(Arthur) Jim Shipp, founder of Ocean Images, passed away this past spring at this home in Thailand. Born June 14, 1927, Shipp was much respected in the cruise ship photo industry. After service in the Royal Navy, he embarked on a career in social photography working in the post war London nightclub scene.

Following a period working in New York, Shipp returned to England, and turned his talents on the emerging cruise market.

He became a Director of Jalcruise (Overseas) in the early sixties, and helped set new standards for service and quality in cruise photography.

Innovation was his hallmark, keeping ahead of new technology, and moving to full color production aboard before most had the courage to do so, according Keith Packham who worked with him at Ocean Images and eventually took over.

Shipp’s experience led to the formation of Ocean Images in 1988. 

He was then fully able to develop a company designed to reflect the highest standards of the cruise industry, Packham said. Working together with like-minded colleagues, Shipp led the expansion of Ocean Images to its present day position.