33 Breathtaking Shots That Won The 2025 World Food Photography Awards

Bored Panda got in touch with Pieter D'Hoop, a professional culinary photographer and the artist behind the image that won the MPB Award for Innovation. We were curious to learn what inspired his surreal and thought-provoking photo 'Laundry Day.' The Belgian photographer shared with us: “I've always found octopuses intriguing—their intelligence, fluid movements, and otherworldly appearance are endlessly fascinating.

Pairing that with a laundromat, a structured, repetitive, and oddly photogenic space, created a surreal tension I couldn’t resist. The idea of placing something wild and organic, like an octopus, in such an unexpected setting just felt right.”

The image captured by Pieter blends humor, discomfort, and creativity. We were curious about what kind of emotions the winner of the 2025 World Food Photography Awards hoped to evoke in viewers. Here’s what he told us: “With most of my images, including 'Laundry Day', my main goal is really just to have fun creating and inviting others along for a small journey through curiosity. I wasn't aiming for a specific emotional reaction so much as hoping viewers would pause, tilt their heads a bit, and think, ‘Wait, what am I looking at?’ If that moment leads to a laugh, a shiver, or just a sense of wonder, then it's done its job. I love when an image can balance humor and discomfort; it keeps people engaged and gives them space to make their own meaning.”

Next, D'Hoop shared more fascinating insights into the creative process behind the award-winning photo. To our surprise, the photographer revealed that bringing the idea for ‘Laundry Day to’ life happened rather quickly. He elaborated: “The first step was finding a laundromat that would allow me to shoot there (which I expected might be a challenge) but surprisingly, the first place I had in mind said yes. The only condition was that I clean up afterward, which was totally fair.

About a week later, I returned with all my gear and, of course, the octopus. I set up my flash, placed the octopus, and carefully adjusted the arms to get the composition just right. From start to finish, the whole shoot took around 30 minutes. It was one of those rare times when everything just clicked (no major hiccups), just a strange idea that came to life exactly how I pictured it.”

Lastly, Pieter offered his personal perspective on what innovation in photography means to him: “I think innovation in photography has taken so many forms over time, from technical advances to new ways of seeing and storytelling. While I definitely embrace innovation, I also sometimes step away from it. That’s why I’ve started shooting with analog cameras again, as a kind of countermovement to the rise of AI. Artificial intelligence can be helpful, but at the end of the day, I want to be the one creating. For me, the act of making something with my own hands and eye is essential. That doesn’t mean I’m only shooting analog. It's just something I like to do more and implement more into my workflow.

The photographer from Belgium reflected on what winning the MPB Award for Innovation means to him, describing it as a meaningful recognition of the effort and passion he has poured into his work. He added: “It’s a reminder of staying true to your creative vision, even if it goes against the current or takes a less conventional route.

After all, bending or breaking the rules can also bring you to a higher level. It’s encouraging and motivates me to keep exploring, experimenting, and creating in my own way.”