Thanks to everyone who entered images in this year’s exhibition, and congratulations to those members who were successful. The full list of results are available here: 2025 Results
It’s been a while between posts!
An irregular post and shout out to members to inform and record on what’s been happening photography wise regarding some talented members success outside of the club activities, and other related stuff.
On the local front:
We have the Tuhura Otago Museum Photography Exhibition, which can still be viewed until 13th October and well worth a visit.
The exhibition features members:
Greta Wallace: overall winner in the Black & White division with a graceful Royal spoonbill in flight, and another wildlife image; Gary McClintock who earned a highly commended in the Botanical Section with his Grebes, and a number of other images.
Simon Parsons, Andy Smith and Graeme Atkinson also had images selected for display and Craig McKenzie features as a past Photographer of the Year. Craig’s images also feature periodically in the NZ National Geographic magazine, his most recent with images of the nesting Australasian crested grebes in Lake Wanaka.
Apologies if I have missed anyone.
At National level:
PSNZ: Gary McClintock Champion Nature Image: stumped the nation with his image depicting the Crested Grebe courtship.
NZ Amateur Photography Awards: Noelle Bennett: continues to wow us with her mastery gaining 6 silver ( 2 in top 25, & 4 in top 10) eight highly commended awards, with Jodelle Leatham attaining four highly commended awards.
Professional awards
We are very fortunate to have two professional photographers active in the club: Koshy Yohannon and Simone Jackson both who have distinguished themselves among their peers.
At the recent IRIS Awards (Professional photography awards for Australia and NZ run by NZIPP) Koshy received 10 awards- 9 bronze and 1 silver with some stunning nature images of: NR Albatross, NZ Dabchick, Wrybill, Yellow eyed penguin family, Buller’s Albatross.
Simone is best known as a wedding, and nature/wildlife photographer, as a judge at these awards, and also managed to pick up 3 golds and a bronze.
Her two most recent notable accolades include : 3 golds and a bronze; 2024- judged 7th in Top Ten Wedding Photographers- Photographic World Cup; 2023 Awarded Grand Master of Photography (only 21 NZers have been awarded this!).
Our congratulations to all.
If you are looking to view some of their work or some local inspiration, check out these links:
- Simone @simone_jackson_photography; @natures_studio; www.simonejacksonphotography.
- Koshy @igallopfree (Black Stallion Photography)
- Gary @spikernz
- Noelle https://www.noelbennettphotography.com
- Jodelle @jodellesphotography
- Craig @craigmckenzienz
Local exhibitions
Jodelle, and Greg Hughson exhibited some of their work separately at the Daily Coffee Co during the winter months.
Travel
We can look forward seeing images from several members (Graeme, Gary, Suzanne & Jodelle) who have travelled overseas recently featuring in our club competitions and exhibitions in the coming year.
New members
We welcome recent new members: Jörg Haase, Shannon Thomson, Josephine Leong & Alan Sew Hoy.
’24 DPS Big Trip
Fourteen members enjoyed a great 4-day weekend to Banks Peninsula recently based at the well-appointed Wainui Park Camp just across the harbour from Akaroa. There was a variety of photographic possibilities to suit all genres including: wildlife (dead & alive), birdlife, landscapes, seascapes, street, heritage and misc nature, plus the odd non photographic experience. It would be fair to say a successful and thoroughly enjoyable trip was had by all. Thanks Melanie.
Blog
I am hoping to revive this blog on our website, basically for those who do not use social media, and to record and inform the club membership of: new members; fellow member accomplishments/activities related to photography outside of the club. It will not be for repeating club email messages/notifications.
At this stage I envisage it will be compiled two or maybe three times a year.
So if you know of something that someone has done or participated in, have been involved in and deserves acknowledgement then please drop me a message at: cameracraft@dps.org.nz so I can include it in the next edition.
Feel free to blow your own trumpet! Comments (AND PHOTOS!) welcome.
Barbara Newton – Camera Craft Editor
PSNZ Liaison updates August 2023
From our trusty PSNZ Liaison, Judith:

Updates from the PSNZ Club Liaison councillor
August is a big month for PSNZ!
69th PSNZ National Convention
Registrations open for the National Convention.
Speakers include:
- Kris Anderson – Australia – commercial and fine art
- Simon Runting – New Zealand – birds and nature
- Rachel Gillespie – New Zealand – landscape and astro
- Birgit Krippner – New Zealand – low light and candid
- Annette Johnston FPSNZM – New Zealand – botanical and wide range of other genres
- Charles Brooks – New Zealand – macro, stacking, and astro
Pre-Convention field trips: Wainuiomata Beach; Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne; and Cable Car, Botanical Gardens, Lady Norwood Rose Gardens & Waterfront.
Where? Lower Hutt Events Centre
When? 22 – 22 October 2023
More information and registrations? National Convention
You don’t have to be a member of PSNZ to attend the National Convention.
PSNZ Sony National Exhibition
Entries open for the National Exhibition on 1st August and more importantly
Entries close on 30th August
Rules and entry forms are here: PSNZ Sony National Exhibition
All New Zealand residents can enter the National Exhibition
If you are entering prints remember to give your prints enough time to get to Tauranga!
PSNZ Sony National Interclub Salons
Entries close on 30th August
Wiltshire Cup Interclub Salon,
George Chance Landscape Interclub Salon,
Bledisloe Cup Interclub Salon,
Bowron Digital Landscape Interclub Salon
More information, including rules and entry forms: Interclub Salons
Creative Focus
The Creative Focus family is celebrating 10 Years of outstanding, imaginative and artful photography!
Our milestone birthday is in September this year, and we are going to be celebrating in style. We will be showcasing all the inspirational and successful images from this year’s competition, with an award-winning prize giving, at our local Arts and Cultural Centre, Pukekohe. Along with wine, cheese, music, banter, rosettes, certificates and trophies, there will also be a digital show of the colourful and imaginative winning images. The award-winning images from each section will also be printed and displayed in our exhibition.
September 23rd is the party date….come and enjoy the magical world from behind the lens.
Entries close: 6th August 2023
Information, rules, entries. Find it all at Creative Focus, Pukekohe Camera Club
PSNZ Accredited Judge Training Weekend
Anyone thinking of becoming a PSNZ accredited judge or wanting to know more about how images are assessed, there are still a couple of places left for the ‘in-person’ training in Cambridge (12-13 August 2023). Please be sure to get in quick to avoid disappointment.
Information and registration here: Judge Accreditation Panel and Programme
PSNZ Liaison updates July 2023
From our trusty PSNZ Liaison, Judith:
JULY UPDATES
Nelson National Triptych Salon 2023
Closes: 15th July

There is still time to create your unique triptych entry. You may submit up to six entries.
There are three special awards:
Best “The Meeting”
Best Work
Best Monochrome
Please visit Nelson Camera Club 2023 National Triptych Salon Information
National Photojournalism Competition
Closes: 31st July
Time again for the 32nd Annual New Zealand Photojournalism Competition. You are invited to present your best PJ images and compete for the prestigious Ted Walker Trophy (Sport and/or action) and Maree Turner Trophy (Street Photography and/or Social Commentary) section.
Entry is open to all New Zealand photographers and PSNZ members who reside outside of New Zealand.
Rules and entry forms: New Brighton Photographic Club website and submit your entry to nbpcpj@gmail.com before the closing date.
Remember the competition is open to anyone in New Zealand. Tell your friends and family and anyone you know that loves to take PJ style photos.
PSNZ Honours
Closing date: 31st July
A PSNZ Honours distinction is an internationally recognised award, confirming a level of photographic competence demonstrated through a portfolio presentation of a member’s work. There are three levels of distinctions – Licentiate, Associateship, and Fellowship. For the Licentiate level you do not have to be a member of PSNZ.
Submissions opened: 16th June
More information about Honours is on the PSNZ Website – Honours.
Nominations for Service Medals
Closing date: 31st July
Nominations for Service Medals need to be submitted to the Honours Board by 31st July.
PSNZ presents several Service Awards to members who have made a significant contribution to the Society. Members can be nominated for any of the following Service Awards:
An Honorary Fellowship is the highest service award granted by PSNZ. This is made to a member who has made unique contributions of significant importance to the Society.
An Honorary Life Membership is awarded for outstanding service to photography particularly through organisational work.
A PSNZ Service Medal is awarded for service alone, of an outstanding nature.
The Emma and William McPherson Award is made to a club or individuals who have helped to foster the interest of amateur photography over the previous 12 months.
Further information please go to the PSNZ Website – Service Awards
AUGUST CLOSING DATES
Creative Focus
Closing: 6th August
Creative Focus is celebrating 10 Years of outstanding, imaginative and artful photography!
Our milestone birthday is in September this year, and we are going to be celebrating in style. We will be showcasing all the inspirational and successful images from this year’s competition, with an award-winning prize giving, at our local Arts and Cultural Centre in Pukekohe. Along with wine, cheese, music, banter, rosettes, certificates and trophies, there will also be a digital show of the colourful and imaginative winning images. The award-winning images from each section will also be printed and displayed in our exhibition.
September 23rd is the party date … come and enjoy the magical world from behind the lens.
More information on the Creative Focus website
The National Interclub Salons Open
Close: 30th August
- Wiltshire Cup Interclub Salon,
- George Chance Landscape Interclub Salon,
- Bledisloe Cup Interclub Salon,
- Bowron Digital Landscape Interclub Salon.
All open on: 1st August
Details: Interclub Salons
69th National Convention and PSNZ Sony National Exhibition
20-22 October – Lower Hutt
Registrations for convention open: 1st August
National Exhibition entries open: 1st August and close: 30th August
Details: PSNZ National Convention and PSNZ Sony National Exhibition
Speakers were highlighted in last month’s update, this month it’s the pre-convention field trips:
Wainuiomata Beach
A special and spectacular place to visit. You quickly feel a sense of awe from the continually moving environment and nature all around you. The roar of thundering waves along a rugged rocky shore bounces off steep weathered hills rising high up out of the coastline. It’s name means the headland (rae) where the mountains come down (turaki) to the sea – and is home to some rare plants, seals wintering over and earthquake-raised beaches.
The reserve is also home to banded dotterels, caspian terns, and variable oystercatchers plus skinks and geckos. Wainuiomata
Zealandia
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary 500-year vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 225 hectare (500+ acre) ecosanctuary is a ground breaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years. Set around a picturesque reservoir, Zealandia is home to some of New Zealand’s most rare and extraordinary wildlife – all thriving wild in a world-first protected sanctuary. Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is about the most biodiversity-rich square mile of mainland New Zealand in terms of the species living wild here. Over forty different species of native birds have been recorded in our sanctuary valley, twenty-four of them endemic (found in no other country). Dozens of reptile species, hundreds of plant species and thousands of kinds of invertebrates have made Zealandia their home. Many of the animals and plants you will see at Zealandia are highly endangered, and some are practically extinct in areas not protected or managed like Zealandia. Zealandia
Cable Car Museum, Botanical Gardens, Lady Norwood Rose Gardens and Waterfront
Ride the cable car and alight at the Lady Norwood Rose Gardens station or travel to the top, enter the Cable Car Museum or walk a short distance to the top entrance of the Botanical Gardens. Wherever you want to start first. Admire the great views over the harbour from the Cable car or walk the waterfront first and soak in the atmosphere of Wellington before venturing up the Cable car. There are so many places to choose to have your lunch. Nothing can beat Wellington on a great day. Wellington Gardens and Wellington Cable Car
PSNZ is now on Instagram
Keep on eye on activities and see some amazing images by following: “PhotographicSocietyofNZ”
Scan the QR code and open the PSNZ Instagram page.
Look out for the public Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/PSNZgroup/members/. If you or anyone you know is interested in knowing more about or joining the Photographic Society of New Zealand, you’ll find a lot of information on the public Facebook page or on the PSNZ website.
Coming soon: the 50th Dunedin Festival of Photography exhibition!
From 4 – 11 June 2023, at the Dunedin Community Gallery, 26 Princes St, Dunedin.

Updates for PSNZ and affiliated clubs competitions
From Judith:
April
Dunedin Festival of Photography – 50th Anniversary Exhibition
Our very own national competition. The 50th Anniversary Exhibition invites print and projected images in open, nature, monochrome and portraiture categories. Come and join the hundreds of photographers who have participated in this exhibition since its inception in 1968.
Entries close: 16th April 2023.
Details: Dunedin Festival of Photography

Jack Sprosen Audio-Visual competition
Closes: 22nd April 2023.
Enter: Jack Spronsen AV on the PSNZ website.
Whanganui Salon – Humanity and Earth
A new category next year is Aotearoa New Zealand Heritage for images that are iconic and recognisably Kiwi. In addition, the Salon retains the previous categories Humanity and the Natural World and Living in a Changing World. The Whanganui Salon is a bit different to other salons seeking images which illustrate the relationship between humanity and the planet we live on.
Closes: 23rd April 2023.
Details: Whanganui Salon.
May
Māwhera National Salon of Photography
Opens: 1st May 2023. Closes: 31st May 2023.
Information and Rules: Māwhera National Salon of Photography
North Island Regional Convention and North Island Regional Salon
Date: May 6th & 7th
Venue: The Barge Event Centre, Whangarei
Registrations are OPEN
Registration fee is $230 per person for everyone
Registrations and Salon entries can be found at the: North Island Regional Convention website
June
Nelson National Triptych Salon 2023
Opens: 15th June 2023. Closes: 15th July 2023.
More information and rules: Nelson National Triptych

August
The National Interclub Salons
- The Wiltshire Interclub Cup;
- The George Chance Landscape Interclub Salon;
- The Bledisloe Cup Interclub Salon; and
- The Bowron Digital Landscape Salon
all open 1st August 2023 and close: 30 th August 2023.
Details: Interclub Salons
Coming up at DPS
From our trusty Secretary, Judith:
Coming up at DPS
March
25th March, 11:59pm
DPS Projected Image Exhibition entries close at 11:59pm on 25th March
Open and Nature Sections. Up to 6 images in each section. Check the Society Rules and Bylaws (revised Aug 2021).
Enter at DPS Online Submission Form
25th March, starting at 1pm
NatMAT hosted field trip to Kaikorai Stream
Meet by the bridge on Donald Steet, Kaikorai Valley.
Stream walk. Light industrial area. Saturday morning car shoppers.
27th March
Meeting at Mornington Church Hall.
- 7:15pm Prints for Print of the Month due on the table. Theme: Open.
- 7:30pm Meeting.
- Print of the Month
- “What makes an image good?” a DPS panel.
- Kaikorai Stream field trip images
April
1st April Dunedin Festival of Photography – 50th Anniversary Exhibition entries OPEN
Our very own national competition. The 50th Anniversary Exhibition invites print and projected images in open, nature, monochrome and portraiture categories. Come and join the hundreds of photographers who have participated in this exhibition since its inception in 1968.
Opens: 1st April 2023. Closes: 16th April 2023.
Details: Dunedin Festival of Photography
3rd April, 7:30pm
ViewFinder
Online meeting in the DPS Zoom Room
Check her for Zoom tips to register.
16th April Dunedin Festival of Photography – 50th Anniversary Exhibition entries CLOSE
Entries Close on 16th April 2023.
Details: Dunedin Festival of Photography
PSNZ Liaison Report – April 2023
From our trusty PSNZ Liaison Officer, Judith:
Updates for PSNZ and affiliated clubs competitions.
March
South Island Regional Convention and South Island Regional Salon
Date: April 8th & 9th
Venue: Lincoln University, Lincoln
Registrations are CLOSE on March 24
Registration fee is $230 per person for everyone
Registrations and Salon entries can be found at the: South Island Regional Convention website
North Island Regional Convention and North Island Regional Salon
Date: May 6th & 7th
Venue: The Barge Event Centre, Whangarei
Registrations are OPEN
Registration fee is $230 per person for everyone
Registrations and Salon entries can be found at the: North Island Regional Convention website
Jack Sprosen Audio-Visual competition
Opens: 22nd March 2023. Closes: 22nd April 2023. Enter: Jack Spronsen AV on the PSNZ website.Whanganui Salon – Humanity and Earth
A new category next year is Aotearoa New Zealand Heritage for images that are iconic and recognisably Kiwi. In addition, the Salon retains the previous categories Humanity and the Natural World and Living in a Changing World. The Whanganui Salon is a bit different to other salons seeking images which illustrate the relationship between humanity and the planet we live on.
Opens: 29th March 2023.
Details: Whanganui Salon.
April
Dunedin Festival of Photography – 50th Anniversary Exhibition
Our very own national competition. The 50th Anniversary Exhibition invites print and projected images in open, nature, monochrome and portraiture categories. Come and join the hundreds of photographers who have participated in this exhibition since its inception in 1968.
Opens: 1st April 2023. Closes: 16th April 2023.
Details: Dunedin Festival of Photography
Taupo Camera Club Print Workshop
One-day printing workshop with Rachel Smith and Chris Helliwell in Taupo.
Saturday 1st April
Email: Taupo Camera Club to register.
May
Māwhera National Salon of Photography
Opens: 1st May 2023. Closes: 31st May 2023.
Details: Māwhera National Salon of Photography
August
The National Interclub Salons
- The Wiltshire Interclub Cup;
- The George Chance Landscape Interclub Salon;
- The Bledisloe Cup Interclub Salon; and
- The Bowron Digital Landscape Salon
Details: Interclub Salons
The 50th Dunedin Festival of Photography is coming!
We’re really excited to be presenting the 50th Festival of Photography this year! On 1 April, entries will open, and the Dunedin Photographic Society invites you to join the hundreds, if not thousands, of photographers who have participated in this exhibition since its inception in 1968.
This year, there will once again be both print and projected image sections, with Open, Natural History, Monochrome and Portraiture categories in both – plenty of options to cover all the photographic bases. Selected images will be curated into an exhibition that will be shown at the Dunedin Community Gallery from 3 – 11 June.
For more info and to enter from 1 – 16 April, go here – and good luck! With your help, we’re looking forward to producing an exhibiton to be proud of!

PSNZ Liaison Report – March 2023
From our trusty PSNZ Liaison Officer, Judith:
Updates for PSNZ and affiliated clubs competitions.
February
South Island Regional Convention and South Island Regional Salon
Date: April 8th & 9th
Venue: Lincoln University, Lincoln
Registrations are open
Registration fee is $230 per person for everyone
Registrations and Salon entries can be found at the: South Island Regional Convention website
Canon Online Round 1
Closes: 25<supth February.
PSNZ members only. Enter in Member Area of PSNZ, at: Canon Online Submission.
March
North Island Regional Convention and North Island Regional Salon
Date: May 6th & 7th
Venue: The Barge Event Centre, Whangarei
Registrations will open for this event on March 10th
Registration fee is $230 per person for everyone
Registrations and Salon entries can be found at the: North Island Regional Convention website
Jack Sprosen Audio-Visual competition
Opens: 22nd March 2023. Closes: 22nd April 2023. Enter: Jack Spronsen AV on the PSNZ website.Whanganui Salon – Humanity and Earth
A new category next year is Aotearoa New Zealand Heritage for images that are iconic and recognisably Kiwi. In addition, the Salon retains the previous categories Humanity and the Natural World and Living in a Changing World. The Whanganui Salon is a bit different to other salons seeking images which illustrate the relationship between humanity and the planet we live on.
Opens: 29th March 2023.
Details: Whanganui Salon.
April
Dunedin Festival of Photography – 50th Anniversary Exhibition
Opens: 1st April 2023. Closes: 16th April 2023.
Details: Dunedin Festival of Photography
May
Māwhera National Salon of Photography
Opens: 1st May 2023. Closes: 31st May 2023.
Details: Māwhera National Salon of Photography
August
The National Interclub Salons
The Wiltshire Interclub Cup; the George Chance Landscape Interclub Salon; the Bledisloe Cup Interclub Salon; and the Bowron Digital Landscape Salon all open 1st August 2023 and close: 30 th August 2023.
Details: Interclub Salons