Grandfather and granddaughter reach finals of global photography competition

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A grandfather and granddaughter from Caerphilly have reached the final of a global competition dubbed the ‘Oscars of food photography’.

Harry Williams, 77, and Hollie Williams, 10, both have an image shortlisted in the finals of the World Food Photography Awards, which this year received nearly 10,000 entries from 70 countries.

“I’ve been giving Hollie photography lessons for the past two years. I was a professional photographer for 50 years, so it gives me immense pleasure in nourishing her interest in photography, as she seems to be very creative and a very quick learner,” said Harry, who has been a finalist in the awards before.

“She started her photography journey aged nine – the same age her granddad started.

“She shoots on an iPhone and a DSLR with no fear of the tech side of things, but asks plenty of questions along the way.”

Harry continued: “I’ve had a great life as a freelancer so it’s an opportunity for me to promote the art of photography for future generations. After she’s shot her images we critique them from an objective point of view, so that she learns from criticism and uses it as positive feedback which she can use to develop her skills.”

Harry is a finalist in the ‘On the Phone’ category, which is dedicated to food-related pictures taken on mobile phones.

Hollie meanwhile is a finalist in the Jamie Oliver Youth Prize for under-12s – of which television chef Jamie Oliver is one of the judges. The winner of this category will get to visit his headquarters in London.

“When she discovered she was shortlisted, and then later a finalist, I think it’s fair to say she was bouncing around like a tennis ball and she can’t wait to attend the awards evening,” said Harry.

“It’ll be an experience she’ll remember for the rest of her life and hopefully start her on a lifelong journey which will teach her so much and give her immense joy.”

The awards ceremony will be held at the Mall Galleries, near Trafalgar Square in London, on May 20, with the winners announced by chef and food writer Yotam Ottolenghi.

Harry and Hollie’s images will be two of the 185 finalist images on display at the Mall Galleries as part of the 2025 exhibition of the World Food Photography Awards. The exhibition is free-to-enter and runs from May 21 and May 25.