In a world filled with an onslaught of constant imagery and so much of it AI generated, it was soothing to look through the winners and finalists of the World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem®. We selected a few that spoke to us to share with you, the reminded us of how we feel when we walk into our favourite cafes, or a quiet moment of reflection with a cup of our favourite beverage. A reminder that the captured image can have something meaningful to say. What do they have to do with coffee culture? Well, they inspired us. And perhaps they will inspire the coffee photographers to make their mark on a global stage.
British photographer Jo Kearney has been crowned Overall Winner of the World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem® and awarded the prize of £5,000 (GBP) for her tender image ‘A Woman Eats in the Canteen of the Soviet-era Sanatorium’.
“There is so much to see and so much to feel in this image,” says Caroline Kenyon, Founder, World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem®. “An old woman pours herself tea - but it’s so much more than just that. The expression on her crevassed face is beautiful, it moved me to tears. She is alone, her simple breakfast on the table before her echoes the fruit in the painting on the wall behind. Against the parched colours of the scene through the window, the rich crimson chairs give a regal quality to the setting, and though humbly dressed, her dignified bearing is queenly too. She has seen much in life, we are sure, but holds her head high."
Overall Winner - A Woman Eats in the Canteen of the Soviet-era Sanatorium
Jo Kearney/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem®
"The Khoja Obi Garm sanatorium (health hotel), Tajikistan, is a brutalist concrete monstrosity built on hot radon gas-infused springs in the mountains. During Soviet times, communist workers were given two weeks annual holiday here. Today its low price - $28 per day including full board and treatments - attracts ordinary Tajiks plus tourists from the neighbouring 'Stans' and the odd backpacker. Treatments include hot pools and steam rooms, wax wraps and tanning barrels, plus hearty healthy meals." - Jo Kearney
UK for UNHCR Food as Home: A Moment in the Kitchen
Sadia Sikandar/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem®
“While living in the UK, away from home for seven years, “home” no longer represents a geographical space for me. It is a place I go to where I feel welcome, valued, and able to make good memories. This is a place I pass by whenever I have time; I sit with the restaurant owner, and we gossip and laugh a lot. The place and the people make me feel at home.” - Sadia Sikandar
Jamie Oliver Youth Prize 13 - 17: Chhath Puja Offerings
Indigo Larmour/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem®
"During Chhath Puja, food offerings are held by devotees, who stand in bodies of water as they pray to the sun god, Surya. This Puja is predominantly performed by women, and is always vibrant and colourful, particularly when observed in a rural setting, such as this in West Bengal, India."
Hotel Art Group Food Stylist Award: Constructed Lunch
Styling: Sarah Ghijselinck | Photo: Sandra Declercq/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem®
"A precise cross-section of a constructed sandwich reveals layers of texture, colour and repetition. Styled as a graphic portrait, the image elevates a familiar food into a study of structure and balance, where each ingredient plays a defined visual and culinary role. Taken in Belgium."
World of Drinks Highly Commended: Mr Jenkins
Carla Barber/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem®
"An elderly man walked into the restaurant and sat alone by the window, sunlight spilling across his table. I didn’t photograph his face - everything felt already there, in the gentle rest of his hand on the coffee cup. I was absorbed, wondering why he was alone, what memories he held, and the quiet stories he told." - Carla Barber
World of Drinks Winner: Campari Barmen, Milan
Marie-Louise Moutafchieva/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem®
"I happened by chance to turn my attention to the local bar on the corner of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Camparino. The expression of the barman and the waiter dressed in white tuxedos instantly created a story I had to capture. It was one of those moments where I found myself in the right place at the right time."
This reminds us of the middle of service and the hierarchy of a bar and kitchen, perfectly captured!
Champagne Taittinger Food for Celebration: The Festival of Food Enthusiasts
Pingyao Song/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem®
"At the Gourmet Festival organised by China’s ‘Zouchuan Hotpot’ brand, hundreds of food enthusiasts gather around a communal banquet. The rich aroma of red broth - simmered with chilli peppers, fermented bean paste, beef tallow, Sichuan peppercorn, ginger, sugar, salt, soy sauce and spices - fills the air. Participants savour fresh ingredients like beef, beef aorta, tripe, luncheon meat and tofu, or lift their lights and phones to livestream, focusing on the bubbling pot. Through tasting, sharing, and interaction, they convey the authentic flavours and lively atmosphere of Sichuan hotpot to food lovers across China and around the world."
Cake Highly Commended: Food Altar - Sardines and my Dad
Louhani Els/World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Tenderstem®
A photographer from South Africa rose triumphant from nearly 9,000 entries submitted from over 50 countries around the world. Louhani Els was Highly Commended in the Cake Award category with her capture ‘Food Altar - Sardines and my Dad’. “This artwork translates Tori Derricotte’s poem (My Dad and Sardines) through food photography, portraying a daughter’s reconciliation with the memory of her deceased father,” says Louhani. “A damaged cake symbolises her brokenness, forming a healing food altar with his sardine, cracker, and onion ritual, uniting father and daughter through remembrance and peace.”
