Giulia Verdinelli Photography

Turns out chasing caramel through the mountains of Colombia was a good career move.

My photograph from Antioquia, Colombia was named runner-up in the Food category at the National Geographic Traveller UK Photography Competition 2026.

The image shows Yeison making sugar-cane caramel over a wood fire, which is exactly the kind of slow, sticky, deeply human food story I’m always happiest chasing.

My finalist photo is currently on display in King’s Cross! Pinch me.
The winning and shortlisted images are on display around Granary Square and King’s Cross until 12 July, so if you’re in London, go and have a wander.
Mine is the one smelling of caramel.

Huge thanks to the National Geographic Traveller UK team and judges, and to everyone who made last night feel so special. and the rest of the team.

And congrats to all the finalists and winners!! 🥳

Cocido Boyacense tastes like everything that's good about this region in Colombia.
A mix of hearty ingredients that look like they’ve been sharing the same pot for generations: ancient native purple potatoes and corn, meats, and my new favourite root vegetable.

Cubios, which I only ever saw in this small region of Colombia and always make me smile because they look like rebellious teenage parsnips that wanted purple highlights for fun.

From The Book of Lake Tota, a project I'm creating with to document the unique traditions and crafts of Lake Tota, the largest lake in Colombia.

Around Lake Tota in Colombia sits the paramosito, a tiny but mighty páramo ecosystem that behaves like nature’s sponge. It soaks up water from the clouds and releases it slowly, keeping the lake alive and the surrounding communities thriving.

Discover more about this incredible ecosystem in The Book of Lake Tota, which I helped bring to life working with .

This portrait of Carlos the ruana maker, is one of my favourites from our project with .
Back in February, we began creating The Book of Lake Tota: a visual journey that tells the story of the lake and the people who preserve its traditions and culture.

Lake Tota is the biggest lake in Colombia and faces challenges such as pollution and habitat loss.
The book aims to strengthen community awareness and inspire people to take concrete and positive action for long-term protection of this great wetland and its local traditions.

If you want to help bring the book to print, please consider donating here https://www.globalgiving.org/microprojects/the-book-of-lake-tota/

“Who is driving sooo slow and blocking all the traffic?”
Me, five minutes before detouring to follow a truck overflowing with grapes into a warehouse.

While driving somewhere between two sleepy Sicilian towns, that truck led me to a small cooperative winery, where farmers bring their harvest to be pressed into wine.
That’s where I met Ciccio, self-proclaimed "wine quality inspector".
He said it’s hard work. I believe him.

Sea scented spread from a love letter to Sicily's cuisine for

Polpo salad, eaten five meters from the sea it came from.
Tender octopus, tangy olives, celery crunch and olive oil so tasty that Sicilians seem to have a secret source for.

A stop on my culinary road trip of Sicily for
Cefalù and its postcard colours

A story about rambling and eating my way through Sicily.
Full disclaimer: don't read if on an empty stomach or if you're getting the autumn blues.
This story contains graphic descriptions of cannoli, prawns, pistacchio, and life decisions that may lead you to book impulse flights.

Eaten, captured and written for the Island issue of

Gado Gado is Bali’s edible texture playground and a photography dream.