Event Photographer Cape Town | Africa Food Show Cape Town 2026
Three Incredible Days Behind The Lens At Africa Food Show Cape Town 2026
As an event photographer Cape Town businesses trust to capture important moments, I get the opportunity to work at many incredible events throughout the year. Every event has its own story, its own energy and its own people that make it memorable and as a Event photographer Cape Town, It is my job to see those moments.
The Africa Food Show Cape Town 2026 was one of those events that left a lasting impression on me.
Over three days, I had the privilege of being the Event photographer Cape Town on behalf of the South African Chefs Association. While my role was simply to document what was happening through my camera, I quickly found myself inspired by the passion, dedication and talent that surrounded me, thats why I love event photographer Cape Town.
What struck me most as a Event photographer Cape Town, was not only the incredible food being prepared but the willingness of so many accomplished chefs to share their knowledge with others. Every demonstration was an opportunity for learning. Every conversation seemed to spark new ideas. There was a genuine sense of community and mentorship throughout the event.
As someone who spends a lot of time observing people as a Event photographer Cape Town through a lens, these are the moments I love capturing most.
Day One – Meeting The Faces Behind The Food
The first day was filled with excitement as visitors, exhibitors and chefs gathered to kick off the event.
Throughout the day I had the opportunity to photograph Chef Mahlomola Thamae, Chef Eben Strauss presented by Foodgistics, the Unilever Pro Activation, Chef Andile Somdaka presented by UN South Africa and Chef Zeyn Jeewa.
One of the highlights for me was photographing Chef Andile Somdaka. Many people know him as a respected chef and industry leader, but what makes his story particularly inspiring is that he previously served former South African Presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki. Today he continues to make a significant contribution to the industry through his role on the SA Chefs Board of Directors.
Watching attendees engage with these chefs reminded me how important events like this are for the future of South Africa’s culinary industry. There was genuine excitement in the room and it was clear that many young chefs were taking in every piece of advice they could.
Day Two – Passion, Knowledge And Leadership
By the second day of the event photographer Cape Town, the atmosphere had become even more energetic.
The programme featured Chef Nwabisa Lisa, Chef Mahlomola Thamae, the Unilever Pro Activation, Chef Shane Louw and Chef Sanet van Wyk Prinsloo.
One person who truly stood out throughout the event was Chef Zana Alvarado, who served as MC.
I have photographed many events over the years and great hosts always have a way of bringing people together. Chef Zana did exactly that.
Her passion for the culinary industry is impossible to miss. Beyond her impressive achievements as a Director of SA Chefs, World Chefs Member, National Burger Challenge Winner and WWF SASSI Brand Ambassador, what impressed me most was her commitment to uplifting others.
She spoke passionately about supporting women in the culinary industry and celebrating South African ingredients and food culture. It was clear to see why she is so respected within the profession.
As a photographer, moments like these are special because they go beyond documenting an event. They allow you to capture people who are making a real difference in their industries.
Day Three – A Celebration Of South African Culinary Talent
By the final day, the Africa Food Show felt less like an event and more like a gathering of people who genuinely care about the future of food in South Africa.
The final programme featured Chef Matthew Taylor presented by Foodgistics, Chef Nwabisa Lisa, the Unilever Pro Activation and Chef Andile Somdaka presented by UN South Africa.
Over the three days I had photographed countless moments of creativity, concentration and collaboration.
Chefs sharing techniques.
Students asking questions.
Industry leaders exchanging ideas.
Visitors experiencing new flavours and products.
These small moments often tell the biggest stories.
They show the passion that drives an industry forward.
Ending The Event In Style
As the Africa Food Show came to an end, everyone gathered at Southern Sun The Cullinan for a spectacular Gala Dinner.
The evening was filled with celebration, laughter and recognition for the incredible talent within South Africa’s culinary community.
One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement of Junior Team South Africa 2026 and I got to live that as a Event photographer Cape Town.
The excitement in the room was impossible to miss. It was a proud moment not only for the young chefs selected but also for everyone invested in the future of South African cuisine.
Guests were also entertained by HaaslaUomo whose performance added even more energy to an already memorable evening, really fun to be a Event photographer Cape Town.
As I photographed the celebrations unfolding around me, I found myself reflecting on everything I had witnessed over the previous three days.
More Than Just Food
When most people think about food events, they naturally think about chefs and dishes.
What I experienced at the Africa Food Show was so much more than that.
I saw mentorship.
I saw people sharing knowledge freely.
I saw experienced professionals investing in the next generation.
I saw genuine passion for South African food and culture.
Most importantly, I saw a community that wants to see each other succeed.
Those are the stories I love capturing through photography.
Why Event Photography Matters
When you are organising an event like this, everything happens quickly. Speakers come and go, demonstrations run back to back and interactions happen in seconds.
That is exactly why professional event photography is so important.
It captures the moments that people experience in real time but do not always get to revisit later.
During the Africa Food Show Cape Town 2026, I focused on capturing:
- Real interactions between chefs and attendees
- Emotion during live demonstrations
- Branding and sponsor activations
- Behind the scenes preparation
- Audience engagement and reactions
- Key stage moments and presentations
These images become part of the event legacy. They are used for marketing, future promotion and storytelling long after the event has ended.
Final Thoughts
The Africa Food Show Cape Town 2026 was an incredible experience from beginning to end.
It was an honour to document the event on behalf of the South African Chefs Association and to meet so many inspiring people along the way.
As an event photographer Cape Town organisations trust to tell their stories through imagery, events like this remind me why I love what I do.
Event photographer Cape Town allows us to preserve moments that might otherwise be forgotten. Moments of achievement, learning, celebration and connection.
Thank you to the South African Chefs Association for trusting Poplap Photography to capture this incredible event.
I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the talented chefs and culinary professionals I had the privilege of meeting over these three unforgettable days.
— Evelene
Poplap Photography | event photographer Cape Town