22/06/2026
I've just returned from Europe and am still on a high from everything my eyes have seen and the people I've met.... travelling as a photographer you are always on a mission, obvious or not, to capture the essence of a place, its locals, culture and for me of course, to tell a story.
Honestly, so much has happened just within the past month its difficult to know where to begin but I think its best to start where it all took off, Milano.
I'll try to keep the story short! I came here last year in October because I had tickets to see the opera Rigoletto at La Scala with , simply to enjoy this gift to myself and the Milanese vibes. It was then that I took THE photo which won me the first place in the "World of Drinks" category at this year's World Food Photographer Awards. Walking through the galleria, one look at the two waiters hustling and serving, I felt everything align. This is the joy of being a photographer, simply showing up at the right place at the right moment, and I was fortunate not lucky.
A few months later, fresh from collecting my award in London, I return to Milan for a photoshoot & decided to pay a visit to the historical bar where the magic happened. Here I was, introducing myself to the team at Camparino and sharing a little piece of the victory with them. They were very generous to offer me a glass of their classic Campari spritz (serving since 1915) whilst photographing the beautiful Camaprino bar, my last night in Milan. With a refreshing bitter in one hand and my camera in the other, I found myself in the world of Camparino surrounded by not only my favourite colour but walls of lovely backlit Campari bottles... it sort felt as if I was stepping into a hidden corner as the streets slowly fell asleep, quiet and only this place was alive... but it also could have been my hidden excitement :)
I was given a little tour of their lovely location, told a brief history of the bar and drinks. I really felt honoured.
Full circle in a way!
Thank you again and team for the honour.