Winners of the Food for Celebration Sponsored by Champagne Taittinger | Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year 2021

Here are the compelling images submitted in the Food for Celebration Sponsored by Champagne Taittinger category of the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year 2021:

Founded in 2011 by Caroline Kenyon and her team at The Food Awards Company, the contest celebrates the best in food photography and film today. There are 30 unique categories that cover a range of depictions of food in society. The entries are then judged by experts—photographers, magazine editors, creative directors, film directors, food retailers, and chefs. This year, the esteemed panel of jurors included David Loftus, the Chair of Judges, Nicola Galloway, Jussi Brofeldt, and Francis Hodgson, among others. The title winner receives a cash prize of 5000 GBP.

First Winner: Li Huaifeng, China

Photograph/Li Huaifeng

Happy Birthday: Every autumn, I would revisit the Song jiazhuang Village in Licheng County, Shanxi Province, China, to continue my project on cave dwellings. One early morning, I learned that it was the birthday of the daughter of this family. I was thrilled because I hadn’t photographed such a celebration for the series yet. So, at noon, when the girl returned home from school, her parents placed a small birthday cake for her. For a moment, I did not feel like a photographer but a part of the family. I love documenting such moments from the perspective of an ordinary bystander, capturing different aspects of our complex lives. It was an irreplaceable, sweet memory for both the family and me.

Second Winner: Nikki Kirk, United Kingdom

Photograph/Nikki Kirk

Save the Last One for Me: I captured this photograph during a huge celebration event in London with split-second timing. I noticed this little girl in my peripheral vision as they were serving her canapes. Instantly, I dropped down to her height, bounced my diffused Speedlight to push up the soft glow of the serving dish.

Third Winner: Lorraine Poole, United Kingdom

Photograph/Lorraine Poole

Fun and Macaroons: I photographed this image at a party to celebrate the launch of my friend’s new clothing business. There was a lot of bite-size food, small platters, sweet treats, as well as lashings of Prosecco (white wine), which was enjoyed by all. It was a fun get together, where only the best of friends shared their delicious macaroons.