Mirjam Simpson-Logonder, Photographer

  • 25 Oct 2012 12:00 PM
Mirjam Simpson-Logonder, Photographer
Mirjam Simpson-Logonder grew up in Slovenia and soon after finishing her studies at the University of Ljubljana moved to Budapest where she started working for Michelin and was responsible for non-media communications.

In early 2009 she took up photography and was soon to be found providing photographic services to the European Commission, alongside her professional engagements which today see her administering executive relocations for Move One. In 2012 she became a certified Basi Pilates teacher and now gives bespoke classes.

She hosts her own website for her photographic services here and can also be reached on Linked-In. She lives in Szentendre with her husband, Jerome Simpson.


1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
In late 2005, after I was offered a position by Michelin’s central and eastern European office.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Not yet, unless one counts two months I spent in the UK after having finished high school at the age of 19.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
Its potholes! Compared to Slovenia the state of roads, footpaths and cycle lanes here is embarrassingly poor.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
A visit to Szechényi Baths is a must and then a glass of good wine in one of many wine bars.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Does Erős Pista count?

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Aubergines and olives.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Patika – for some reason that one always makes me smile!

8. What do you miss the most from home?
Ljubljana's laid-back atmosphere and its vibrant and colourful fish market.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Commission photography and teaching pilates on a freelance basis with a small restaurant on the side – my husband always says I could make a fortune with what comes out of my kitchen!

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Politician.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
A week in Cornwall, England which followed an unforgettable 16-day honeymoon around southwest USA.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Somewhere warm in the Mediterranean I think because it already feels like winter here.

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Growing up in Slovenia meant I spent a lot of time on the ski slopes, which in turn led me to getting my ski teacher’s qualifications.

14. What can't you resist?
Cuddling up on the sofa with my husband, indulging in a coffee and whatever else follows!

15. Red wine or white?
White wine – a semi dry Chardonnay.

16. Book or movie?
I spend something like three hours a day on the public transport so a good book is the perfect way to kill time. But as far as I am concerned, Friday night is movie night!

17. Morning person or night person?
I spend something like three hours a day on the public transport so a good book is the perfect way to kill time. But as far as I am concerned, Friday night is movie night!

17. Morning person or night person?
I love mornings when the rest of the world is asleep and the hours seem to last longer.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Human rights and the individual’s freedom of expression. It seems so simple yet is still so difficult for many to accept those members of society who stand out based on their appearance or their sexual orientation.

19. Buda side or Pest side?
Buda for living, Pest for leisure.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Balancing both mind and body.

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