Meet Photographer + Content Creator Hope Kauffman
Freezing Moments In Time...
It seems like centuries ago that I sat down in a chicer-than-my-college-dorm Boston apartment and shared tea with a cooler-than-me-yet-least-bit-pretentious-senior—Hope Kauffman.
Today, Hope is recognized for her lifestyle and travel photography, having found her niche in ethereal portrait and landscape photography after informally training with the likes of Adam Brown (Sports Illustrated), Sonya Revell (Fobes, Cosmo) and Russell James (Victoria's Secret).
Back then—okay, eight years ago now—Hope was studying marketing at Emerson College and I was impressed by her effortless, impeccable style. When I visited her apartment for the first time, it was no surprise the pad was adorned with fluffy throw pillows and the tea cookies served on delicate china. It's ironic now, really, to realize how vivid that encounter remains, with the details rushing back from a fancied snapshot in my brain—because that's exactly how Hope describes her work, 'freezing a moment in time.'
Though we don't have a physical keepsake of our memory, it's clearly always been an innate ability of Hope's to bring out the best in a moment of time. Thus, I wouldn't say it's a coincidence that Hope is a natural behind camera, translating that warm, effortless aura into her craft and technique. From travel to weddings, portraits and landscapes, Hope's work is inimitable.
It's been a true pleasure to follow Hope's work evolve on Instagram over the past eight years and I knew I had to share her story with you! Below, we chat all things travel and photography, as well as where you can find her shooting in her current hometown of Whitefish, Montana.
What is your first memory behind the lens?
My first memory behind the lens was shooting on an old Kodak digital camera. I had to be 12 or 13 years old and I just remember that magical feeling of freezing time.
How did this transition into a career in photography?
I just absolutely fell in love with it! I went to school for marketing which really helped turn what could have been a hobby into a viable business. I was never formally trained but I learned SO much from so many amazing mentors who I assisted. I worked in New York, LA, and Miami under some of the world’s best including Russell James, who has been the Victoria’s Secret and Sports Illustrated photographer for the past 15 years! Talk about learning on set!
How would you describe your style of photography?
My style of photography is always changing but at the core, it has a sense of humor, it’s playful and whimsical, doesn't take itself too seriously and draws inspiration from the world around it. Some of my biggest sources of inspiration are travel.
I would say I am most well known for portraits and personal branding along with a quick rise into the product photography game. I really enjoy the styling behind both portraits and products. My background in marketing allows me to have a bigger vision on the angle I am aiming for when I produce a shoot, before I even start shooting. I am a big believer in props!
What do you wish more people understood about photography?
I want people to understand it’s not just the amazing gear that makes you into a photographer. Some of the most amazing people shoot on subpar gear but it is the thought and the vision behind what you are creating that is what really speaks to your audience.
Where has your work taken you?
I am so lucky that my work has taken me all over the world! I have visited 49 countries and counting; I have to pinch myself sometimes. I also travel as one of my favorite, and more important, hobbies.
Any favorite travel photo shoots?
I shot a women's entrepreneurship retreat in Corfu, Greece which was really powerful for me. It was amazing to bond with the women and shoot personal branding for each one of them.
What about a favorite destination in general?
I have been to South Africa more than seven times. I just cannot get it out of my system! The diversity of landscape and the beautiful people—Cape Town has to be one of my favorite places and I hope to spend more time there.
I also spent three weeks in Thailand and would love to return to South East Asia. I absolutely loved the entire experience and would love to spend a significant amount of time there.
What would you do if you only had 24 hours there?
In South Africa I would hike in Cape Town. In Thailand I would go to the lantern festival in Chang Mai.
What are a few of your favorite local spots for photoshoots?
I live about 20 minutes outside of Glacier National Park. The park is my absolute favorite National Park and why I moved to where I live (Whitefish,Montana). I hope to visit all of the National Parks in my lifetime but there's something about glaciers—it's the magic they make every time I go there so different and captivating to me.
Do you have any must-visit cafes, restaurants, or boutiques to visit in Whitefish?
My favorite shops include: Harlow and Covet
Restaurant: Tupelo
Xo,
J