The Art of Authenticity: Roxanne White Studios Launches in the Hamptons

Roxanne White, founder of the new Roxanne White Studio, is a real-deal East Hampton success story. Born and raised in Sagaponack, Roxanne has always had a creative eye for design and photography. Partly, that’s because the Hamptons is such a storied destination; beyond that, it’s so naturally beautiful here that you’d better become a good photographer to do it justice. 

Roxanne White Studios bring an artist’s eye and Hamptons lens to every portrait, including young ones and furry ones. Beyond the camera, the Studio offers contemporary creative and social media services for brands and businesses looking to captivate their audience. 

As a seasoned social media expert and creative director, Roxanne knows how to find the balance between “branding” and being relatable. With her new Creative Studio, Roxanne is leaning into her passion for photography and her expertise in consultation and storytelling.

Watching Roxanne’s work is as impressive as the work itself. She knows how to control a room while keeping the vibes high, which is no small feat when you’re working with a child or a dog. Smiling and encouraging, she is clear in her directions while allowing the natural rhythms of the moment to breathe life into the session.

Look, just because you’ve got portrait mode on does not mean you are a photographer! In fact, I would argue the “portrait mode” exists because most of us are not photographers. So, why fake it? Work with a real photographer like Roxanne because she’s not just technically knowledgeable, she is an artist!

Roxanne has an upcoming pop-up at Breakwater Yacht Club in Sag Harbor on Friday, November 29th, 9AM to 6PM. Check her out on Instagram @RoxanneWhiteStudio for booking dates, or email [email protected] to book. 

I met Roxanne after a photo shoot at an estate in Sagaponack to learn more about the woman behind the camera, how the Hamptons inspire her, and what to expect from her new Roxanne White Creative Studios.

How has growing up in the Hamptons impacted your perspective as a photographer? 

The Hamptons are known for their unique blend of serenity and luxury, with a landscape that shifts between rugged coastlines, inspiring wildlife, and the vibrant personalities of locals mixed with the lively summer scene, all enriched by its deep artistic heritage. Being surrounded by this taught me to appreciate both the simplicity and subtleties in every moment. My early days of photographing surfers and my Wainscott and Sagaponack friends sparked my passion, leading me to take photography lessons in Sag Harbor to refine my skills. Honing my craft in the Hamptons ultimately inspired me to attend SCAD, where I deepened my knowledge and expertise in photography.

When did you fall in love with photography?

I fell in love with photography, and my parents believed it could help me break out of my shy demeanor. When I started taking photography lessons, my teacher shared something that completely changed the way I viewed my craft—he told me, “Before taking the picture, you need to always learn about your subject and understand them to capture their true personality.” That idea deeply resonated with me, shaping not just my approach to photography but all my creative work. I realized that the more you understand about a person or subject, the richer the final product becomes. It’s not just about capturing an image; it’s about revealing a story that connects with the viewer on a deeper level. That philosophy has stayed with me ever since, fueling my passion for creating meaningful, authentic work.

What types of photography are most in-demand these days?

With TikTok and other short-form video platforms dominating the marketing landscape, video content has indeed taken center stage, often pushing photography into second place. However, a well-crafted photo still holds immense power—it can convey a story, emotion, or message in a single frame if we take the time to truly engage with it. The fast pace of today’s world sometimes limits that opportunity, but great photography continues to be invaluable.

Do people still take holiday photos? Do you offer a holiday photo package?

It’s a tradition for many families to capture special moments and share them with loved ones. I offer a full-service photo experience, whether you’re looking for classic holiday portraits or something more personalized, I can help bring your vision to life!

What do brands get wrong about social media?

Social moves so fast! TAKE RISKS, but also spend the time testing and learning what your consumers like and want to see from you.

How long have you worked as a social media creative director, and how did you get started?

With over 14 years of experience living, breathing, and riding that ever-changing advertising and marketing wave, I know how to blend stand-out creative direction and authenticity with sharp strategy. I’ve led the charge on countless projects and thrive on building immersive, brand-boosting content that perfectly balances creative vision and business goals.

I’ve worked with global brands, real estate agents, and start-ups, bringing a knack for tapping into cultural insights to tell stories that truly resonate. I always aim to lead creative efforts that turn heads and deliver results.

What services will your new studio be offering?

Photogaphy. Design. Creative Direction. Reels. TikTok. Creator Content. Social Content Management. Production. Copywriting. Content Strategy. Content Calendar Ideation & Mangement. Brand Collateral. Event Design. Merch Design.

What are your thoughts on portrait mode?

Such a great question and definitely a hot topic! Portrait mode is fantastic, but when it comes to photography, it’s never going to match the level of detail and depth that a real camera lens can provide. That said, the video capabilities are something to talk about and I’ve shot many social commercials this way. The flexibility of shooting this way is perfect for social-first content, helping brands connect with consumers on a platform where authenticity and quick-turnaround content can make all the difference. It’s all about knowing when to leverage the right tool for the right job!

Are you available in the off-season?

Yes, I’m available in the off-season! I live between the Hamptons and Charleston, SC, so feel free to contact me, and I’d be happy to help with any photography or creative needs you have!