Life Changing Inspiration – Get a Slice of the Action

 

Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year reflects an abundance of genres of food photography across an array of different categories, all of which are open to both professional and amateur photographers. 

In a series of short interviews, we took some time to catch up with previous finalist photographers of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year from 2021. 

 

Each year, we are so honoured to learn about the incredible stories of our entrants from across the globe. 

 

We have been joined by more of our finalists who have shared with us their journey with the competition and their images from our tenth year in 2021. 

 

They have also shared with us advice for those looking to enter Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year this 2022. 

 

 

 

Meet Our Finalists 

 

Curtis Gallon, South Africa

Food for at the Table, Highly Commended
Afternoon Tea

 

Curtis, what made you enter Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year?

‘I entered the competition because it means being part of an international food photography community, which is truly an amazing experience. I have entered this competition a few times and each year that I enter, I push myself to produce better work. There are many great images submitted and knowing which of my images have been recognised, as well as those of other finalists, helps me to refine my craft further and become a better photographer.'

 

What would you say to someone thinking of entering the competition?

‘The first time I entered I was nervous.  It can be intimidating submitting work that you are proud of, and then wondering what the judges will think of it?  For me though, food photography is a journey of shooting, looking back on my shots and reflecting on how I could improve and work towards being a better photographer.   Entering this competition and knowing that it is approaching, inspires me to think about my work and pushes me to shoot exciting new images or bodies of work that I could enter.   I would really encourage photographers to enter and go on this journey.’

 

 

Lorraine Poole, United Kingdom

Champagne Taittinger Food for Celebration, 3rd Place
Fun and Macaroons 

 

Why do you enter Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year?

‘It's funny really as I definitely do not see myself as a Food Photographer per se. I am more of a people photographer, but food is such a part of our culture, communities and our day to day. This is one of the photography competitions I look in awe at, online, every year and so I thought I would try again but still stay true to myself.  It is also well established, professionally presented and has a great outreach.’

 

What advice would you give to someone entering this year?

‘Just do it!  Food is such a vast subject when you really think about it as it impacts all our lives as well as the planet. Don't be nervous about not being a 'Food Photographer', just enjoy taking photographs, be bold and enter your best shots. Good luck!’

 

 

 

Harry Williams, United Kingdom

Food in the Field, 1st Place
Farmer with Rare Breed Cattle 

 

What made you enter Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year?

‘Don't normally enter competitions. However, having seen the quality of entries in previous  Pink Lady® comps and the diversity of stunning imagery from around the world,  I decided that I would like to put faith in my own work and hopefully contribute to the promotion of photography as a force for good. The competition is an excellent shop window for stunning photography from around the world. I regret not entering it sooner.’

 

What would you say to someone looking to enter the competition?

‘Don't be nervous about rejection or receiving negative feedback. Learn from the experience and be inspired by what others have achieved. Aim to improve your skills and ideas and enter again next year!’

 

 

 

Orly Catz, United States 

Food Influencers, Highly Commended
Dried Fruit

 

 

Orly, what made you enter the competition?

‘I have been a passionate food photographer for years. Photographing images with the Pink Lady® competition in mind makes me a better photographer. Being recognized and acknowledged by the judges, the media, and the food photography world, is a great honour, professional and personal achievement. I am very grateful to be a finalist for the second year in a row. Being involved with the Pink Lady® Food Photography Competition in the past 3 years has been a fantastic, life-changing, incredible journey, which just gets better every year. I am very thankful and grateful and feel very honoured to be selected as a finalist among all the other amazing photographers and images.'

 

What would you say to someone thinking of entering? 

‘Most importantly, even if their images are not selected to be finalists, I'd tell them to enjoy the process and learn from it, it would make them much better photographers.’

 

 

 

Yessica Duque, Netherlands

Fujifilm Award for Innovation, Highly Commended
Sardine's Party

 

 

Yessica, what does the competition mean to you?

‘This is an excellent opportunity to beat your fears and earn confidence. If you know you're working hard producing amazing images, this is your chance to share them with the world.’

 

What would you say to someone thinking of entering the competition?

‘Give it a try, even if you don't win just having the courage to put yourself out there is a big reward.’

 

 

 

 

Discover more stories through photography... 

 

Keep an eye out for more finalist's journeys through this blog series. 

 

Discovering food photography? From over 20 other categories to choose from, browse through our online Finalist and Commended galleries to enjoy the stunning, vibrant results that the categories have produced.

With massive prize pool to win and your work judged by the biggest names in photo, food and wine you’ve got everything to shoot for. Enter now!