Hi, I'm Tory! If you’re here, you probably already know I’m a director and photographer.

Hi, I’m Tory! If you’re here, you probably already know I’m a director and photographer.

Hi, I’m Tory! If you’re here, you probably already know I’m a director and photographer.

Here is the quick version of how I got here:

2015
Earned my Master’s in Fashion Photography from SVA.

2017
Signed with an agent and shot my first global campaign, for Adidas.

2019
Saw a gap in the retouching process and built the solution myself. I’ve run my own post house, Friends in Trust, ever since.

2020
When the pandemic shut down every shoot in the world, I taught myself virtual production and had the best year of my career up to that point.

2023
Moved to Mexico.

2024
Directed my first commercial in Spanish.

2025
Left my agent and started doing this entirely on my own terms.

2026
Still doing the thing. And about to launch retreats and trips for creatives to find inspiration through play and relaxation.

Tory Rust outdoors
On set with Tory Rust

On set

I work with talent across the board — seasoned professionals, influencers, first-timers. What I really love is running a set people trust and still getting someone to actually drop their guard once the camera’s rolling. Here’s what that actually looks like on set: I bring stickers. I will absolutely sing to you if you need it. My crew is the nicest you’ll meet — no egos allowed, just down-to-earth energy, because that’s the only way anyone does their best work.

OUTSIDE THE FRAME

When it comes down to it I’m mostly just obsessed with meeting new people and having new experiences. I moved to Mexico on a whim four years ago — still here. When I am not on set, you can find me moto-ing through the jungle to the beach in Sayulita, throwing pots I have no business throwing, and running a business all about Living Your Magic. I even made an oracle deck about play. Oh and I write. I love writing!

  • Portrait photograph
  • Portrait photograph
  • Portrait photograph
  • Portrait photograph

The throughline in all of this is play + energy. Not every client project is upbeat (though most of what I share is), but every single one requires a mastery of energy — reading it, moving it, making people forget the camera’s there. Running a set is like riding a moto or pulling cards: follow your instincts, pay attention, move fast, trust it.

The throughline in all of this is play + energy. Not every client project is upbeat (though most of what I share is), but every single one requires a mastery of energy — reading it, moving it, making people forget the camera’s there. Running a set is like riding a moto or pulling cards: follow your instincts, pay attention, move fast, trust it.

The throughline in all of this is play + energy. Not every client project is upbeat (though most of what I share is), but every single one requires a mastery of energy — reading it, moving it, making people forget the camera’s there. Running a set is like riding a moto or pulling cards: follow your instincts, pay attention, move fast, trust it.

Let’s make something, or if rest and play are what you actually need right now, keep an eye out for the retreats.

Let’s make something, or if rest and play are what you actually need right now, keep an eye out for the retreats.

Tory Rust in Mexico

Elsewhere

Notes from set

Occasional stories, new work, and whatever is catching my eye.

Instagram

Substack

LinkedIn

© 2026 Tory Rust