Louhani Els earns high praise for emotional food altar photograph

South African photographer Louhani Els received High Commendation at the World Food Photography Awards 2026, sponsored by Tenderstem®. Her touching image, Food Altar – Sardines and My Dad, stood out in the Cake Award category. The photograph highlights the emotional power of food to tell personal stories and evoke deep connections.

A healing story through food

Louhani’s photograph captures a daughter’s reconciliation with her late father’s memory. The image features a symbolic food altar with sardines, crackers and onions, representing healing and remembrance.

‘This artwork translates Tori Derrickson’s poem My Dad and Sardines into food photography,’ Louhani explains. ‘The damaged cake symbolises brokenness, while the altar unites father and daughter through peace and memory.’

The judges praised the photograph for its emotional depth and universal message about food’s role in personal healing.

Jo Kearney wins overall award

British photographer Jo Kearney won the Overall Award for her image, A Woman Eats in the Canteen of the Soviet-era Sanatorium. Taken at the Khoja Obi Garm sanatorium in Tajikistan, the photograph shows a woman dining alone in a Soviet-era setting. The scene evokes themes of resilience and quiet dignity.

‘There is so much to see and feel in this image,’ said Caroline Kenyon, founder of the Awards. ‘It moved me to tears.’

A global celebration of food photography

This year’s competition attracted nearly 9 000 entries from over 50 countries. Judges evaluated submissions across 27 categories, celebrating the universal language of food. The awards ceremony, held at the Mall Galleries in London, honoured the best in food photography and storytelling.

Bimi® Broccolini, the headline sponsor, highlighted the global impact of food photography. ‘Food photography tells stories that transcend borders,’ said a spokesperson.