PICTURE PERFECT

FOR TOP-SELLING BROKER RAPHAEL AVIGDOR, HIS PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY RIVALS HIS LOVE FOR MOVING THE REAL ESTATE MARKET ON THE EAST END. BY EMILY WEITZ

For broker Raphael Avigdor, his passion for photography rivals his love for moving the real estate market on the East End.

Busy broker: “I hate to admit it, but I don’t really take days off in the Hamptons,” Raphael Avigdor says. “I love what I do, so taking days off is not necessary.” As a top broker for Douglas Elliman, he is always meeting with other branch offices, visiting clients, and having lunches with prospective buyers. “My modus operandi has been to work hard while I’m in the Hamptons and then carve out some time to really get away,” he says. “When I travel, I take along my camera to pursue one of my passions—taking pictures in [foreign] countries.” Nature boy: But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t enjoy the Hamptons. In fact, Avigdor loves it so much that, even if he’s in Manhattan for a late dinner, he will often drive back just so he can wake up with the birds in the morning.

“I love the osprey, the deer, even the turkeys,” he says. “I love the stars at night. I love this unique lighting that has attracted so many artists to the Hamptons in the past.” Hamptons haunt: Avigdor’s favorite spot to refuel amid his demanding schedule? “Without a doubt, my favorite coffee place is Hampton Coffee Company (multiple locations throughout the Hamptons; hamptoncoffee company.com). The place just feels homey and has delicious food. It’s my go-to spot.” The Avigdor/peyton Team is located at 70 Jobs Lane, Southampton, 631-204-2704; theavigdor peytonteam.elliman.com.