Meet Ophélie Collignon: The Best Culinary Photographer, Food Influencers Awards 2023

Point of View 

"It is by continuing to photograph my creations that my passion emerged. I then trained infood photography and it became obvious to me that this was my path. Getting up every dayand practicing this passion / job is a real pleasure!" -O.C. 

16 food influencers, 11 people in thejury, multiple partners like the South Mixology Events creating amazing cocktails and the Atelier de la Socca, providing delicious niçoise food to the guests along with top chef JacquesvChibois, icon of French cuisine in the world: that's what made this event so special.

Located at the top of a hill, in the outskirts of Grasse (Côte d'Azur) lies Saint-George's castle. Built in the second half of the 19th century by the famous Grasse perfumer Leon Chiris, it was named after his son George. When you arrive, you first enter a beautiful garden surrounded by majestic palm trees and a breathtaking view of the whole city. Once you enter it, you find yourself in a big room with pompous chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, a beautiful wooden floor and decor from the Victorian period.There you could find a stand from the famous Fragonard parfumerie which allowed you to create your own scent and on the other side a stand with two bartenders making the most delicious and artistic cocktails. The next room has large windows and striking marble tables with velvet chairs and flowers everywhere. That's where the influencers were eating. And the last room has a big open kitchen where chef Jacques Chibois was doing a cooking show and a covered winter terrace where the jury was sitting.

Ophélie Collignon, a 26 year old young woman from Reims won the 2023 ‘Food Influencers Awards', Food Photography Prize, here last Saturday.

The event, which ran for the second time was created and organized by Andra Oprea, the founder of Stylezza, a successful lifestyle magazine based in Monte Carlo and French Riviera. Andra knows the potential of social media and its creation of new job opportunities like food bloggers or flood influencers. We all like to take pictures of our‘spaghetti carbonara' or chicken ruby from our favorite restaurants in town, but the majority of us do it for fun. Who would have ever guessed that this could become a profession one day, and a very lucrative one too.

Ophélie was working as a child care worker until one and a half years ago, when she decided to quit her job and dedicate herself fully to her passion of becoming a photographer.

"I always loved the contact with children, but the lack of money innurseries made me want to leave this environment", said Ophélie in an interview with me on Thursday. We live in an age where, more than ever before, we are able to follow our dreams and dedicate ourselves to the craziest jobs out there. Especially the one of becoming an influencer which is booming nowadays, allowing foodies to make a living out of their passion.For our award winner, everything started by chance. Her love for cooking made her start aninstagram account with the intent of sharing her recipes with other cuisine aficionados.

She realized then, that taking pictures of her creations made her happy so she developed an interest in the various editing techniques which eventually brought her to get an education in culinary photography.

But what does it take to be a good food influencer? Is having a passion for food and good taste enough?

The answer is no, it takes much more than that. You have to be curious, know the trends, love to travel and meet different people. Ophélie moved to Nice four years ago to do all that.

"The region is incredible and so diverse, every weekend I go out for walks and discover new places", she says. And she adds: "I am also passionate about traveling, I always try to visit new countries and cities whenever I get the opportunity. Obviously always with my camera on hand. Learning and discovering is what truly motivates me everyday".

She participated twice in the ‘Maestro Chef' competition in Monaco, in 2021 and 2022. Thefirst time she cooked in front of the renowned chef Joël Garault surrounded by a lot of cameras which intimidated her and the second time in front of a live audience for the ‘Monte-Carlo Gastronomic Trade Fair'. All these experiences made her go out of her comfort zone and therefore grow into a curious person who challenges herself everyday to go beyond her limits. And that's what makes a great influencer. Whether it's about food or not, it doesn't matter but in order to succeed in this job you have to persevere, believe in yourself and establish a good relationship with your followers and the people you meet in your daily life. It makes you become more self aware and forces you to leave your weaknesses behind.

She is currently working aside food brands and restaurants.

"I offer different types of services, such as photo reportages in different places, photography of products and the creation of recipes. My services give my employers the chance to highlight their products and their menus in order to inspire their customers to consume their goods and try their restaurants",she says.

Going back to our event on Saturday a tthe château Saint-Georges in Grasse,which was also an opportunity to discover local artisans and meet other people passionate about food as well as numerous top chefs. Our award winning contestant says:

"The event was great! Andra created a beautiful afternoon for us. We could even assist in a cooking demonstration by Chef Jacques Chibois and try his delicious meal! I am so grateful to have won this price, it's always satisfying to see that people like my work. I received so many compliments about my pictures which makes me even more motivated to go on. Thank you so much!"

Author: Virginia D'Umas