Today we’re taking a break from the overload of serious exhibitions and openings to celebrate the Festival International de la Photographie Culinaire (International Festival of Culinary Photography) in Paris. This year’s theme: the egg. Paul Alessandrini was on the festival jury, and shared with us some of his favorite submissions. Bon appétit.
Jean-Pierre Stephan, founder of the Festival International de la Photographie Culinaire (International Festival of Culinary Photography), should be satisfied: after only four editions of the festival, he has turned the event into one of photography world’s major events. With a jury presided by Chef Pierre Gagnaire, the FIPC attracts more and more professional photographers, but also the work of forty talented young amateurs from around the world.
Not to mention the bloggers, who were also there for the party. And for the jury, of which I am a member, it’s getting more and more difficult to declare a winner, including the FIPC grand prize, awarded by important figures in food and photography. The two disciplines are working more closely together than ever before. In addition to the grand prize, the Lentille d’Or, six other prizes were awarded by the jury, which recognized the work of culinary and photography students, food bloggers and culinary tourism, among others.
Last year’s theme, Street Food, seemed less challenging than this year’s: the egg (in all its forms). From there, contestants could let their imaginations run wild. The results were incredible, and it is among these 50 portfolios from twelve countries that the Lentille d’Or 2012 was selected. The egg inspired humor, poetry and passion, leading to photographs that were marvels of color and composition: they told stories, were boldly staged, and sometimes came off a little crass. In short, they were beautiful and unexpected, far from the fragile oval eggshell: the mystery of life, the dream. As Jean Pierre Stephan said, “it was an international event that appealed to both the eyes and the stomach,” with exhibitions, encounters, surprises and revelations.
Jury deliberations took place on November 7 at the Hôtel Scribe, and the winners were announced the same evening.
Paul Alessandrini’s selection
The jury has decided : la Lentille d’Or du Grand Prix du Festival International de la Photographie Culinaire 2012 was attributed to the french photographer Philippe Exbrayat.
Even though the prizes have already been awarded, I will take the liberty of sharing with you my favorite works, in no order whatsoever, as a way to call attention to the work of other “candidates” for the Lentille d’Or.
There are still a few days left to visit the Parcours Culturel & Gourmand and discover a number of installations related to food photography. Photography workshops and cooking classes are open to the public, as well as a conference at the Gobelins photography school.
Paul Alessandrini
Festival International de la Photographie Culinaire
From October 26th to November 11th, 2012
L’Espace Mobalpa
15 Boulevard Diderot
75012 Paris – France
