. We covered all things from blogging to client gifts to posing to advice on how to get my name and business out there.
I left our mentoring session feeling super motivated and confident. Since then, Tori is always there when I have a quick question and I truly feel like she is invested in me and my growing business. Tori is now not only a mentor, but a friend!!! <3
- Arianna Celeste Photography
We will email and chat about the mentoring session options to make sure that we are a perfect fit! We can hop on a video chat to choose your best path!
let's be friends
1.
the process
From first hello to beyond your session, here’s how it works!
Once you give me the word and we make this whole thing officially official, we’ll start planning alllll the deets from our meeting location to styling the mini shoot and more!
book & plan
2.
the process
From first hello to beyond your session, here’s how it works!
Woot woot!!! Now is your time to soak in all the posing knowledge! Come prepared with your camera and any questions you having about biz or posing!
live Session!
3.
the process
From first hello to beyond your session, here’s how it works!
If you book an All the Things session, you’ll receive your final headshot images to post all over your website and social media! Show off that pretty face! :)
GALLERY DELIVERY!
4.
the process
From first hello to beyond your session, here’s how it works!
We will schedule a 30-minute video chat a few weeks after your session to go over your progress and any additional questions you came across since we met! I’m here for ya!
follow up call!
5.
the process
From first hello to beyond your session, here’s how it works!
how many headshot images will i receive?
can i have the RAW files?
For an All the Things session, I would be glad to do a quick headshot shoot for about 15 minutes! You can expect 10-15 fully-edited images to use on your website and social media!
I would be glad to share the RAW files of the final headshot images I deliver to you! You are free to use and share the headshots edited by me or make them your own with your editing style!
how does the payment schedule work?
what if i have to reschedule?
In hopes of alleviating one larger payment for you, the payment schedule is broken down into two smaller payments throughout the process. One-half of the total cost will act as the retainer (along with your signed contract) in order to reserve your date. The second half will be due 1 month before the session day. You will be able to sign the contract electronically and pay online via credit card. You are also welcome to pay with cash or check.
I totally understand that life happens! Please let me know that you will need to reschedule at least 24 hours in advance if not sooner! If you notify me over 24 hours in advance, we will be able to move your retainer payment to a rescheduled date that works for both of us. If you have to reschedule last minute (under 24 hours), I may have to keep your retainer payment and you can choose to rebook a new session.
what do i wear for my headshots?
when is the best time to book my session?
I will be sending you plenty of information to prepare for your session, so don’t you worry! I have blog posts, Pinterest boards, and style guides to help you look and feel amazing! The short answer, though – wear something that is comfortable and your style. Just be yourself! If you are the type of person who would rather sit around in sweats all day like me and binge Netflix shows, then it probably wouldn’t make much sense for you to wear something super fancy. Sticking to neutrals is usually a good options, but we will be in touch as we start planning your sesh, and I will help you choose your outfits based on your photography style, the location, and the time of year we are shooting at!
A few months before the season/month you’re hoping for! My weekend dates are usually reserved for weddings, so I, typically, book sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. I will do everything I can to accommodate for both of our schedules to find a date that works, so reaching out in advance is very helpful for planning!
how would you describe your photography style?
how will i know if we are a good fit?
Ooh, I love this one! My main goal is to make sure the people I’m photographing feel comfortable, confident, and most importantly, that they’re having fun the entire shoot. I know being in front of a camera can feel awkward at first, but that is why I play games, get my couples moving, and keep them laughing and in love always! Genuine over posed shots any day – I want these photos to show their real personality! I edit my images with warm, deep tones that compliment nature and skin tones and keep my couples looking golden and sunkissed!
Such a good question!! Choosing someone to mentor you is a big decision and I want you to feel 100% confident in where you are investing in yourself and your business! We will spend some time emailing and discussing the perfect session for your needs! Please feel free to ask me any questions about the process you’re wondering before booking! I am here to help you and guide you along the way. I am so humbled that you’re considering learning from me!
WHO OWNS THE COPYRIGHT OF THE IMAGES?
DO YOU SEND US PROOFS TO PICK OUR FAVORITES OR DO YOU MAKE THE SELECTIONS?
Great question! As the photographer, I will retain the copyright to all of my images taken at your session either of you or of the couple/models we are photographing; however, as my mentee, you have access to the full final edited gallery of your headshots and have the ability to download, share, and print the images for personal use! Any images you take on your camera are under your name and copyright!
After a session, I will go through all of the images and select and edit the very best ones! I have found that people get overwhelmed by the hundreds of images, so I go through and select images that best reflect you and your personality! If I know you’ll love a picture, it’s going in the gallery! ;)
do you watermark your images?
CAN I REQUEST EDITING ADJUSTMENTS ONCE I RECEIVE THE FINAL IMAGES?
I do not watermark my images, as I find they are distracting and unappealing. Although I appreciate their purpose, I’ve created these images for you and I want you to be able to use them, print them, and share them freely! I always appreciate being tagged in your posts if you use the images so I can show them some love!
When you are hiring Tori Kelner Photography, you are acknowledging that you have seen my work and editing style! So, if you choose to hire me, that means that you LOVE my style, know what to expect, and trust me fully! Because of this, I do not take edit requests and just ask that you are fully aware of my editing style to avoid any surprises in your final gallery! Again, I would be glad to send you the RAW files of the final edited images, so you can edit them in your personal style!
WHAT IS THE TURNAROUND TIME FOR MY IMAGES?
how do we pick the session location?
For sessions, you can expect a 3 to 4 week turnaround for the fully-edited, high-resolution online gallery. Busy seasons may affect this timing slightly, but I do my best to return your galleries as soon as I can!
Once we are officially official, we will start to plan where and when we want to meet. Typically, for Coffee Chats, mentees will come to a local coffee shop of my choice typically in my town. If it makes more sense to meet in the middle, I am glad to accommodate and find a central meeting point! If we are doing a Shoot & Edit session, we will discuss locations and the overall vibe you’d like for the session! We can chat about the models’ outfits to props and more! I am ALL for customizing the session to fit your personal brand’s style!
can i pay a portion of the payment after the session or after the final gallery has been delivered?
WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU WILL TRAVEL?
No, I require all payments to be completed before each session, but I am more than willing to work with you on a payment plan if necessary! I’ve already divided your full package into two equal payments to alleviate one larger payment. The first payment is due at the time of signing your contract to lock in your session date on my calendar, and the second payment is due one month before your session!
If we are doing a Shoot & Edit session or we decide that a central meeting point is best, I offer 50 miles of driving complimentary from my home in East Brunswick, NJ. Any mileage beyond that will be charged at $.55/mile.
WE WANT YOU! WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP TO BOOK YOU?!
YAY!! I am so glad to hear that! Let’s talk more about your needs and ideas for your sesh, so we can make sure that we are a perfect fit! Once you give me the word to move forward with the booking process, I will send over a contract proposal for you to sign and an invoice for the first retainer payment! I will walk you through every step of the process to help make this experience as simple and fun as possible! xoxo
If you're looking for a sign as to whether or not to go for a mentoring session with Tori, THIS IS IT! I was looking to break through some business challenges that I was having (getting more creative with posing, improving my client experience, and organizing my workflow) and Tori gave me all of the tools to grow in these areas.
She's incredibly easy to talk to and nonjudgmental, which is so important when you're trying to learn and need to be vulnerable to do so. Tori answered all of my questions and questions that I didn't even know I had.
Her feedback from the mentor session has helped me take my photography to the next level and helped me organize my workflow, saving me time and money.
One of the best parts about working with Tori is that it feels like you're hanging out with an old friend. Oh, and definitely go for the [live session]! It's where she coaches you through an actual shoot- watching her prompt is like watching a masterclass in getting real and authentic engagement. I can't recommend her enough- this experience has more than paid for itself, thank you Tori!!
- Gracie Perl Photography
-Paola + Nick
Not only is she incredibly talented and her pictures come out beautifully, but her personality is just as amazing as her skill set. My husband and I are both not the most comfortable in front of the camera, but she made it so easy and enjoyable, we both loved her to death. Having Tori as a photographer was one of the best parts of our wedding, hands down. Thank you again, Tori!!!
I will never be able to say enough great things about Tori as a person and as a photographer.
- rachel + jonathan
she is so friendly, easy going and made us feel comfortable throughout the entire process! She walked us through our engagement photos and helped us immensely on our wedding day by being so prepared and organized. Tori and her team were so on top of it which made us feel at ease! We were also so impressed with how engaged she was with us throughout the process! Her passion really shows. We also appreciated her effort in sending us many beautiful photos promptly after our wedding. Tori exceeded our expectations and we will be forever grateful for her capturing our special day!
Tori caught our attention through her beautiful photography, and when we met her we knew we picked the right photographer!
- lauren + javier
She is so full of excitement, passion, and love and was always available to help us with anything we needed throughout the planning. She sent us the sweetest notes and gifts that just made us feel so grateful that we chose her. She made us feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera, which is certainly not an easy thing to do. I seriously can not recommend hiring Tori as your photographer more- she is the absolute best and will not let you down. Thank you so much Tori for capturing our love story and helping us create forever memories!
we hired tori because of her incredible skill and passion for her work. what we didn't expect were the ways she went out of her way to contribute to the excitement of our wedding!
- daniella + zack
She made sure every detail for the engagement photos and my wedding day were perfect for us. The heart that Tori puts into her photography shines through completely! I love that she allowed us to do a photoshoot that was sentimental for us. It showed our personality in the photos. I'm so thankful for Tori! She is AMAZING!!
tori isn't only my wedding photography, but she also became a friend.
- sabrina + sebastian
I can't even begin to say how amazing and talented you are. Seb and I have never had our photos taken, so I really didn't know how they would turn out... it’s incredible how perfectly you captured our love. I just can't say thank you enough for being an amazing friend and even more for capturing this special chapter for us better than we thought could be possible. Love you SO much, and seriously thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! You're incredible and we are sooo so happy!
i didn't even get half way through the gallery and i literally started hysterically crying.
You ready?
let's do this!
LET’S GET ON THE SAME PAGE
Okay, I totally know that was A LOT of information! Whew, take it all in! You probably have a few questions running through your head on how this all works, where to go from here, and how to make it work for you! Please reach out with any questions at all and I’ll be sure to answer anything you’re wondering, so you feel one hundred million percent confident about this! Don’t worry, I’ve got you.
CONTRACT + RETAINER
You ready to commit to this new photog bff relationship?! Heck yes! I will send over a proposal with your contract and invoice to review. Once you’ve signed the contract and paid your non-refundable retainer (1/2 of your package price), your session date will be secured on my calendar!
MAKE THE MAGIC HAPPEN
Then, let’s start dreaming up how we can capture you two, all of your weirdness, and your wildly passionate love story. This is going to be freakin’ fun, promise!! Now, let’s go grab a coffee
or some beers if you’re like me, talk all things photography, chase the sunset, and make a lot of magic together!
follow along
on instagram
@torikelner
You two get to spend an evening kissing and loving on each other with your new third wheel bff, sounds pretty great, huh? :)