Elbaum studied Russian at the University of Moscow after graduating from Smith and also worked as a freelance photographer in Russia before returning to the States where she worked as a translator for a Time photographer and taught English to Russian refugees.
Elbaum's educational background included studying Russian at the University of Moscow following her graduation from Smith. Before moving back to the States, she worked as a photographer in Russia and later took on roles such as translating for Time photographers and teaching English to refugees from Russia.