Meet Sophie Hustwick | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sophie Hustwick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sophie, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I’d say not taking shortcuts. I spent a lot of time experimenting with different styles, gear, and film stocks to develop my own unique style. A lot of people ask what camera or film I use so they can try to replicate the exact look, but where’s the fun in that? The real growth comes from exploration, not imitation.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the best compliments I’ve ever received was from someone who said they always recognise my work instantly, without even needing to check for my name. In a world where nearly everyone with a smartphone can call themselves a photographer, I think that having a strong and recognisable brand is something to be proud of.

The photography world today is saturated and fast-moving. It takes a lot of confidence to hold your ground, and honestly, that’s something I’ve struggled with. I’m not the loudest in the room, I let my work speak for itself. Over time, I’ve built a body of work that doesn’t just document the everyday, but explores the relationships between colour, composition, and content. I’m drawn to pops of colour, subtle shifts in light, and the textures that shadows create. Those quiet, in-between moments that often go unnoticed.

Creating my book Colourway was a defining moment. It brought together a decade of my favourite images and marked a significant chapter in my creative journey. Seeing it find its way into homes and galleries around the world was deeply affirming, not just for the work itself, but for everything it took to get there.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A week might sound like a lot of time, but I always remind people: LA is massive, and the traffic is very real. That said, it’s still one of the most creatively charged, diverse, and visually inspiring cities.

On the West Side, I’d start the day with a visit to a local farmers market, followed by a few slow hours at the beach and a stroll around Venice. As the day winds down, we’d take a golden hour drive up the coast to Malibu to catch the sun setting over the ocean. Windows down, music up.

On the East Side, I love exploring the neighbourhoods. We’d grab a matcha from Kettl in Los Feliz, browse the latest photography books at Eagle Rock Camera, and maybe grab a beer at Walt’s. One night, we’d catch a film at The New Beverly Cinema, a 1920s gem where everything is screened on 35mm.

To escape the city. One of my favourite things to do is a spontaneous day trip out to the desert, nothing resets your mind quite like wide open skies and empty roads.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my father. From a young age, he nurtured my creative spirit. On weekends, we’d drive out to quiet places and paint landscapes together. He gave me my first camera and shared everything he knew about film photography, a passion of his own. He sparked my love for travel and exploration, and when I finished my photography degree, it was his encouragement that gave me the drive to set off and travel the world. That journey not only shaped me as an artist but also connected me with incredible creatives who continue to inspire me today.

Website: https://sophiehustwick.bigcartel.com

Instagram: @sophiehustwick