The taste-maker: meet award-winning Morley food photographer Babs Gorniak

Babs Gorniak is a rising star in food photography.    For the past four years Babs has studied part-time on Morley’s Photography HND course at the Chelsea Centre for Creative Industries – combining her passion for photography with her job and caring responsibilities.    Last week she scooped the Higher Education student award at Chelsea in recognition of her skills and dedication to learning.

Babs says “ Photography has always been my language. I don’t talk much — I observe. I see the world through my eyes and express myself through the lens.”

In the past twelve months,  Bab’s eye-catching food images have won a number of food photography awards .  We spoke to Babs to find out more about her photography story.  

Morley: How did you get started in photography? 

“My journey with photography began in my teenage years, when I took analogue photographs of my family, friends, and nature. I worked mostly on instinct and an eye for composition, but I had little understanding of the technical side of photography. That’s when I decided to upgrade my skills by enrolling in a Level 2 Photography course [at Morley]. Initially, I didn’t plan to continue with further education, but I quickly realised that photography was what I truly wanted to pursue at a professional level. Studying photography gave me the technical knowledge I was lacking. I learned about studio lighting, darkroom processes and working with both traditional and experimental techniques.

“What I like most about the course is the practical, creative side of it. Each unit starts with a theme and evolves through experimentation and discovery. I find this process extremely inspiring and important to my development as a visual artist. “

” My main focus is food photography, where I use colour, shape, and texture to bring my compositions to life. I’m also drawn to fashion, nature, and portraiture— and while I enjoy photographing many subjects, I understand the importance of finding a niche.

Where has your HND course taken you creatively?

This year, I was introduced to alternative photographic techniques such as screen printing and liquid light. These methods became central to my current project about menopause, which I created on non-traditional photographic surfaces. I won’t reveal too much—I invite everyone to see the final piece at New Directions – Showcasing Creative HE at Morley”, on show at Morley Gallery, Waterloo until 5 July 2025.

I’m proud to have created something so different from my usual work, and I’m excited to continue exploring these techniques in future projects. I really appreciated the practical nature of this course. It has helped me to improve my practice and develop my skills in real-world contexts.

How do you get noticed as a photographer?

In today’s competitive landscape, where so many talented photographers are emerging, it can be hard to stand out. That’s why I believe entering photography competitions is such a valuable opportunity—they offer a platform to promote your work and gain exposure. When your images are selected or exhibited, your name reaches new audiences, and sometimes, that can open unexpected doors. I have already received several awards and taken part in group exhibitions.

One of my biggest achievements this year was being shortlisted for the prestigious Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2025—a long-time dream of mine. In another success, one of my images was shortlisted in the London International Creative Competition. This photograph was part of my “Guilty Pleasure” project, which I exhibited at the Morley Gallery as part of last year’s final exhibition.

Some of the images were taken in the Morley studio, others at home, and later post-produced in Photoshop. I’m also proud to have won the Silver Award at the 2024 FPA (Professional Food Photography Awards) in Japan. An exhibition in Tokyo will be held later this year, although the date hasn’t been announced yet. Last year, I received the Bronze Award, so this is a clear sign of my progress—and I’m aiming for Gold next! I have a sporty spirit, and I love to win 😉

How would you describe your creative process?

My creative process often begins with an object—sometimes a piece of fruit or a product—and I start to imagine what kind of background, texture, or colour palette would complement it. From there, the ideas start flowing. Colour plays a central role in my photography, and I use Photoshop extensively in post-production. Because I’m not very advanced in the software, the editing process takes me a long time, but I’m committed to improving.

Next year will your final year of study on the HND course. How have you combined the course alongside other responsibilities?  

Alongside my photography, I also work professionally and am a mum to a teenager, so balancing my time is a challenge. Still, I do everything I can to keep growing creatively, because my goal is to become a full-time professional photographer—and I can’t wait for the day when photography is all I do! I want to express my deepest thanks to my teachers—Katarina Kalogeraki, Niki Sianni, and Asimina Giagoudaki—who have supported me every step of the way, offered invaluable advice, and contributed enormously to my development as a photographer. Check out more of Bab’s work here and on Instagram @kamiya_photos

New Directions – Showcasing Creative HE show at Morley Gallery, Waterloo until 5 July,

All photos: copyright Babs Gorniak

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