Life Changing Inspiration

To mark our special tenth year, we wanted to explore what Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year means to some of our entrants. This year, professional food photographer, Donna Crous, shared with us how the competition kickstarted her career, and changed her life.

In a series of short interviews, we took some time to catch up with some of our finalists and Highly Commended photographers of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2020. As we approach the countdown to the closing of entry in February 2021, we found out what the competition has meant to them, and why they would recommend entering. 

 

James Byrne
Commended, Fujifilm Award for Innovation
Title: Shroomscape

When did you first enter?
‘I’ve been entering since its first year.’

How did it feel to be a finalist this year?
‘It's an honour to be a finalist in the most prestigious food photography competition in the world and to be exhibited alongside such talented photographers.’

Why do you enter?
‘To put my food photography against the best in the world’

 

 

Dianne Bibby
2^nd, Food Stylist Award
Title: Blushingly Beautiful Beets

How did it feel to be a finalist this year?
‘I'm floored! Truly I am. What an honour to be in the company of such incredible talent.’

Why do you enter?
‘Over the past several years, I've seen the most spectacular images of visual storytelling showcased on Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year. This year I decided to be brave and take the leap.’

 

 

Eri Hosomi
3^rd, Production Paradise Previously Published
Title: Eclair

Why did you enter?
‘I wanted people around the world, not just limited to Asia, to see my photographs. Pink Lady provided me a place to do that.’

Why would you recommend entering?
‘I think this contest is a great opportunity for anyone, no matter how far their photographic skill is, or their nationality, to express themselves to the world. The diversity of the judges also proves that.’

 

 

Fiona Kelly
Highly Commended, Wedding Food Photographer of the Year sponsored by Champagne Taittinger
Title: The Knife Dance

Why did you enter?
‘I haven't entered many competitions before, which is something I decided to change going into 2020. I was looking for a competition that was prestigious but not stuffy and one that had really amazing entries in previous years. This one ticked those boxes.’

Why would you recommend entering?
'It has such amazing worldwide coverage and is something that I hope will benefit my business as well as inspire my photography.’

 

 

Sara Painter
3^rd, Street Food
Title: Defiant

Why would you recommend entering?
‘Entering the competition gives you an amazing opportunity to showcase your work amongst a renowned panel of judges. The categories are very inspiring and broad enough for all photographers to enter.’

 

 

Wendy Preston
2^nd, On the Phone supported by Action Against Hunger
Title: Bread the Staff of Life

How did you feel to a finalist this year?
‘It is an absolutely incredible honor to be selected as a finalist in the most prestigious food photography competition.’

Why would you recommend entering?
‘This competition showcases some of the most incredible photographers and the amazing images they capture across the countries and cultures throughout the world. It is simply the most highly regarded food photography competition; it is open to everyone no matter their age or ability.’

 

 

John Carey
2^nd, Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Year, People
Title: Man in the Pie Room

How did it feel to be a finalist this year?
‘It is always an honour to be acknowledged for your work in any way. This standard of images in the competition rises every year, so it’s harder to be selected, which makes this even more special.’

Why would you recommend entering?
‘There are very few competitions specifically for food photographers and this is certainly the most prestigious.’

 

 

Still not convinced about entering? Read more reasons to enter here. 

With over 25 categories ranging from the politics of food to portraiture, Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year, celebrates the great diversity of the world of food. From styled food for magazines to images of families eating together in celebration of religious festivals through to food influencers and chef food in action. Browse the categories to get inspiration and find yours.

Entries open until 7 February 2021.