Last week, on the 6th of November 2025, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing one of the most mouth-watering events on the calendar — the PAPA Awards (that’s the Pizza and Pasta Association Awards for those not in the know).

Now, I’ve photographed my fair share of events — from corporate galas to charity fundraisers — but when someone says “Would you like to photograph an evening celebrating the best in pizza and pasta?”… well, let’s just say my camera batteries were charged before they’d even finished the sentence.

A Night of Dough, Glory, and Gold

The PAPA Awards celebrate the people and companies who make the UK’s pizza and pasta industry what it is — creative, competitive, and downright delicious.

From individual chefs showing off their flair and flavour to major retailers like Tesco, Marks & Spencer, and Aldi, around 24 awards were handed out on the night. Each one recognising genuine talent and innovation within the industry.

And yes, the smell of freshly baked dough and rich tomato sauce floating through the venue definitely helped keep spirits (and appetites) high.

Meet the Stars (and I Don’t Just Mean the Michelin Ones)

One of the perks of event photography — beyond the music, the lights, and the occasional sneaky canapé — is the people you get to meet.

This year, I had the chance to photograph and chat with three rather brilliant individuals:

Theo Randall – The Michelin Maestro

If you’ve ever dined at Theo Randall at the InterContinental or caught him on TV, you’ll know Theo is one of Britain’s finest Italian chefs. With a Michelin star to his name and a reputation for celebrating simple, authentic Italian food, he was the perfect fit for the night. (You can read more about him here.)

He’s got that rare mix of warmth and quiet confidence — the kind of person who can make you feel like you’ve known him for years while casually discussing hand-rolled tagliatelle.

Samantha Clinch – From Hogwarts to Hosting

You might not instantly recognise the name, but if you’ve watched the Harry Potter films, you’ve probably seen Samantha on screen. She was one of the child stars in the franchise, and these days she’s all grown up — hosting events, creating great content on Instagram, and bringing infectious energy to the stage.

Samantha hosted the evening with charm, humour, and just the right amount of sparkle. A true professional who kept the whole show flowing beautifully.

Richard Jones – The Magician Who Stole the Show

And then there was Richard Jones, winner of Britain’s Got Talent and a magician with a military background. You can read his story here — it’s an inspiring one.

Watching Richard perform up close is something else entirely. Even after 30 years behind a camera, I still couldn’t work out how he did half of it. Magic, mystery, and a few double-takes — the perfect mix.

The Energy of the Room

Photographing an event like this isn’t just about capturing who won what — it’s about bottling up the energy, the laughter, the proud smiles, and the tiny unscripted moments that make the night special.

There’s that instant after a name is called when a winner realises they’ve actually won. The proud handshake. The sparkle of confetti in the background. The candid laughs between colleagues on the dance floor later in the evening.

(And yes, after the awards were all handed out, the dance floor filled up fast — helped along by a great DJ and a few glasses of Prosecco.)

Why I Love Events Like This

I’ve been doing this kind of work for around 25–30 years — photographing, organising, and occasionally helping to run events. What keeps it exciting is the people. You meet chefs who have dedicated their lives to perfecting a crust, event organisers who keep the show running behind the scenes, and performers who bring the wow factor every single time.

Every event is a team effort. When I’m invited along, I’m not just “the photographer” — I’m part of the crew. I bring my experience, my eye for timing, and that instinct for catching the right expression at the right second.

That human connection — the laughs, the trust, the collaboration — that’s what makes my work more than just pictures. It’s storytelling, just told through light and lenses instead of words.

Looking Ahead

The PAPA Awards 2025 was an unforgettable night — a blend of celebration, creativity, and a dash of showbiz. Huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists; your hard work (and dough) truly paid off.

As for me, I left the venue with a full memory card, slightly sore feet, and a big grin. Not a bad night’s work, if you ask me.

Stay tuned — I’ll be sharing a separate blog soon featuring some of the incredibly talented chefs I met on the night. (Trust me, their stories — and dishes — deserve their own spotlight.)

Until then, if you’re planning an event and want every moment captured with professionalism, warmth, and a sprinkle of creative flair — you know where to find me.

Thetford Photography – Capturing moments that matter, one slice at a time.