© Oliver Hauser Photography

robin_goodlad_wild_garlic_carpet_hi_res copy.web© Robin Goodlad

Charlie Richards Photography Limited food photography for delicious. magazine 2015© Charlie Richards

joan_ransley_artisan_pizza_van_hi_res copy.web© Joan Ransley

olimpia_davies_treasure_of_the_sea_hi_res copy.web© Olimpia Davies

paul_stevens_lazy_cow_hi_res copy.web© Paul Stevens

NEWS UPDATE: VOTING HAS BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL 5PM ON 1 APRIL DUE TO PRESSURE ON ORGANISER’S WEBSITE.

The public have been asked to choose their favorite shots from 400 shortlisted images and 18 short films, via the People’s Choice vote.

Open to amateur and professional photographers and boasting a prize pool worth £8,000, this year’s categories include Politics of Food, Food for Celebration, Food for the Family and Bring Home the Harvest.

Amateur Photographer magazine Editor Nigel Atherton is among the 2016 judges.

The food photographer, filmmaker and wine photographer chosen in the People’s Choice vote will join other finalists for a champagne reception at the Mall Galleries in London on 26 April, ahead of a five-day exhibition.

Last year’s contest drew in almost 6,500 entries and was won by UK-based, Australian photographer David Griffen, who entered a photo of a street chef in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This year’s judges also include Jamie Oliver’s photographer David Loftus, chef Curtis Stone and gallery owner Chris Beetles.

The People’s Choice vote closes at noon on 10 April.

Food Photographer of the Year was launched in 2011 by Caroline Kenyon after two decades of commissioning photography and a desire to see ‘this wonderful and vibrant sector of photography given the recognition it deserves’.

For details, and to vote for your favourite images and films, visit www.pinkladyfoodphotographeroftheyear.com

roberto_savio_zen_coffee_hi_res copy.web© Roberto Savio