Photographer Ho Yoon Kang has been awarded the prestigious Diamond Prize and the title of Photo of the Season in the Candid Moments category at the Best Photography Award UK 2025 Season 1 for his dynamic and heartfelt image How Your Dish Is Made.
The photograph was taken on a freezing day, after hours spent walking outdoors. Seeking warmth, Kang stepped into a ramen shop—and unexpectedly found the perfect subject. “I was a little disappointed at first,” he recalls. “I had just bought a new telephoto lens and thought I wouldn’t get a good shot indoors. But then I saw the chef.”
Amid the steamy interior and bustle of the kitchen, Kang noticed the calm focus of a man dedicated to his craft. With the owner's permission, he adjusted his shutter speed, framed the moment at F2.8, ISO 2000, 1/250 sec, 163mm, and captured it.
“I wanted to show that the process of making a delicious bowl of food can be just as beautiful as the final dish,” Kang shares. “So I waited for a big, expressive moment—and when it came, I didn’t miss it.”
One detail Kang especially cherishes is the chef’s visible forearm, worn with time and experience, paired with a dramatic gesture as water shakes from the noodles—brought to life by the rising steam. These elements give the image its energy and realism.
Above all, How Your Dish Is Made is a reminder that behind every meal, there is labor, care, and a story. “I hope people look at the photo and feel amazed,” Kang says. “A bowl of food doesn’t just appear. There’s skill and heart behind it.”
Full Interview
1. Could you share the background and setting of this award-winning photo?
It was a cold day, and after walking around outside for hours, I was freezing. I found a ramen shop by chance and went in to warm up. I was happy to be inside, but a bit disappointed— I had just bought a new telephoto lens and couldn’t use it properly because there were too many people at the streets then I expected.
While waiting for my food, I looked around the shop. The chef caught my eye—he looked calm and focused, like a true craftsman. With the owner’s permission, I took out my camera. I adjusted the shutter speed so the photo wouldn’t blur, zoomed in, and took the shot.
This photo captures a brief moment, just like the title : How your dish is made.
Camera settings : F2.8, IS0 2000, 1/250 sec 163mm
2. What emotion or message were you hoping to convey through this photograph?
I wanted to show that the process of making a delicious bowl of food can be just as beautiful as the final dish.
So I waited for a big, expressive moment—and when it came, I didn’t miss it.
3. Is there a particular detail in this photo that you especially love?
I love how the chef’s forearm, showing years of experience, and the steam rising as he shakes off the water from the noodles bring the photo to life.
4. What do you hope viewers will feel or reflect upon when they see this photo?
When people see this photo, I want their first reaction to be, “Wow, that’s amazing.”
I hoped to show that a bowl of food placed in front of you doesn’t just appear out of nowhere—there’s skill, effort, and a story behind it.
