Iris Awards 2021

NZ IPP conference and Iris Awards, Nelson, 2021

A couple of weeks ago I got to head down to Nelson for the annual NZIPP conference and live judging of the Iris Awards.

I haven’t actually left the kids before, so I was feeling a little apprehensive heading off. It didn’t end up lasting very long, the idea of an entire hotel room to myself and 5 days full of photography outweighed any mom guilt I felt.

I had entered a few photos in the awards which made sitting in on the live judging in between my workshops so much more exciting. It was such an impressive learning experience. Images with a crazy level of creativity and skill in every genre you can think of.

The Iris Awards are for professional photographers and are judged by professional photographers, all at the top of their game. There is a fascinating beauty in the idea that these images are created purely for the artistry and skill of photography itself.

They are not being judged on their ability to sell products or please clients. This is purely about the art of photography in its most fundamental form. A panel of 5 photographers judges each image, each person with their own preferences, expertise and ideas of what makes an amazing image. There’s not much hope of sneaking any technical flaws passed those well-trained eyes.

Sometimes the judging was straightforward, each granting a similar grade. When there were differences of opinion however the discussion around the images was captivating. The reasons why some found an image to be at fault could be the exact reason another found it to be fabulous. It can be a subjective medium and there are so many nuances and intricacies to the techniques of the craft and the emotion that it sparks in the viewer.

Two of my images were straight up bronzes, I was buzzing. I got some lovely feedback, and I was over the moon.  The next two of Ciara and Ruairi ended up having a bit of discussion around them as there were differing opinions. There were a couple of factors in each image that let me down technically, I’m always happy to take on board this feedback as that is exactly how you learn to get better.

However, the judges’ comments on the characters of the kids and the emotional and memorable nature of the images made my heart soar. Their interpretation of the characteristics of these two complex little beings, all inferred in these split-second moments that I caught on camera did as much to solidify the importance I hold in this artform as all my years studying it so far. Each of these images got a silver award which I felt very humbled to have achieved.

The rest of the conference went by in a whirlwind of photography paradise. I was lucky enough to get a business review from an absolute business master, who helped me immensely. I met photography legends of every type and made some awesome friends who’s company made the week so special.

The underwater workshop was phenomenal, I was damn near moved to tears seeing and capturing such spectacular movement, an underwater model in an actual underwater photography studio.

The conference itself had a cleverly curated array of speakers, all aimed at helping us photography business owners better ourselves and our work. This education in communication, mental health, the practice of business was invaluable and the vision of humanitarianism through photography was inspiring. We had two full days packed to the brim with practical and actionable knowledge.

Obviously, I spent as much time as possible with a wine in my hand. Doing my best to re-enact every “Moms let loose” movie, this was an expected outcome of the week away!

What I hadn’t quite expected was such an inviting and inclusive atmosphere, a group of people who all come together every year to celebrate their love of this craft and this career. I was drawn into the fold the moment I stepped in the door, I went to Nelson with a conference ticket, and I came home with a community.  

My mind is already ticking with ideas for images to enter in next years awards.

Thank you to my beautiful client and friend Leah for allowing me to enter the picture of her and little Oakah.