Now in its sixth year, the Pink Lady ® Food Photographer of the Year awards have become firmly established as the world’s leading photography contest celebrating the art of food photography and film. Since its inception, more than 40,000 entries have been submitted from all around the world, with this year's awards seeing an impressive 8,400 images entered from more than 60 different countries. 

This year's Overall Winner was Bangladesh-based Shoeb Faruquee, who won the Food for Celebration category before going on to scoop the overall prize for his image "Food for God." Shoeb's winning image depicts a Brahman cook preparing religious food for devotees to break their 24-hour long fast after special prayers in Bangladesh. During this prayer, followers of the Hindu Saint Baba Lokonaths burn ghee in a small clay pot. 
 

Shoeb Faruque collects the overall prize from Andy Macdonald and Jay Rayner

Shoeb was presented with the £5,000 overall prize by Andy Macdonald, Managing Director of Pink Lady ® in the UK, at a glittering champagne awards evening at the Mall Galleries in London on April 25th. 

Said Macdonald of Shoeb's winning image, "Shoeb’s shot stood out from the rest in its category for the way in which he made the subject matter – cooking for the breaking of a religious fast – both incredibly striking and atmospheric.” 

The evening was compered by chair of the judges, journalist and food critic, Jay Rayner, and took place in front of more than 400 people at the Champagne Taittinger reception. Many of the attendees had flown in from across the world for the occasion, from America, Australia, France and more. The panel of judges included: Vitalie Taittinger, Marketing Director, Champagne Taittinger; David Loftus, Jamie Oliver’s photographer; culinary superstar Gary Rhodes; Emily Luchetti, Chair, James Beard Foundation, NYC; Nik Powell, Director, National Film & Television School.

The packed Champagne Tattinger reception at the Mall Galleries, London

David Loftus - Jamie Oliver's photographer - was also honoured with an Outstanding Achievement Award for his extraordinary contribution to the world of food photography. Below, his wife Ange Loftus accepts the award from Sophie Conran on his behalf.

Ange Loftus collects the Outstanding Achievement Award on behalf of her husband David Loftus

Finally, a special mention for Zenfolio Ambassador Tiree Dawson, who had two images (below) selected for the finals this year: “Preparing the Wedding Cake” in the Food for Celebration category, and “Mum’s Magic Recipe Book” in the Pink Lady ® Apple a Day category.

Says Tiree: "This is the fourth year that I’ve entered this prestigious competition. Last year I was shortlisted for the first time, and this year I’m over the moon to have had two images selected for final exhibition at The Mall Galleries, London."

Reaching the finals saw Tiree's images showcased in print at the Mall Galleries alongside the other finalists, with a wave of press coverage soon to follow in her home county of Cumbria. See her finalist images below, where you can also hear the stories behind them in her interview with Radio Cumbria. Congratulations, Tiree, and even better luck for next year!

Entries for Pink Lady ® Food Photographer of the Year 2018 open in July, so start brushing up on your food photography skills. Next year it could be YOU taking home the £5,000 prize and international press coverage!

To learn more about the Pink Lady ® Food Photographer of the Year awards, please visit their website.