Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
SCHOOLBOY photographer Joshua Mathew George has snapped up an international accolade for his stunning food image in a competition that attracted thousands of entries from more than 70 countries.
The talented Indian expat’s submission, entitled Passion Fruit Love, was captured using his trusty Nikon D800 during a family holiday back home whilst visiting his grandfather, Mathew.
“I love taking pictures of people’s daily lives,” said Joshua, 10, who lives in Umm Al Hassam. “My grandfather had planted it in his garden in Kerala after finding out that my seven-year-old brother, Jonathan Antony, and I, absolutely love passion fruit during a trip to Bahrain.
“When we travelled to see him back home in India, the plant had grown and he was plucking the passion fruit for us straight from the vine. I liked the way my grandfather was holding the passion fruit so I had to take a photograph. Having the passion fruit straight from the plant was very tasty and fun … and turned out to be a prize-winning exercise too!”
The Asian School, Bahrain pupil submitted the photograph, along with other examples of his work, in the 10 & Under category of the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year 2019 competition, considered as one of the world’s leading celebrations of the art of food photography and film.
The contest was open to professional and amateur photographers and the categories featured something for everyone from styled food for magazines to images of families eating together in celebration of religious festivals.
Since 2011, when it was founded by Caroline Kenyon and her team at The Food Awards Company, almost 50,000 images have been submitted from more than 60 countries.
Joshua had participated in the competition twice before and it proved to be third time lucky.
He was invited to the UK with his family to attend a glitzy reception packed with celebrities from the food and photography industry at the Mall Galleries, London.
His father, George, a professional photographer, had promised Joshua that they would visit the event if his picture made it into the finals and to the exhibition that was taking place alongside the event.
“The competition was fierce,” said Caroline, director of the awards. “There were 9,000 images entered from 77 countries – more entries and more countries than ever before – and the standard was phenomenal.”
The event was hosted by musician and cheesemaker Alex James and the judging panel was chaired by internationally-renowned and award-winning food photographer for the books of Jamie Oliver, David Loftus.
The panel also featured Claire Hyman, British Photography – The Hyman Collection, culinary superstar Alice Waters, Rahul Singh, president, National Restaurant Association, India, Lucy Pike, head of pictures, WeTransfer, and Dubai’s Ali bin Thalith, secretary general of the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA).
“When they called out Joshua’s name we started cheering,” said George. “It was unexpected but also an amazing feeling. After Joshua received his award, David told me that the pictures submitted were all impressive but Joshua’s stood out for his composition and vibrant use of colours.
“Joshua started showing interest in photography at the age of seven and was using our compact camera. He also used to join me on various ‘photo walks’ and workshops.”
Mum, Deepthi, an underwriting officer, and brother, Jonathan, are equally proud of his achievements.
Joshua was presented with his prize, which included a trophy, a certificate and a goody bag.
“It really was amazing to win,” said Joshua. “I stayed in London for a week and enjoyed visiting a new country too.
“I’m not sure what is next for me, but I know that I’m fascinated by photography. I started taking interest after accompanying my father for his shoots during my vacation. When my parents knew about my interest, they encouraged me to take more photographs. And, he got me my own camera on my 10th birthday which is what helped me win this competition.”
Joshua has attended photography workshops in Bahrain with the Nikon School, FotoBH and Photo Awards. He has also participated in last year’s Ramadan FotoBH. His dream is to one day join the Indian Air Force … just watch out for those aerial images!
