Here is a copy of an article which appeared in the press this month showcasing some of my awards for food photography, .

Food shots are photographer’s bread and butter

R Gill, Food Photographer, 3 Chilli Sourdough bread loavesA group of 3 chilli sourdough bread loaves arranged on a baking tray

An artistic shot of artisan bread from the Lake District has won a Kendal photographer the judges first prize on an online photography website.

Richard Gill’s photograph of Lovingly Artisan’s bread entitled ‘3 Loaves No Fishes’ was the judges’ top pick of almost 300 online entries to the photography community website, Photocrowd. 

Richard, from Sedgwick, has already had previous success in the Photocrowd food & drink category when his close up shot of a cherry covered in bubbles was runner up in the public’s vote and received a judge’s commendation last December. 

R Gill, Food Photographer, A cherry covered in bubblesA single cherry immersed in a fizzy liquid, covered in bubbles

He said: “Having stunning images of food is increasingly important for food producers and restaurants to show on websites and social media. Clients really appreciate help with styling to make the dishes look beautiful and the food to look mouthwateringly tasty, whilst ensuring the colours are accurately reproduced, and the image is well composed and focused. So I’m really pleased that the judges have picked up on these elements in my photos to award me the top spot.” 

Photocrowd’s judging panel is made up of more than 100 professional photographers from all over the world. Expert judges choose a winning selection in each category as well as members of the public – the crowd - being able to vote for their favourites. 

On awarding Richard first place, judges said: “The set up and composition work well and the small piece of hessian peeping into the top left corner is a small but essential element in the success of this image, and adds to the whole rustic feel of the wonderfully captured crusty loaves. The lighting and colouring used suit the subject completely and it is an image we could see in a food magazine or on the wall of an artisan bakery. Congratulations.” 

Richard took a leap into professional photography just four years ago after being employed in the corporate world for over 20 years. He works with some key national companies including Savills, Hoseasons and Alliance Medical, as well as local Lake District businesses and tourist attractions. He has also recently completed a shoot of all of the Punch Bowl Inn & Restaurant at Crosthwaite’s dishes from their new summer menu.