Food photographer and stylist Drina Cabral knows food. Whether it’s transforming fresh seafood into dramatic images full of emotion or creating Indian-inspired recipes – the dedicated foody was the only Middle Eastern finalist for the prestigious Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year award.
By Jemma Walker
Drina Cabral at the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year 2015 exhibition
When we arrive, Drina Cabral’s sipping Earl Grey tea, avidly sketching on her laptop – there’s no stopping her creative flow. From photographing the Ritz-Carlton’s luxurious cuisine and adding a Middle Eastern twist to Burger King’s advertising campaigns, to the edgy organic The Hunter and the Hunted piece that saw her reach the Pink Lady Food Photographer finals – there’s no time for relaxing in this artist’s schedule.
How have you celebrated being the only Middle Eastern finalist?
I haven’t celebrated yet, I’ve been so busy. Last week I had four shoots and even worked on the weekend – it’s been crazy. When I was in London for the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year awards, I was writing and delivering recipes to my clients – although this week I might try and dedicate little time to myself.
How did you envision The Hunter and the Hunted?
I think food can be interpreted in so many different ways, people already know one side of food and I think the creative side of me wants to see what happens if something is portrayed a different way. When I was creating The Hunter and the Hunted I saw this squid in someone else’s photograph and loved the organic nature of it – I saw its potential and decided to explore it as my main subject.
The Hunter and the Hunted, Courtesy of Drina Cabral
Who inspires your work?
I find my inspiration from other photographers, one of my favourite photographers is Jean Louis Bloch Laine. The first time I saw his work was the first time I decided I was going to take up food photography. The way he portrays images is like they have a life of their own – absolutely beautiful. Another photographer I adore is Pornchai Mittongtare, they both inspire me with how they use light, colours and context.
Why is seafood so central to your photography?
I’m trying to change people’s ideas about food and want people to realise where they should stand in regards to killing animals. I’m a carnivore, but I make a conscious decision about what meat I eat and how much I eat. My work is quirky and edgy, but I feel like most of my images have a very strong message.
What’s the next step for your career?
For now my five-year plan is to release a book – either photography or recipe writing – and take it back to my Goan roots.
