Mick Shippen is a British travel photographer and writer, based in Thailand since 1997. He has been both a category winner and a finalist of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year since the awards inception over 7 years ago. His work has been displayed at the world-renowned Mall Galleries on numerous occasions.
Currently living in Bangkok, but having previously spent six years in the northern city of Chiang Mai, both cities are fabulous destinations for foodies. His work has enabled him to travel extensively throughout South East Asia, a region that has some of the most vibrant food cultures in the world.
“I tend to draw inspiration from the vibrancy of life around me and respond to the moment.”
If Mick is away on a trip, he will head down to the local fresh market at daybreak to do food and people shots. After 10am the light is too harsh for his liking, but late afternoon offers another trip to visit a market in a different location, as well as the opportunity to do some dusk shots.
“The first question I ask when checking into a guesthouse or hotel is, where are the morning and afternoon fresh markets?”
In Thailand, the colourful fresh markets are alive with the banter of shoppers and traders and at lunchtime and in the evening street stalls swarm with office staff; the air filled with the irresistible aroma of dozens of different dishes, the choking waft of stir-fried chillies, lemongrass-scented soups and charcoal-grilled meats. It’s all fabulous material for a photographer.
Visit Mick’s website at www.mickshippen.com