“I FIND THE HAMPTONS HAS ITS OWN CHARACTER EACH SEASON. IT’S JUST AS BEAUTIFUL IN THE WINTER.”
While most people’s Instagram accounts offer a candid, sort of slapdash peak into their lives, Ben Fink Shapiro is different. A professional photographer, he has shot images for a wide variety of glossy magazines, and his account reflects that, with jaw-dropping cover photos as well as tantalizing looks behind the scenes at his work with top models and other boldface names.
What he covers: “A healthy mix of what I shoot naturally, so that ends up being some behind the scenes from my fashion and celeb portrait shoots.” Getting started: “When I was 5, I told my parents I was going to be an artist. But I didn’t pick up a camera until I was 15. My father always kept a darkroom in our basement—it was a hobby of his—so when I started taking pictures in high school, it was easy to fall in love with the magic of going down to my basement and developing my prints.” His social media reach: 6,169 followers. Most memorable moment: “One of my most memorable moments was in East Hampton at a party—i was 21 or 22—and I introduced myself to Tommy Hilfiger. I showed him some of my fashion work on my Blackberry and gave him my card. A few days later, I got a call from someone in his office asking to hire me for a shoot. That was awesome.” Key to success: “If someone could please tell me, that’d be great, thanks.” Most frequent comment: “What should I order for dinner?” Favorite local hangouts: “Springs General Store, for earlymorning muffins; East Hampton Hardware, I’m literally there a few times a week; Tenet, East or South.” What makes the area so special: “I find the Hamptons has its own character each season. It’s just as beautiful in the winter.”