Ube, the purple sweet yam from the Philippines, is something I've always loved. However, growing up in the United States, it brought a lot of grief and embarrassment. When I carried anything in my lunch bag that was made with ube, I feared I would be judged by my peers. I didn't grow up in the most diverse area, and I often felt intimidated to bring my favorite Filipino food to school as a result. In recent years, ube has become a celebrated and trendy vegetable by foodies and food media alike -- appearing in everything from ice cream to burgers. In my personal photography project, I captured ube in its many diverse forms. Allow me to invite you to explore this versatile vegetable and showcase the food staple in my life that has gone from embarrassment to pride.
CREDITS
Food Styling: Elizabeth Normyle | Props: PropLink | Custom Surface: Erickson Surfaces
Thomas McGovern
Photographer
@foodphotographer / tommcgphoto.com
Thomas McGovern is a Filipino-American food and hospitality photographer, based in Los Angeles. Thomas is a New York native with over eight years of experience shooting with service-oriented brands in the NYC metro and beyond. He specializes in creating experiential, sensory-laden, vivid imagery to help viewers step inside a brand’s story. With his unique style, he allows consumers to feel more like a long-time friend than a customer. He is passionate about helping brands showcase their most authentic selves. Thomas currently splits his time between the East and West Coast. However, he is always willing to hop in a car, plane, or train for the opportunity to work with the right client. His latest work can be found on Instagram at @foodphotographer.
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