The Japan Food Photographers Association hosted the 1st FPA Professional Food Photography Awards, one of the largest food photography contests in Japan, in early winter 2024. The event aimed to elevate the cultural significance of food photography and provide a prestigious award for food photographers.
The competition received numerous entries from both professionals and amateurs, not only from Japan but also from around the world. The winning works exhibition was held over six days, from November 28 to December 3, 2024, at Shibuya Hikarie 8/CUBE. The event welcomed a total of 1,000 visitors, who had the opportunity to appreciate a wide variety of food photography.
Here is a report on the exhibition.
Food photography is widely recognized and popular as a photography genre overseas, with food photographers established as professionals in the industry. In contrast, the field is still developing in Japan. However, in recent years, the number of food photographers has been gradually increasing.
When people think of food photography, they might picture dishes neatly arranged on a table or menu photos from restaurants. However, food photography encompasses a wide range of creative expressions, utilizing lighting and styling techniques, with each photographer bringing a unique approach. Many of the award-winning works in this exhibition were captured on a simple tabletop, yet through innovative ideas and techniques, they successfully conveyed distinct and captivating visual narratives.
Selected Silver and Bronze Award-Winning Works
From left: Judges' Special Award, Best Styling Award, Special Selection Award (Professional Category)
For example, some photographs captured the sizzling essence of food, freezing the moment when sauce or ketchup dripped or steam gracefully rose. Others conveyed a sense of story, not only depicting the dish but also evoking the experience of savoring it or hinting at the scene beyond the frame. Some works highlighted the charming details of ingredients, emphasizing their natural beauty, while others skillfully manipulated light and shadow to create a sense of time and movement. These diverse perspectives showcased the photographers' creativity and unique artistic approaches.
Selected Gold and Silver Award-Winning Works from International Entries
Selected Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award-Winning Works
From right: Judges' Special Award, Best Styling Award, Special Selection Award (Non-Professional Category)
In particular, the winning work of FPA Professional Food Photographer of the Year 2023 garnered attention from both professionals and amateurs alike. The masterful use of light was exceptionally delicate, creating a photograph with a painterly beauty, almost resembling a work of art.
FPA Professional Photographer of the Year 2023
(Left: Three works from the Professional Category ・ Right: Three works from the Non-Professional Category)
Additionally, 10 works by Julianne Medeiros, a judge for the FPA Professional Food Photographer of the Year 2024, were showcased as special invited pieces at the exhibition. Her works, with their powerful presence and striking visual impact, captivated many visitors and food photographers alike.
As seen in this exhibition, food photography is not merely about documentation—it is also a form of artistic expression. Through composition and lighting techniques, a dish can tell a deeper story, evoking emotions and narratives beyond the plate. This exhibition allowed visitors to experience how everyday food can be elevated into art, showcasing the limitless creative potential of food photography.
Among the visitors, many were aspiring food photographers, including those currently studying the craft, individuals eager to learn, and students researching food photography. They observed the works with great enthusiasm, seeking inspiration and knowledge.
Additionally, the exhibition provided a valuable opportunity for award-winning photographers and fellow food photographers to come together, fostering connections and engaging in meaningful discussions about the future of food photography.
The selection process for the FPA Professional Food Photography Awards 2024 is currently underway. This year, we have received an even greater number of entries from both Japan and abroad, and with each edition, we see more talented photographers and an increasingly diverse and creative range of works. The results will be announced in early March on the Japan Food Photographers Association website.
For our next exhibition, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors and providing a space where everyone can experience the beauty and depth of food photography.
We warmly invite you to attend the 2nd FPA Professional Food Photography Awards Exhibition and immerse yourself in this remarkable world of food photography.
📌 All winningworks from the 1st FPA Professional Food Photography Awards can be viewed on the Japan Food Photographers Association website.
Be sure to explore these stunning, award-winning works:
📌 Details for this year’s exhibition will be announced soon via a press release.
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Japan Food Photographers AssociationPublic Relations Office
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