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How to capture an award-winning image

What's it like to win Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year?
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David Griffen, an Australian food photographer based in Cornwall won Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year in 2015, with his much talked about image, Smoked Wings!

HOW TO CAPTURE AN AWARD-WINNING IMAGE

Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2015, David Griffen

As David had spent a lot of time travelling around Asia when he was younger, he knew he could capture some colourful images out there. He researched a street called Jalan Alor, a street food mecca, he instantly knew the area would offer a gamut of subject matter.

“So much of food photography is just about food, but the people who produce it and cook it are a big part of the story for me.”

David loves using manual focus lenses, it’s a slower and considered way to work. On his trip to Malaysia; and to achieve the old-school cinematic effect, he used a Zeiss 28mm, 50mm and 100mm.

When at home in Cornwall, David runs a bespoke rustic kitchen studio specialising in shooting stills and video of recipes, using a variety of props and backgrounds.

“When shooting on location, you have to think on your feet and use the environment around you to produce images.”

David’s tips for capturing an award-winning food image

  1. Research your subject and the area you’re visiting so you find the most photogenic locations.
  2. Keep going back to a location because as you become more familiar with it you’ll become more comfortable, so your photography improves.
  3. Get to know the people, that way they start to accept you and don’t take any notice of you taking photographs.
  4. Try to use a small, light lens that doesn’t draw attention to you.
  5. Get close to your subject.

Visit David’s website at https://www.davidgriffen.co.uk

Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year 2018 opens for entries