Celebrating a Big Week at the 2025 NZIPP IRIS Awards
Last week in Christchurch, I had the privilege of joining the best photographers in the country at the NZIPP IRIS Awards, New Zealand’s top celebration of photographic excellence. It’s always a humbling experience to put your work forward to be judged by peers you deeply respect, and this year was no exception.
I’m thrilled (and honestly, a bit blown away) to share that my entries received 2 Silver Distinctions, 5 Silvers, and 4 Bronzes across the Landscape, Landscape Creative, Portrait Creative, and Travel categories.
On top of that, I was honoured to be named a finalist for New Zealand Professional Travel Photographer of the Year 2025 award, alongside two outstanding photographers, Jackie Ranken and Roger Wandless. Jackie took home the award, and it was hugely inspiring to stand beside such talent in this field.
A huge thank you to my clients, supporters, family and fellow photographers who inspire me to keep pushing creatively, hugely appreciated!
Landscape Category, sponsored by Ilford
The intent of this category is to reward photographers for capturing landscapes that accurately reflect the scene, showcasing technical skill, creativity, and attention to the natural beauty of the environment. Entries should demonstrate an understanding of the landscape’s true essence, celebrating the photographer’s ability to faithfully represent the scene while maintaining artistic integrity.
Landscape Creative Category, sponsored by Rothbury Insurance Brokers
The intent of this category is to showcase landscapes that push creative boundaries, allowing photographers to experiment with techniques. The focus is on landscapes that evoke emotion, tell a story, or offer a fresh perspective on the natural world, encouraging bold and innovative interpretations of the landscape genre.
Portrait Creative Category, sponsored by CM Props & Backdrops
This category recognises portraits that push the boundaries of conventional photography. It encourages photographers to creatively express the essence of their subjects through inventive approaches, where artistic vision and storytelling take centre stage. There are no limitations on post-production techniques (except those outlined in the global rules and terms and conditions), allowing for full creative expression in capturing the subject’s character and portraying their narrative.
Travel Category, sponsored by Lakestone Lodge
The intent of the Travel Category is to capture the atmosphere, culture, and unique experiences of a destination or journey. Images should tell a story, showcasing the real and natural aspects of the location, whether through landscapes, people, or cultural elements. This category rewards work that expresses the photographer’s personal perspective and vision of the place or experience, revealing their unique viewpoint and style, inspiring a sense of adventure, exploration, and cultural appreciation. The goal is to showcase images that ignite curiosity and provide a deep connection to the destination, its people, and their way of life, offering a visual narrative that captures the soul of a place
I was honoured to be nominated as a New Zealand Professional Travel Photographer of the year 2025 finalist, along side legendary photographers’ Jackie Ranken and Roger Wandless. The award was presented at the annual NZIPP IRIS Awards Gala Dinner that was held in Christchurch. Unfortunately for myself (and Roger) it wasn’t meant to be this year, and Jackie deservedly took home the title. Many congratulations to Jackie for the win, and to Roger for being nominated with me.
Juan Gomez, Camden Canal, London. IRIS Silver Distinction Award
Eddie McFarlane, Belhaven Lobsters, Dunbar, Scotland. IRIS Silver Award.
Staithes, North Yorkshire, UK. IRIS Bronze Award.
