Featured Friends: Sophie Elgort
We were introduced to the lovely Sophie Elgort last summer in the Hamptons. The photographer, artist, and director is as kind and endearing as she is talented. Her work in fashion and portrait photography has been featured everywhere from Paper to Vogue, the Forbes 30 under 30 list and The New York Times. We loved having this artist, entrepreneur and mother of three, at our table and have enjoyed watching her work continue to evolve and be shared at exhibits around the world. Learn more about Sophie and her work and follow along on IG .
What inspired or drew you to go into photography?
My parents are both artists, my dad is a photographer and my mom is an opera director, so I grew up going to their artist studios and being part of photoshoots, in the children's choruses of productions, traveling with them for their projects, etc. My brothers and I as kids were allowed to use cameras and my dad would have our film developed for us (dating myself here). I remember being sent off to camp with cameras. And bringing them to school to take pictures of my friends. After school, my friends and I would dress up in my mom's clothes and I would take their pictures or we would put on shows for whoever would watch. That was definitely how I was exposed to photography and directing, but I didn't think about going into it professionally until a group of my friends started a small repurposed vintage fashion line right out of college. They needed photography and I loved the clothes they were making, so we did a trade and the rest just fell into place. I never looked back.
Best piece of advice you have ever received?
You can't reach your goal if you don't know where you're going.
What are your favorite Hunter Bell pieces from the Spring collection?
I think this Kate top is the coolest. I also love a matching set, so I like the Cora top and Amanda shorts and the Leigh top and Belle shorts. Also the Fish Bag!
Describe your personal style...
I love the Allison Bornstein 3 word method. My words are Tailored (I love a suit), Playful (a great pattern, color, or fun detail) and Undone (I almost always have my hair natural and no makeup)
“My parents are both artists, my dad is a photographer and my mom is an opera director, so I grew up going to their artist studios and being part of photoshoots...”
“I remember being sent off to camp with cameras. And bringing them to school to take pictures of my friends. After school, my friends and I would dress up in my mom's clothes and I would take their pictures or we would put on shows for whoever would watch”
Can you share some of your favorite recent projects or exhibits?
I am frequently working on photoshoots for magazines and brands as well as personal shoots - portraits of people I’m inspired by. I try to keep my Instagram updated with new work @sophieelgort and my website.
I also make double-exposure pictures whenever I travel somewhere that inspires me. My fine artwork is sold via Staley-Wise Gallery.
And my newest project is I am hosting and executive producing a show for PBS All Arts. We start filming this spring and it airs Fall 2024, so stay tuned!
Where or what is your favorite place or way to escape?
I love travel, being active outdoors and exploring new places, but in the end what really helps me escape and relax is spending time with the people in my life I love most (and it doesn't hurt to do that in a beautiful place).