Why Entering the NZIPP Iris Awards Matters – And What My Wins Mean for You
Last August was a big one for me – I entered the NZIPP Iris Awards and walked away with four award-winning images! It’s taken me a while to gather my thoughts (and come down from the nerves and excitement), but I want to share a little bit about what the Iris Awards mean, why I enter them, and what these wins mean for my clients.
What Are the Iris Awards?
The Iris Awards are New Zealand’s premier photography competition, run by the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP). They’re widely recognised as the benchmark for professional photography in Aotearoa. For photographers, entering isn’t just about chasing medals – it’s about pushing creativity, improving technical skills, and being judged against the very best in the industry.
Images are assessed live by a panel of Master Photographers. Every brush stroke of light, every compositional choice, and every emotional detail is scrutinised. Hearing your work critiqued in front of an audience is nerve-wracking to say the least; it really is the best and worst feeling in the world! But the reward is invaluable. You get honest feedback from industry leaders, fresh inspiration, and, if you’re lucky, the thrill of an award.
For clients, the Iris Awards are a reassurance that their photographer is committed to growth, artistry, and delivering work that stands out. When you book with an award-winning photographer, you’re booking someone who has proven their craft on a national stage.
My Four Award-Winning Images
This year I entered five images – and four came back with an award (we won’t talk about the photo I decided to enter into the landscape category, what was I thinking?!). Here’s a little more about them:
‘Curves’ – Bronze in Portrait
This photo was captured during my midwinter group empowerment shoot. Personally, it’s one of my favourites: the light was stunning, the cows were plentiful, and the warmth in the air felt like a gift on the shortest day of the year!
The judges gave me a Bronze Award and confirmed something I’d already suspected – that the bright background and horizon lines could have been stronger. And you know what? That’s the beauty of Iris: it teaches me to see my own work more critically, and that makes me a better photographer for my clients.
But beyond technicalities, this image is powerful because of the women who showed up, many of them strangers to one another, and allowed themselves to be photographed with strength and vulnerability. That courage is what makes this photo truly shine.
(P.s - the image I entered wasn’t censored, of course!)
Isn’t It Ironic – Bronze in Wedding
I’ll be honest: I was on edge waiting for this image to be judged. The panel were being very strict with their judging and I saw fantastic photos being scored a lot lower than I expected, and I was convinced this photo wouldn’t win. But to my delight, it earned a Bronze!
This shot is one of those moments that only happen when you lean into whatever the day brings. Tom & Kirsten’s ceremony started beautifully, then the heavens opened. Most couples would have rushed for shelter, but these two? They kept right on with their vows, grinning from ear to ear as the rain poured down. To me, this photo is joy, commitment, and love in its purest form and I’m so glad the judges thought so too.
Bigger Than My Body – Silver in Portrait
This image was born from my International Women’s Day shoot, which was about celebrating bodies exactly as they are. “Bigger Than My Body” tells the story of how, when women are reduced to only their bodies, the world shrinks around them. But by photographing bodies unapologetically, without hiding or “flattering,” we reclaim power.
The evening this was captured was magical – warm, quiet, and full of laughter. We played with shapes and poses, and of course, finished with the traditional skinny dip! The judges resonated with the concept and rewarded it as my top-scoring image of the year.
Impressions – Silver in Wedding
This one was a happy accident! Sarah had stepped outside for her “first look” moment, and I spotted her through the villa window while I was setting up inside. The way her red hair glowed against the greenery, framed perfectly by the window, reminded me of an impressionist painting.
It’s these quiet, in-between moments that I love most about weddings. They aren’t staged or scripted; they’re just real, fleeting glimpses of beauty. For the judges to see the artistry in this image felt incredibly rewarding.
Why This Matters for My Clients
So, why should awards matter to you when you’re choosing a photographer? Quite simply, it’s about trust.
Commitment to craft: Entering Iris pushes me to constantly refine my skills.
Creativity and storytelling: Awarded images show I can capture not just how something looks, but how it feels.
Recognition by peers: My work has been judged and celebrated by leading photographers in New Zealand.
At the end of the day, I don’t shoot for the awards: I shoot for my clients. But it’s so wonderful and rewarding to have these photos recognised at a national level.
So, whether you’re planning your wedding, looking to celebrate yourself, or want to capture life’s milestones, you can book with confidence knowing that your story is in the hands of an award-winning photographer.