Torey Rohde, of Iowa City’s Torey Rohde Photography, is a wedding and lifestyle photographer who takes an artistic approach to capture people being, well, people. “I love candid moments, movement and lots of laughter and play in my portraits.” Learn about Torey Rohde…
Hometown: Denver, CO and Muscatine, IA
First job: My first job was at McDonald’s, and I worked one shift. I then had a summer job at a recycling company making way more than a teenager needs ($300 a week). After that, it was Taco Bell for a while.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in IA: Camping, hiking and backyard grilling and fire pits. It fills me up, and I could do it every day.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Just being here, every day, with the drive and ambition that I have is my biggest accomplishment. I grew up in foster care, and it was a tough childhood. I’m proud of myself, that I’ve been able to turn it all around and enjoy the fruits of my labor.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Self-doubt and procrastination. Of course, it’s not completely overcome but the little wins every day count.
Someone who inspires you and why: The women in my life inspire me. My sisters, my friends, women who’ve mentored me. I’ve always been surrounded by strong women, and they are incredible! I’ve seen them come through some of the hardest things, and they never give up. They never stop loving. And they are so intelligent. Professionally, Jai Long inspires me. Jai is a wedding photographer and business coach out of Australia. He has some wonderful stories of experience and growth, and a podcast filled with gems that any creative entrepreneur could use. He’s talented and has an incredible outlook. He inspires and teaches me.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Don’t compare yourself to others. We are all out here not knowing what the heck we’re doing. Especially at first. Don’t give up. Do what you love, and the rest will follow.
Favorite quote: “You can’t do it all, do it all well or do it all well all the time. It’s gonna be OK.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I was a super rebellious teenager and got into a lot of trouble. This mostly clashes with who I am today.
What makes someone fabulous: Their energy, confidence and sense of humor!