November 09 shoot in the Sierra de Aracena, Huelva, Andalucia

Michelle worked on location in this region twice this month. The Sierra de Aracenas in November is truly picturesque, with the rich reds and golds of the chestnut trees, and the ground carpeted in a technicolor display of foliage, contrasting with the evergreen pines and cork oaks. The Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche natural park is well worth a photographic visit at any time of the year.

The area is often overcast at this time of the year, so Michelle had to juggle her time between a commercial demand for quality images of the area, and being constantly on the look out for blue sky. This is because white skies don´t generally work well for stock and travel shots, as books, magazines and brochures always prefer to show destinations with the best possible light and climatic conditions – at their most appealing to the reader. However, once a photographer is on location, there are always details that can be shot which don´t depend on the perfect azure sky, such as those listed below.

In this region renowned for the finest Spanish cured ham – jamon de pata negra (black hoof ham), Iberian pigs snoozing in farmhouse doorways were captured on camera; also, stone walls covered with velvety moss; old ladies shelling chestnuts outside their front doors; wild mushrooms; acorns; famous confectionery stores established in 1875; a restaurant frequented by Spanish celebrities such as bullfighters and golfers, with write-ups in the New York and British quality press as the best place to eat Jabugo ham; details of local churches; freshly harvested oranges; ceramic tiles; and lunar-like landscapes around the Rio Tinto.

November 09 Indian food photography

The cult Indian restaurant Khans in Puerto Banus, now proudly managed by the third generation of the Uddin family, has commissioned Michelle to carry out their food photography. The brief includes slick modern images, shot on location, of interiors and food, plus black and white contemporary photographs of their staff. The images will be used for their soon-to-be launched website and other publicity.

Delicious Chicken Tikka

November 09 Limited edition print order

A private collector has contacted Michelle regarding an image shot in a bathroom of Reid´s Palace hotel in Madeira.

November 09 Christmas gift idea from Spain, with photography by Michelle Chaplow

Tapas – a bite of Spain by food writer Janet Mendel is available for purchase online.

Just in time for Christmas – your definitive guide to Spanish tapas. Tapas – a bite of Spain is filled with delicious cold salads, sauces, dips and dressings, bite-sized pieces of the best Spanish cured hams and aged cheeses, traditional flavours from the griddle and frying pan, and endless ideas for serving up everything from Spanish potato tortillas to fresh anchovies and autumn mushrooms. Janet Mendel’s latest cookbook features only the very tastiest Spanish titbits, accompanied by mouthwatering photography by Michelle Chaplow. What’s more, recipes feature both metric and US measurements, making it the ideal gift for friends and family on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Gorgeous photographs and an all-round great book”. Rachel L. Webb (Writers´ website www.suite101.com)

“In Janet Mendel’s exciting and visually striking tapas book…” Sur in English