Caroline Kenyon

He continues, “He added oil to the burning coals and with a gentle smile he asked me if I wanted more smoke. He was extremely helpful and happy when I showed him the photograph. Kashmir is the land of warm-hearted people.”

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This behind-the-scenes snippet is reflected in the final frame. Caroline Kenyon, founder and director of Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year, says, “We [on the shortlisting panel] were all arrested by the composition, the folds of smoke framing the subject and, particularly, his expression. There is so much humanity and feeling there.” Highlighting the embrace of smoke, golden light, and the subject’s expression as he prepares food for sharing, Kenyon notes the reassurance in the photograph. She adds, “In today’s world, more than ever, we feel the need for comfort, for love. This image, gentle but powerful, nourishes the soul.”

Debdatta Chakraborty. Pic/Henry Kenyon

Although photography isn’t his full-time job, and he calls himself an amateur photographer, this isn’t Chakraborty’s first win at the awards. In 2019, he was placed first in the Street Food category; and in 2021, he received an honourable mention. Participation for this award is open to all including entrants aged 10 and under. 

Kenyon tells us, “We realised that every area of life was covered by a photography competition — wildlife, landscape, architecture and so on — but there was nothing for food. For me, food is the prism through which all life can be seen, from celebration to family, from deprivation to cooking and farming. And we want people to understand the vital truths about food.” Kenyon encourages readers of all ages to enter next year noting the accessibility of photography as an art form to create and consume.

Log on to pinkladyfoodphotographeroftheyear.com to view all the winners