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We met while working at a school portrait company. Together, we learned the "ins and outs" of the industry: from the first logistical email to the flow of picture day, and from the final print to the moment a parent holds that photo in their hands. But more importantly, along the way, we became best friends. Beyond the cameras and the spreadsheets, we bonded over our shared love for adventure, creative hobbies, and exploring the beauty in "all things abandoned."
After leaving that company about six years ago, we both took our own paths in the creative world, but we never stopped growing our friendship or dreaming about doing this our own way on our own terms. Now, the timing is finally right and the universe said, now ladies, now is the time!
Photography has always been my heartbeat. I started working for the school portrait industry as a photographer and quickly became a lead photographer as well as a office and sales assistant. Before I even started to work in the school portrait industry I was building my own business, J. Curtis Photography from the ground up.
For the next twelve years I balanced my multiple roles at a school portrait company as well as continued to grow my own business. When I left the school portrait world, I focused everything into, J. Curtis Photography, and made it a thriving, full-time business. Specializing in newborn photography while capturing all of life’s milestones—from weddings to birthdays and everything in between. I built my brand on connection, warmth, and authenticity. And had a simple mission: to stay away from anything "corporate" or cold. I have always been intentional about creating a personal, heartfelt experience for every family I work with, and my clients have become like an extension of my own family.
When I'm not behind the lens, I am busy growing my own little family with my fiancé Michael and our two children, Carter and Charlotte. We enjoy spending as much time as possible sharing all that Long Island has to offer with our two little ones. We love where we live and enjoy our nighlty after dinner walks as a family around the neighborhood.
My experience as a mother drives my mission to treat every child I photograph with the same care and patience I give my own. For me it's not about "posing" for a camera; it's about capturing the warmth and connection that makes every child unique and an understanding that the best photographs happen when a child feels comfortable and cared for.
My journey in the school portrait world actually started before working at the company where I met Jessica. I began my portrait career at a different school portrait company as a photographer. Over the next 14 years, I took on almost every role imaginable, eventually becoming the Office Manager while still jumping into the field whenever I was needed.
While mastering the logistics of the business, I also earned my Bachelors of Fine arts degree in Film / Video Production. I spent years as a freelance Camera Assistant for feature films, commercials, music videos and everything in between. I also earned my Part 107 Commercial Drone License and have found a real passion for capturing unique perspectives—offering views that most people don’t typically get to experience.
Working on film sets introduced me to all kinds of people and places that I never would have had the opportunity to experience otherwise. It taught me how to work with every personality imaginable under all types of different conditions and how to find the perfect shot in any environment.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking and exploring with my husband and our two dogs, Mahoney and Kodi. Together, we’re currently on a journey to section hike the entire Appalachian Trail.
I can’t wait to bring my “behind-the-scenes” technical, cinematic eye to our team to ensure every detail is just right for you.
Why "Together We Grow"?
We aren't a large, faceless corporation. We are a women-owned local business run by two friends who genuinely enjoy working together. We recognize that we’re human—we each have our own strengths and weaknesses—but when we combine our skills, everything just clicks.
We believe school portraits should be more than a generic process. When you communicate with Together We Grow, you’re talking directly to Tori or Jessica. When it’s picture day, we are the ones there to guide your children and capture their unique personalities.
We’ve spent our careers preparing for this moment, and we can’t wait to meet the most cherished parts of your heart.
With heart, hustle and a lens on the future,
Tori & Jessica
Together We Grow School Portraits
Women Owned & Operated
631.315.6730
customerservice@TWGSchoolportraits.com
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