Rising Stars: Meet Just Toby of Altanta, Georgia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Just Toby.

Hi Just Toby, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey with photography began in childhood. I was never without a small portable camera, capturing moments from family trips and turning them into photo albums instead of collecting souvenirs. At the time, it was purely a passion—something I did for the joy of preserving memories, specially in college and grad school.

Years later, after relocating from Jacksonville to Atlanta, I found myself eager to explore new communities and connections. I had a particular curiosity about drag culture, though I knew very little and was admittedly intimidated. That changed during Atlanta Pride, where I met Mariah Paris Balenciaga from *RuPaul’s Drag Race S3*. We formed an instant connection, and while I was in search of corporate roles, I began helping her with marketing and bookings.

One day, while planning at my place, Mariah noticed a photo album on my coffee table. She flipped through it, paused, and said something that shifted everything: ‘Toby, you have an incredible eye—the way you capture people and color is extraordinary. You should do this professionally.’ I laughed it off at first—I’d just completed my MBA in International Business from Bond University in Australia a few years earlier and photography was still just a hobby and never thought of it seriously.

But Mariah challenged me: choose a queen I gravitate to and photograph them. If the shoot went well, she’d introduce me to her Drag Race sisters. I nervously approached Evah Destruction, and that first session was electric. The photos resonated. Within weeks, I was shooting with BenDeLaCreme and Adore Delano and other major drag players in the business. Soon after, I was documenting and working on a Drag Race cruise—surrounded by talent who had seen my work. That was over a decade ago, and I haven’t stopped since. Actually one of my favorite projects started there, a shoot for Bianca del Rio’s Rolodex of Hate.

As for the name ‘Just Toby’—it was born at the Season 6 premiere of *RuPaul’s Drag Race* in Los Angeles. I kept telling people, ‘It’s just Toby—no last name,’ when exchanging Facebook profiles, Right before I left a queen asked to connect on Facebook and I said the line…. and my best friend said: ‘That’s it! Just Toby!’ It stuck, and it perfectly captured the simplicity and authenticity I bring to my work.”

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a photographer has been an incredibly rewarding journey, but it hasn’t always been easy. People often perceive the profession as glamorous—working with celebrities, attending amazing events—but what’s often unseen is the immense amount of work that happens behind the scenes. There have been countless late nights, long hours spent learning, editing, and constantly striving to meet the demands of a highly competitive industry.

In this field, consistency and excellence are everything—because there’s always someone else ready to take your place. It’s also a job that requires hustle. While my background in business has certainly helped me navigate the professional side, nothing quite prepares you for the reality of undervaluation. I’ve often encountered clients who assume photography should be inexpensive or easy—offering exposure instead of payment, or comparing professional work to what a friend with a camera can do.

What people often overlook is the emotional depth of this work. As photographers, we’re entrusted with capturing moments that are deeply personal, sometimes vulnerable. These images often live with people for years, becoming part of their identity and legacy. A photoshoot may only last 30 minutes, but the real effort happens in post-production—hours of careful editing, refining, and storytelling through each image. I often feel a deep connection to the people I photograph, simply because I spend so much time with their image, studying every detail to honor their presence.

In the end, despite the challenges, there’s nothing quite like the moment when the final image is shared with the world. That’s when all the effort feels truly worthwhile.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is defined by bold color, dynamic composition, and a deep respect for the stories and identities of the people I photograph. I specialize in portraiture, particularly within the drag and performance communities, and I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the most iconic names in drag over the past decade—locally, nationally, and internationally.
What I’m most known for is my drag photography. For over 10 years, I’ve had the honor of capturing the crème de la crème of drag—documenting performers not just as entertainers, but as artists and changemakers.
When I work with someone, my goal is always to capture their essence. I pride myself on creating a space where people feel seen, safe, and celebrated. That connection allows for moments of vulnerability and authenticity, which I believe come through in the final image.
What I’m most proud of is that many of my photos have become part of someone’s personal or professional history. To have my work archived, shared, and recognized as part of a performer’s legacy—that’s incredibly meaningful to me.
What sets me apart is the way I approach both my craft and my clients—with intention, empathy, and genuine passion. I’ve had the privilege of photographing remarkable individuals, and I never take that opportunity lightly, its always magical.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
For me, one of the most important qualities behind my success is the ability to create a safe, comfortable space for my clients—one where they can feel free to be vulnerable. That’s when I’m able to truly capture their essence. I believe connection is everything. It’s their moment, not mine, and I do my best to honor that by being present, respectful, and tuned in to who they are.

A smile, a thank you, and simple kindness can go a long way. I try to lead with that in every session. I also love capturing movement and color—there’s so much life in the in-between moments, and I find beauty in letting people express themselves freely.

One trait I believe has really helped me is how seriously I take privacy. I treat every client interaction with the same discretion as if we had a signed NDA. Whether it’s personal stories or moments shared in confidence, that trust is sacred to me. My clients know they can be themselves, and that trust is never broken—and I think that’s a big part of why they come back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.justtoby.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justtobyme/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustTobyMe/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justtoby/
• Twitter: https://x.com/justtobyme
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/justtoby
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@justtobyme