Food tells a story. A narrative not just about the person preparing it, but also the community, region, or country in which it was founded. Food enables you to bond with people, despite language barriers. It is one of the few things that continues to bind us together, even if we are strangers to one another. In that regard, food photography continues to push boundaries, allowing viewers a slice of scenes and cuisines that they could never otherwise experience. To honor such diverse narratives, the World Food Photography Awards, sponsored by Bimi, has unveiled its majestic winners, who bring such valuable visuals to us from around the globe.
This year, the World Food Photography Awards saw nearly 10,000 entries submitted from 70 countries. Of them, Americans saw success this year, with 4 category winners being from the United States.
The global judging panel for the 2025 edition was headed by legendary food photographer David Loftus. It also included names such as Claire Reichenbach, CEO, The James Beard Foundation; Chef Ian Kittichai, Restaurateur, Author and Television Host; Tom Athron, CEO, Fortnum & Mason; Dr Deb Willis, Professor and Photography Curator; Max La Manna, Award Winning Digital Creator; Rein Skullerud, Senior Photographer & Photo Editor, World Food Programme; and Mogau Seshoene, The Lazy Makoti, Chef and Cookbook Author.
You can catch the 185 finalist images at The Mall Galleries, London, running from May 21-25. If you are inspired after seeing the winners, you can also now apply to the 2026 edition of the World Food Photography Awards in September.
Without further ado, here is a look at the World Food Photography Awards winners!
The Gear That Made it All Happen
Before we look at the winning images, here is a quick look at the gear used by our winners this year:
Cameras:
- Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
- Sony RX10 Mk IV
- Sony a7R III
- Canon 5D MK III
- Canon R6
- Canon EOS 6D
- Fujifilm GFX 100s
- Canon EOS 6D Mk II
- Sony a7 III
- Nikon Zfc
- Nikon Z 7 II
- Nikon D600
- Fujifilm GFX 100
- iPhone 14 Pro
- Nikon Z6
- Canon R5
- Nikon D850
- Sony a6100
- Sony a7R III
- Sony a7 III
- Canon EOS M50
- Canon EOS 90D
Lenses:
- Canon EF 50mm
- Sony 20mm f1.8
- Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 IS USM
- Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II
- Fuji GF 23mm f4
- Canon EF 24-70 f2.8
- Sony 16-35mm f2.8 GM
- Fuji GF 32-64mm f4
- NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f4.5-6.3 VR
- Nikkor Z 50 mm f1.8 S
- AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f4
- Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM
- Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f4 G ED VR
- Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM
- Sony 24mm f1.4
- Tamron 24-70 f2.8 VC G2
The winning image was shot on a 2016-launched Canon 5D Mk IV. Similarly, three more DSLRs, launched in 2012, are in the gear list: Canon 5D Mk III, Canon EOS 6D, and Nikon D600. Overall, we see nine DSLRs, 13 mirrorless cameras, and a phone. In addition, of the 22 cameras overall, only three were APS-C, two were medium format, while the remaining were full-frame. In addition, there were eight Canon cameras, six Sony, five Nikon, and two Fujifilm cameras.
This, thus, proves that DSLRs are still prominent in use, despite what anyone has to say. At the same time, people prefer full frame, instead of APS-C, largely due to the extra pixels that give them better clarity. Another interesting bit is that of the 17 lenses, 11 are zoom lenses while only five are primes. This proves that many photographers prefer the varied focal range, especially since the winners are not just photographing food alone, but also the surroundings.
The gear list only proves that it is not the camera that captures an award-winning image, but rather the photographers. So, without further ado, here is a look at the winners.
Overall Winner of the World Food Photography Awards sponsored by Bimi
Xiaoling Li, China
In an early spring afternoon in Shuangliu Ancient Town, Sichuan Province, China, five elderly ladies in their eighties sit together. Wearing colourful jackets and wool hats, they happily eat the famous Sichuan snack ‘Spring rolls’. A wrap of thin homemade dough, filled with cucumber, carrot, and shredded scallions, drizzled with green mustard, Sichuan pepper, red oil, sweet sauce, and sprinkled with sesame seeds. They are “setting up a Dragon Gate formation” – an expression used in China to refer to neighbourhood friends coming together to chat, gossip, and share stories. Food makes these people happy; they enjoy a beautiful and joyful life.
The title winner also won the Food for the Family category this year.
Technical info: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with 20mm lens. Aperture: f5.6, shutter speed: 1/125s, ISO: 320, exposure compensation: -0.3.
Bring Home the Harvest
Chang Jiangbin, China
After the rice harvest, the river water filled the paddy fields, and at some point, some fish from the river ended up here too. After school, the two children went to the field together to catch fish with their nets. Approaching quietly, leaping vigorously, and pouncing towards the target.
Technical info: Sony RX10 Mk IV. Aperture: f3.5, shutter speed: 1/200s, ISO: 160, exposure compensation: +1.3.
Champagne Taittinger Food for Celebration
Đặng Hoài Anh, Vietnam
Banh hoi is a specialty dish in Vietnam found in many places such as Binh Thuan, Vung Tau, Ben Tre, Phu Yen, Nha Trang, and Binh Dinh. The cake is made from rice flour and has an elaborate and meticulous preparation process. Banh hoi is often eaten with scallion oil, roasted meat, grilled meat, and pork offal. This is an indispensable dish in holidays, death anniversaries, weddings, and ceremonies at communal houses and pagodas of the people. It is a culinary culture of the locality.
Technical info: Sony a7R II with Sony 20mm f1.8. Shutter speed: 1/250, ISO: 1600.
Champagne Taittinger Wedding Food Photographer
Emma Stoner, United Kingdom
Rebekah and Andrew enjoy canapes in the woodland setting at Middle Coombe Farm in Devon, May 2024.
Claire Aho Award for Women Photographers
Lizzie Mayson, United Kingdom
This is Delfina. Lizzie took her portrait as part of a bigger project documenting pasta grannies in Italy. Here, they are in the region of Lazio. On the bed is an angel hair type of pasta called Fieno di Canepina. It is technically very hard to make: Delfina rolls the pasta out, flicks a huge piece the size of the table out like a bed sheet, folds it concertina style, then slices it up finely. The best part is that she makes this huge amount, then delivers it to the local church, where they cook it up and feed homeless people.
Technical info: Canon 5D Mk III with 50mm lens
Cream of the Crop
Dorien Paymans, The Netherlands
This is part of the series ‘Perfectly Imperfect,’ in which Dorien captures the process of baking sourdough bread while incorporating the symbolism of the Japanese Ensō sign (imperfect circle). Preparing food and photography are both mindful activities, where calmness and creativity exist in the moment of creation. This makes the combination of both so magical.
Technical info: Canon R6 with Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 IS USM. ISO: 100, focal length: 60mm.
Overall Winner of Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Year
Heather Daenitz, United States
Under the glow of a tractor’s lights, vineyard workers handpick Pinot Noir in the cool, misty midnight air at Sanford and Benedict Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located at the western end of the Santa Ynez Valley in California’s Central Coast wine region. One worker adds his contribution to the back of the tractor, a cascade of Pinot Noir falling from his picking bin.
The image is also the winner of the Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Year – People.
Technical info: Canon EOS 6D; EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II. Focal length: 123mm; shutter speed: 1/640, ISO: 2500
Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Year – Produce
Franck Tremblay, France
Shot at Domaine Alain Graillot (Crozes-Hermitage region), September 2023.
Technical info: Fujifilm GFX 100s with GF 23mm f4. Apetrure: f11, ISO: 1250.
Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Year – Places
Alessandro Anglisani, Italy
This image was taken in July 2024. It captures a vineyard in Oltrepò Pavese, a historical region in the province of Pavia in Lombardy, Italy. The trees on the road act as a backdrop to emphasise the scene in its natural and, at the same time, anthropized beauty.
Technical info: Canon EOS 6D Mk II with EF 24-70 f2.8. Shutter speed: 1/1250, focal length: 24mm, ISO: 400, exposure compensation: -1 stop
Food in the Field
Susan Lang, United Kingdom
A litter of free-range Large Black piglets. The Large Black is a rare breed and is Britain’s only all black pig. Adults weigh up to 350kg and have distinctive floppy ears that fall over their eyes, making them a challenge to photograph! They will eat anything, including my flash diffuser.
Technical info: Sony a7 III with 16-35mm lens at 24mm. Flash mounted on camera with a round flash diffuser. Shutter speed: 1/250, aperture: f8, ISO: 800
Food Influencer
Paul Hughes, United Kingdom
Fergus Henderson, Chef, culinary disruptor, mentor, and icon. Captured here against the austere white walls of St John during the Anniversary Party.
Fortnum & Mason Food at the Table
Franck Tremblay, France
Ana’s twelve dishes during the Revol — the party celebrating the end of harvest in the Beaujolais region of France — at Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes. Shot in September 2023.
Technical info: Fujifilm GFX 100s with GF 32-64mm f4.
Hotel Art Group Food Stylist Award
Costas Millas, United Kingdom
The images are a part of a wider food story concept titled Spaghetti. It is a bold and fun capture bringing to life the saying in the image title and the self-imposed challenge of styling a broken plate of food on the floor and still making it appetizing and appealing! Would you still eat it?
Technical info: Nikon Zfc with Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR.
Jamie Oliver Youth Prize 12 and Under
Maja Kowalczyk, Poland
Since Maja moved into the house, her parents have started a garden with vegetables and fruit. She likes to pull carrots the most, because one never knows what size and shape is hiding underground.
Technical info: Nikon Z 7II, Nikkor Z 50 mm f1.8 S. Shutter speed: 1/200, ISO: 250
Jamie Oliver Youth Prize 13 -17
Indigo Larmour, Ireland
Pooris are a staple breakfast dish in the winding alleyways of Old Delhi. They are frequently cooked in huge vats of boiling oil on street corners and served with chole, a chickpea dish.
Technical info: Nikon D600 with AF-S 24-120mm f4. Shutter speed: 1/640, ISO: 160.
Marks & Spencer Food Portraiture
Simon Détraz, France
A drizzle of olive oil, oven at 180°C, salt and pepper, 10 minutes… delicious and so crispy!
Technical info: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with flash. Shutter speed: 1/125th, aperture: f16, ISO: 500
MPB Award for Innovation
Pieter D’Hoop, Belgium
Pieter had some weird ideas that randomly came to his mind. He had an idea of putting an octopus inside a washing machine or tumble dryer. This is one of the results.
Technical info: Fujifilm GFX 100 with GF 32-64 mm f4. ISO: 1000, aperture: f5.6, shutter speed: 1/125 sec
On the Phone in support of Action Against Hunger
Linda Repasky, United States
In the field, squash blossoms and their curly tendrils have an undeniable charm.
Technical info: iPhone 14 Pro with 1x lens
Politics of Food
Jo Kearney, United Kingdom
Afghan women sit and wait for free bread handouts at the market, as it’s difficult for them to earn money.
Technical info: Nikon Z6 with 24-70 2.8 lens
Production Paradise Previously Published
Diego Papagna, Italy
Mushrooms enveloped in steam, immersed in a play of light and transparency, evoking the warmth of the kitchen like a sun in the sky.
Technical info: Canon R5 with EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM with flash lights 1 Godox AD600 Pro II, 2 Godox AD 200 Pro
Street Food
Debdatta Chakraborty, India
During the Ramadan months, Kolkata turns into a foodie’s paradise. Just after noon, huge ovens are lit and giant paranthas are prepared for the iftar. Not only Muslims, but people from all communities, throng around the food stalls, making it a culinary haven.
Technical info: Nikon D850 with AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR. Shutter speed: 1/100s, ISO: 500
Student Food Photographer of the Year supported by The Royal Photographic Society
Eva Maté Fernández, Spain
Strawberries splash into clear water, creating a playful moment of motion and light.
Technical info: Sony a6100 with 16-50mm lens. ISO: 200, shutter speed: 1/500, aperture: f/5.6
The James Beard Foundation Photography Award
Luke Copping, United States
Tom Moriarty and his wife, Caitlin, own Moriarty Meats and its adjacent restaurant, Cafe Bar Moriarty. Moriarty Meats is a whole-animal butcher shop in Buffalo, NY, sourcing local meats and inspired by traditional European butcheries. Tom and his team work exclusively by hand.
Technical info: Sony a7R III with Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM. ISO: 400, shutter speed: 1/200
The Philip Harben Award for Food in Action supported by International Salon Culinaire
Diego Marinelli, Italy
Fresh pasta is a symbol that represents the cultural richness of the Italian territory. An image of its processing becomes a means of telling history, traditions, and centuries-old passions. Matassa pasta is made in Irpinia in southern Italy with a truly exceptional technique.
Tiptree Cake Award
Audrey Laferrière, Canada
Unearthed Food For Sale
Kazi Mushfiq, Bangladesh
A unique, two-tiered tea shop thrives in a narrow alley of Kolkata, India, where tradition meets ingenuity. Below, the chai master serves warmth in a cup, while above, the betel leaf vendor tends to his craft. A layered tale of resilience and community.
Technical info: Sony a7 III, with 24mm f1.4 lens. Apetrure: f/4.5, shutter speed: 1/1000s, ISO: 320
World Food Programme Food for Life
Md Rashid Un Nabi, Bangladesh
A sick man is cared for by his son, who gives him water. It could be his last drink.
Technical info: Canon EOS M50. Aperture: f6.3, lens: Canon 11-18mm, ISO: 10,000
World of Drinks
Alessandra Bartoloni, Italy
Sun, ice, and a gin tonic. Condensation drips, the table’s a mess, and the afternoon heat is winning the battle. But who cares? It’s cold, it’s strong, and it’s exactly what this day needed. Cheers to the simple pleasures!
Technical info: Canon EOS 90D with 35mm lens. Shutter speed: 1/8000 sec, ISO: 100
The Bimi Prize
Ryan Kost, United States
Monks at a temple in Angkor Wat, Cambodia, prepare traditional Buddhist offerings. This practice is deeply symbolic in Buddhism, often representing celebration, gratitude, respect, and devotion to the Buddha and the teaching and monastic community. The intricate arrangement of fruits and flowers emphasises mindfulness and respect.
Technical info: Nikon D850, Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 G2. ISO: 400, shutter speed: 1/640th
A free-to-enter exhibition of all 185 Finalist images premieres at The Mall Galleries, London, running from May 21-25. A selection of images will also be exhibited at Fortnum and Mason from June 2, as well as Museum of the Home from June 3-September 7.
To see the online gallery of all the 2025 finalists, visit the World Food Photography Awards’ website.
