The Feeling of a Place: Sophia Doak at Home

Sydney-based photographer Sophia works across fashion, capturing the people, places and moments that give an image its feeling. Originally from Aotearoa, her instinctive approach is shaped by an eye for movement, intimacy and the unexpected.

Now based in Bondi, Sophia shares the places and rituals that influence her creative world, from long walks and local cafés to the people and spaces she returns to between shoots. We talk fashion, photography and finding inspiration in the everyday.

01 Tell us a little about yourself and your work as a photographer.

My name is Sophia, and I am a photographer based in Sydney. Originally from Tāmaki Makaurau, I moved to Australia around three years ago. I picked up the camera when I was at school and was completely fascinated by the idea of capturing what I saw. Curiosity drove me to start shooting friends, family, our cats, and then models, as I was a model myself at the time, and it kind of went from there. 

02 You grew up in Aotearoa and now call Sydney home. What has stayed with you, and what has changed?

What has stayed with me the most is a sense of connection to place and community. Growing up in Aotearoa, it is a slower pace, there is such a beautiful sense of community, adventure, and an appreciation for our land that runs deep. I feel lucky that I have seen so much of my home country and experienced much of its culture. When I moved to Sydney, it took me a long while to feel at home because I had such strong roots in Auckland. It takes time and patience to form those connections that become effortless and familiar. Adapting to the fast-paced energy of Sydney, I try to maintain the calm I experience in New Zealand by living near the beach and placing a lot of importance on home being a sanctuary. 

03 Your work has a beautiful sense of movement and stillness. What naturally draws you in when you’re behind the camera?

Thank you. I think growing up in New Zealand has given me an appreciation for natural beauty and ease, and this is what I am most interested in. Capturing someone as they are, how they would naturally pose or move. I am very curious about people and always try to build a relationship with my subject, it’s an amazing part of this job. 

04 What does a slow morning look like for you?

In winter, wake up, put a pot of coffee on and get back into bed with it, read a few chapters of my book. Make banana pancakes. 

05 What are the places, rituals or little moments that tend to inspire you?

The deep orange sun at sunrise and the warm nostalgic light that creeps through the leaves in the late afternoon. People reading. My morning walk along the coast, I always find my brain is super inspired during this time. Spending time with friends. Being out dancing, listening to a band play. Hospitality, I love the buzz of wine bars and restaurants, the opportunity to connect. 

06 What’s currently on your bedside table?

The Theo Lamp, a vase of flowers, two library books, my journal, a bunch of those cardboard coasters and cards they have at restaurants which I collect as bookmarks and memorabilia. 

07 Are there any objects you live with that hold a particular story or meaning?

I love my collection of mugs. A lot of them have been given to me by someone I love or have some other meaning that makes me feel nice when I drink my coffee. My latest is a very tacky ‘I <3 NY’ one from my trip, which I am obsessed with. I am a sentimental lady. 

08 Where do you go when you need to slow down or find stillness?

If not home, then a drive or the rocks up near Tamarama. It’s relaxing watching the surf and the big blue abyss. Also, maybe this is counter-intuitive but I really love being by the Opera House or the MCA when its sundown, it is very busy but I find it strangely calming. 

09 What does Sydney give you creatively?

Community, beauty, and constant challenge. 

10 What are the things that make somewhere feel like home?

I think there is a level of adaptability and being able to let go. I held on to home really tightly when I moved here, and it made things hard. But it's all in the familiar. Find your local coffee spot and bar. Create some kind of routine. Relax into your connections with people and be patient.