Photography contest seeks to shed light on culinary professionals

AMMAN –– A photo contest was recently launched with the aim of highlighting the importance of jobs in the culinary sector in Jordan. 

Dubbed “Sawwer Al Chef” (Take a photo of the chef), the competition was organised by Jacaranda Images in cooperation with Darat Al Tasweer and continues through the end of July.  

Although the contest is held during Ramadan, it is not linked with the fasting month, according to Darat Al Tasweer founder Linda Khoury.  

“But the Ramadan atmosphere can inspire photographers to take good photos related to the theme of the contest,” she told The Jordan Times in an interview.  

The main aim behind the competition is to promote the profession of chefs in the hospitality sector.  

“When you highlight the kind of career that chefs have through this contest, you encourage many people to join this line of work,” Khoury added. 

She noted that Jordanians are proud of their national dishes such as mansaf and knafeh and the way they serve them. 

“Photographers can take photos of not only a professional chef working at a restaurant or hotel, but also of any person who prepares food with passion. It can be a friend or a family member,” added Khoury, who is a photographer.  

The competition consists of two parts: The first is designed for advanced photographers and the second is for amateur photographers who can also take pictures using their mobile phones. 

“Photographers can submit as many photos as they want but they have to pay a specific amount of money. Advanced photographers should pay JD5 for each photo while amateur photographers should pay JD2 for each photo,” she said, adding that proceeds will go for the competition prize. 

“Photographers can submit their photos on a CD and hand them either at Darat Al Tasweer, Fann Wa Chai Café [in Jabal Luweibdeh] or Jacaranda Images,” Khoury said.

Advanced photographers must submit the original copy of the photo in the “RAW” file format, according to Khoury. 

“We take this step to verify that the photographer did not steal the photo from the Internet and to make sure that he/she has equipment that qualifies him/her to be among the first category.” 

Photographers can add effects to the photo but without exaggeration. 

A photo exhibition showcasing the 12 best photos in each category is scheduled to open at Jabal Amman’s Jacaranda Images art gallery on August 20, Khoury said.   

“A five-member jury will determine the winning photos and the ones that are qualified to be showcased in the exhibition.”

Exhibition visitors will vote for the best photo among those displayed and the winner will receive a prize, according to the organisers.