Photographer Mareike von Engelbrechten

How long have you been living in Hong Kong?

Over 20 years

Please tell us about your background and where you come from?

I grew up on a farm in Ireland.
I studied fashion and after graduating worked for several years as a designer of evening wear and wedding dresses. It was during this time that I became interested in photography while overseeing and taking part in fashion shoots.
Later I moved to Hong Kong where I worked as a soft toy and baby accessory designer for many years. I had a renewed interest in photography once my children arrived. It was then that I made the decision to study photography.

Why did you end up in Hong Kong?

I came to visit a friend and ended up staying

You work with Portraits, as well as other motives. What do you like doing the most?

My favourite is definitely portraits, I love working with people and seeing the emotion many feel when seeing their finished portraits

How would you describe your work?

My Hong Kong photography is quite contrasted and gritty and that’s how I see the city

What is the favourite room in the house, for you?

The kitchen because it’s always full of life and where everything happens

Light if of course important for you in your work, do you look at lightning in Home environment as well?

Bright and airy rooms with lots of window light are very important to me

What would be your lightning tips for any Home Decoration?

Plenty of natural light

What makes a good picture stand out from the average?

Apart from a photo having good light, exposure and composition,  it needs  to  connect with the viewer and evoke an emotion. I think this is why not everyone will favour the same image

Which country is your favourite in Asia and why?

I don’t really have a favourite country in Asia. I  really like Asia as a whole. . It’s diversity of cultures and food.

How would your perfect Sunday look like?

At home cooking with my family