14/08/2026
Wow - what an incredible week we had in New Zealand for the NZIPP - the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography Iris Awards and Photo Show! It was so wonderful to catch up with everyone - we definitely felt the love! We spent three days judging, and during that time (while we were in different rooms), 22 of our prints were judged too. We're absolutely over-the-moon with our results!! Then we both stood on stage (twice) over the next two days to share some thoughts about photography (and life) which was really special.
The big news is that Matt achieved his Grand Master distinction (whoo hoo!!!) and received four Gold Awards on his way to winning Australian Travel Photographer of the Year.... and OVERALL AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR!! You'd better believe that I (Mieke) leapt out of my chair and was jumping up and down with excitement, even though I would've also been thrilled if either of the other two Finalists (Belinda Richards and Adam Hourigan) had've been named, as they're both such awesome people and mind-blowingly amazing photographers!
I (Mieke) received 7 Silver Distinction awards and 4 Silver Awards for my entries (which was awesome!!) and I was absolutely thrilled that all 22 of our prints ended up with Awards! I didn't receive a Gold award this year, so I was very very surprised when I was named a Finalist in the Landscape category, and even more stunned when they read out my name at the Gala Dinner as the winner! The other Finalists were our good friend Chris Saunders and Julie Kenny and their work is so stunning, so I definitely didn't think it was going to be me. I'm both amazed and humbled. It was a crazy night!
We'd like to say a HUGE thank you to the overall sponsor of the Iris Awards - Canon New Zealand - and the sponsors of our categories - Ilford Imaging, CRK NZ Photo and Canon New Zealand!! The Iris Awards couldn't happen without their generous support, and we are so very grateful for this annual event!
And finally, thank you so much to the NZIPP - the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography. The amount of work that goes into it is absolutely insane, and much of the work is voluntary, and done with generosity and care for a greater good. From print handlers to tech support, the Board and the Honours Committee, the Panel Chairs, judges and assistants - everyone just steps up. You just don't see much of that these days. It is a remarkable organisation, and I'm so proud to be part of it!
THANK YOU NZIPP!
And thank you to all of you who have supported us along the way - whether you popped in and had a chat about our work, bought a calendar, or bought a large piece of artwork for your walls: it means that we can do what we love. And for that, you have our eternal gratitude!!!