WOMEN IN FOOD : Sophia Hsin

I’ve had my eye on the beautiful work of Sophia Hsin for a while. Take one glimpse at her instagram accounts @sophiahsin and @sophiahsinstudio and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Her food photography is nothing short of magnificent and her passion for what she does shines through in each little square. She is a food, still & lifestyle photographer in Vancouver who shares recipes, artist interviews + inspirations over on her blog. I was thrilled when she approached me to ask if she could take some portraits of me in my tiny little kitchen and I have to say, shooting with her was an absolute breeze. Because of her inspired vision and direction, I felt comfortable, relaxed and whole heartedly myself in front of her lens. I am inspired by this woman, her obvious passion for sharing beauty with the world and her delectable looking congee recipes! I’m sure you will be too.

Tell us a bit about your upbringing.

I was born in Taiwan and spent a lot of time moving back and forth between Canada and Asia. I have been based in Vancouver for the last 3 years.

What type of food philosophy did you grow up around?

Food around a table with lots of people. Big, bubbling pots with lots of flavors to go with rice. Lazy susans loaded with multiple dishes. Night markets and food markets where you experience the life, pulse + flavor of Asia.

Describe where you live.

Downtown by the seawall, big windows with lots of natural light.

Tell us a little about what you do.

I shoot for food, lifestyle, and beauty brands.

What led you to a career in food?

It’s an area where I can combine my past with my present and future.

Top 3 things you love about what you do?

As a photographer, I get to go deep into people’s lives — their vulnerabilities, challenges, passion, and joy. It’s something I don’t take for granted. I love creating, and being able to do it for a living is a joy, though a challenge as well. You have to wear lots of hats running a creative business and the challenge keeps me on my toes.

What’s been the most challenging part of getting to where you are now?

Balancing the art and business side + growing a creative community.

An object in your kitchen that brings you joy?

Sunlight, when it graces us with its presence in Vancouver

You’re hosting a dinner party. What’s on the menu?

Congee! A giant pot of it with braised tofu, egg, wood ear mushrooms. Dessert will be lotus seeds, white mushrooms, and red dates.

Favourite music to listen to while cooking? Favourite podcasts?

I grew up playing classical violin so classic music — the inspiration of the composers feeds into my creativity. A podcast I love is Hillsong Creative Podcast— which combines faith + creativity. Also, Andy J Pizza hosts a hilarious and uplifting podcast.

What’s a song that means something to you?

Yo-Yo Ma - Bach: Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major. It’s pure meditation.

Where can you be found when you’re not in the kitchen?

In nature

Take us on a trip down culinary memory lane and tell us about your most memorable eating experience. Describe the scene. (Where were you? Who were you with? What were you eating?)

London at Honey & Co. with an old friend from Vancouver. I read the Cookbook and all about the Israeli couple who started it, their kitchen team, their passion, and their challenges. Eating at the restaurant was emotional. I learned how to make the green shakshuka just to bring back that memory.

What cookbooks/food blogs do you find yourself returning to again and again?

Near and Far by Heidi Swanson. All of the books by Hetty McKinnon, Julia Ostro. On Flowers by Amy Merrick

Favourite non-food-related book?

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.

What does your perfect morning look like?

Slow, super slow. Writing, reading with coffee or tea.

What’s one of your simple pleasures?

Fruit, because Taiwan is known as the fruit kingdom.

Tell us about an accomplishment you’re proud of.

I published a book on Kickstarter of my pet hedgehog (@ameliahedgehog). I hosted a book reading at MUJI and it was dream come true.

Aside from food, what do you feel passionate about?

Improving the art scene of the community I reside in.

Who are your biggest inspirations in the food world and why?

Women who cook and build a world around generosity, bridging culture, and raising a family.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Somewhere in Italy.

In a different life, what line of work could you see yourself in?

An art therapist.

A recipe/dish that holds a special place in your heart?

Congee.

Favourite local coffee shop? What are you ordering?

I’m a fan of anywhere I can sit down and get some work done. Hunnybee, Gusto, Matchstick Yaletown.

Favourite local restaurant? What are you ordering?

Uno Beef Noodle. Took me down a BIG memory lane to food in Taiwan.

What’s one of your non-negotiable self-care practices?

Morning pages, meditation, movement

Tell us one odd thing we don’t know about you.

I went to med school in China where my best friend taught me photography.

What are the top 3 things on your bucket list?

Build a farm, renovate a home, publish a book.

What are you excited about right now?

Getting married, building a home which is something I’ve looked forward to for the last decade.

Best piece of advice you’ve been given on life, business, or cooking?

For anything — you do it because you love it, you need to keep that love alive and it will show in your work + sustain your career in the long term.