TJ LOR

photography / website construction / community engagement

TJ Lor is a Hmong American artist and photographer, born in Minneapolis and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She began her creative journey with music through her involvement with In Progress (IP), an experience that laid the groundwork for her artistic voice. As she immersed herself in IP’s programs, she discovered photography—a medium that quickly became her passion and primary focus. Over the past three years, TJ has honed her craft through persistent practice, experimentation, and a willingness to learn from trial and error.

Her photographic style emphasizes candid moments over posed compositions, with a particular love for documenting live events and musicians in their element. She finds inspiration in capturing authentic, unfiltered stories that unfold in real time. This documentary approach reflects her deep interest in preserving the raw energy, atmosphere, and emotion of the communities and artists she photographs.

qualifications

Dedicated to growing her skills, TJ is expanding her repertoire beyond candid and event photography. She is actively learning about lighting techniques, portrait posing, and studio work—embracing these new challenges as opportunities to develop a more versatile, professional practice.

Tj now owns and operates her own freelance photography business, JUAL Visuals, offering a wide range of services while continuing to celebrate and uplift the communities that inspire her. She is committed to using art to tell meaningful stories, honor underrepresented voices, and contribute to the cultural richness of her community through compelling visual work. She is a teaching artist and mentor at In Progress, working with youth and adults throughout the state of Minnesota. In 2024 she received a grant award from the Minnesota State Arts Board to create a new body of work honoring same sex traditional Hmong weddings. She also is the lead organizer for Joy of Being, a multimedia initiative centered in the stories and life experiences of LBGTQ+ individuals and the families they are tied to.

Focus Areas

  • DSLR camera technique and camera operation

  • adobe light room and photoshop software applications

  • portraiture photography

  • event photography

  • website construction

skills

  • DSLR camera operation and technique;

  • camera lens applications

  • photo editing in Adobe Photoshop and Light Room

  • portraiture photography

  • event photography

  • web portfolio development

Teaching / PRODUCTION experience

  • photography mentor at In Progress

  • workshop and residency instruction in schools and communities throughout Minnesota.

  • owns and operates JUAL VISUALS - a freelance photography services

  • Joy of Being Program Leader

LINKS