Bold Colors | Tory Rust
Bold Colors
Tory Rust
Tory Rust is a Brooklyn-based photographer. Raised in Fargo, North Dakota, she moved to NYC to attend The School of Visual Arts, where she graduated with a masters degree in fashion photography. Her work accurately represents her obsession with saturated colors, high energy and junk food.
When and how did your journey as an artist begin?
In middle school, I always carried around a point and shoot camera (this was before camera phones) to take photos with friends. Sometimes my friends and I would put on makeup and “fashionable” clothes and take photos around town. These were the first “photoshoots” I ever did. I suppose that is when I officially became interested in fashion photography. I continued to shoot casually and then slowly transitioned to shooting with a team. Throughout college, I would set up photo shoots with a full team. In 2015, I moved to NY to attend graduate school at The School of Visual Arts. Graduate school played a large part in my personal discovery of who I am, when it comes to photography.
What camera(s) do you prefer to use?
I typically use the Canon 5D Mark 4, but occasionally I shoot film on my Hasselblad 501cm which I absolutely LOVE!
Could you describe a bit about the type of photography/design do you pursue?
I am a fashion and beauty photographer based in New York. I work on a variety of projects ranging from ad jobs, editorial work and personal work. I have had the opportunity to photograph for brands like Barneys New York, Adidas, GQ, Ann Taylor, Out Magazine and more. My work is bold, colorful and a bit wonky. I love to work with untraditional angles and play with graphic elements! I also love capturing positive and happy energy.
What is the most significant project you have worked on? Where did you find inspiration to pursue it?
I am currently working on a personal project and will release the first half of the project in 4 years (when I turn 30). It is very significant and hits home for me. I can’t share much about it but it is definitely challenging on an emotional level. I love working on projects that stir up feelings and that are meaningful.
A Little About Tory Rust
Favorite thing to do besides photography or design?
I just started taking a ceramics wheel class and I love it. I am awful at it but it is exciting to learn new things and actually build something with your hands.
Favorite color?
It depends on the week. I love blue, red, yellow, green, orange...
Basically all colors.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would still live in New York. I love the hustle and energy this city has. Not to mention, you can do anything at any time. The convenience is unparalleled. And the food is unbelievably delicious.
Favorite place to shoot?
Perhaps surprising to some, I love to shoot in nature. It always seems calmer and more carefree in nature than in studio.
Describe your work in three words.
Colorful, happy and energetic
Favorite app to use?
I love using Planoly to plan my IG posts. I spend an hour a week planning my posts and then I don’t have to think about it the rest of the week. I also love a variety of photo editing apps and am always downloading new ones to play around.
