Sophie Elgort Hosts and Executive Produces Season Two of WNET's 'Portrait Mode'

Season two of "Portrait Mode," the WNET series hosted and executive produced by photographer Sophie Elgort, has debuted with guests including comedian Hasan Minhaj, ballet dancer India Bradley, and model and actress Hari Nef. The season spans comedy, ballet, jazz, and film/modeling, a range Elgort selected to demonstrate that there is no single definition of an artist. In each episode, Elgort photographs artists while conversing with them about their lives and work, allowing viewers to watch a portrait take shape in real time. Elgort, who trained for over a decade as a ski racer, competed at the Junior Olympics, and represented the sport at Brown University before returning to New York City and taking up photography, credits her father, fashion photographer Arthur Elgort, with photography's constant presence in her life. Anna Wintour gave her early career advice that reshaped her approach: after reviewing Elgort's work and flagging issues with makeup and styling, Wintour told her she was the director and responsible for the entire outcome. The series originated after Elgort pitched a different show to Diane Masciale at WNET, which was rejected, but the two stayed in touch and developed "Portrait Mode" together. Series producer Anna Campbell has been with the show from the start, and Dana Mathews at GQ advised on casting. Elgort says the show has made her more conscious of balancing preparation with presence, a shift that has carried into her photography outside the series.