Photographic Society of New Zealand

Creative Portraits by Tracey Scott
2025-11-14 15:00 - 2025-11-16 16:30 (Pacific/Auckland)
Capture Enhance Transform

Tracey Scott is a Fellow of the Photographic Society of New Zealand, an Associate of the Federation of International Art Photographers and a Grand Master of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers.

An accredited PSNZ Judge and a NZIPP Judge, she has 6 years’ experience on the PSNZ Honor’s Council and 7 years’ experience on the NZIPP Honor’s Board.

Alongside her Diploma in Fine Arts and her Diploma in Professional Photography Tracey brings 38 years of experience as a full-time photographer.

As a multi-Award-winning Photographer Tracey can bring a wealth of knowledge to this workshop.

In this workshop you will receive valuable lessons on

Modelling, lighting, composition and many in camera techniques combined with Photoshop techniques to unleash your creativity and enable you to find ways to express your true vision through your photography.

The use of natural light and how to make use of locations within an historic villa that deliver your creative vision.

And the potential for introducing additional dimensions through the use of fabrics or other props to create compelling visual effects and how they can enhance the visual story

The workshop will be held at Tracey’s beautiful villa in Rotorua which offers exceptional locations and props for a model shoot.

We will begin at 3.00 pm Friday 14th November at the villa with an introduction, equipment check and a tour of the property. On Saturday we will start at 9.00 am to introduce the models, discuss posing, lighting, backdrops, props, composition and ways of shooting to get variations of effects followed by the model shoots. On Saturday evening there will be a pay yourself dinner. Sunday, from 9.00am to 4.30 pm will be devoted to processing your images under guidance.

Tea and coffee are included but meals and accommodation are not included. There are food, snacks and coffee nearby, however. Please bring your lunch and snacks both days.

Maximum Numbers: 12

Okarito Bird Photography with Leanne Buchan
2025-11-21 16:00 - 2025-11-23 18:00
Join Leanne Buchan at Ōkārito during nesting season to photograph the rare and beautiful Kōtuku and their chicks. The timing has been selected so that the chicks should be big enough to see in the nest.

Leanne is a passionate bird photographer and owner of “Feather in Your Capture”. She loves to share her learnings and assist others to capture some of Aotearoa’s amazing birdlife.

The workshop includes a tour of the Ōkārito Lagoon and a tour of the White Heron Sanctuary. Both tours are dedicated to our group and will only have 8 people per tour to provide us with ample space for big lenses. (The public group sizes are larger and valued at $265 pp)

Ōkārito Eco Tour – experience the unique diversity of New Zealand’s largest wetland aboard the Explorer Douglas which was custom built for the lagoon. Journey through breath-taking landscapes with views of the Southern Alps tallest peaks, glaciers, ancient Kahikatea forest, wetland, ocean and everything in between. Discover and learn about the unique eco system and keep your eyes peeled for the abundance of wildlife that call this place home!

The White Heron Sanctuary tour includes an informative minibus ride from Whataroa through lush South Westland farmland into the remote Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. Entry into the Nature Reserve is permitted through DOC and is only possible on a guided tour.

In the reserve there is a short walk through ancient Kahikatea rainforest to a purpose built viewing hide to observe the magnificent Kotuku, White Heron, in their natural nesting environment. Kotuku Ngutu Papa, the Royal Spoonbill and Kawapaka, the Little Shag also nest in this special area and all can be seen easily from the hide. The preserved rainforest and its surrounds is also home to a great array of other birdlife including, Tui, Bellbird, Wood Pigeon, Fantail, Tomtit, Silver Eye and Grey Warbler.

The workshop will start at 4pm on Friday 21th November and conclude around 4pm on Sunday 23rd November. (Attendees are encouraged to stay longer in this amazing location, those that did after the 2024 workshop had no regrets).

We will be based in the historic Donovan’s Store in Ōkārito where we will come together for evening meals (included in the workshop fee), presentations and editing sessions (if wet). (Donovan’s Store is a much photographed icon as it is the oldest known building on the West Coast). We will split into 2 groups for the tours and the and the bush walks.

There will be an optional sunrise shoot each morning at the lagoon and on Friday and Saturday night after dinner (weather permitting) we will all head to the beach for sunset shoots.

The workshop will finish up on Sunday at approximately 6pm.

Attendees need to book their own accommodation close to Ōkārito; (recommendations will be emailed to those that register); and provide their own breakfasts and lunches. There is one café in Whataroa, The Lonely Stag.

A zoom lens between 400 and 600mm is recommended for this workshop. You will also need a medium level of fitness as some walking on tracks and beaches will occur.

Once you have registered and paid, you will receive more in depth information on the schedule as well as a recommended gear sheet.

Workshop is limited to 13 people

The Magic of Golden Bay with Meghan Maloney
2026-03-06 17:00 - 2026-03-08 12:00
Escape to one of New Zealand’s most magical regions for an immersive photography experience with acclaimed landscape photographer Meghan Maloney.

This exclusive, hands-on workshop is designed to elevate your skills while exploring Golden Bay’s most breathtaking locations — from ethereal forest springs to dramatic coastal vistas.

Whether you’re a newer photographer or already confident behind the camera, Meghan will guide you through composition, light, and creative techniques that will transform the way you capture landscapes.

Workshop HighlightsCapture the beauty of Golden Bay at its best, including:

Riwaka Resurgence

Wharariki Beach – Sunset & Sunrise

Salisbury Falls

Tata Beach – Sunset

Collingwood Beach – Sunrise

A medium level of fitness is required — expect some walking on uneven terrain and a 30-minute section of soft, sloping sand.

Details & Inclusions

Workshop fee: $400

Meals: A mix of cafes, takeaways, and restaurants (pay as you go)

Accommodation: Please book your stay in Collingwood

Transport:

> A Nelson Airport pickup at 10am is available for up to 9 participants> There is at least one direct flight from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch that arrives before 10am> If travelling independently, meet the group at Riwaka Resurgence at 11am> Drive time Nelson → Riwaka is approx. 2 hours 15 minutes> Transport to the various shoot locations will be provided

The workshop concludes at 12pm on Sunday. Those who arrived via the airport shuttle will have a return transfer. Please book outgoing flights after 3.30pm.

Once registered and paid, you’ll receive a full schedule, location details, and a recommended gear guide.

Group Size & Extra Vehicle Needed

Workshop limited to 12 participants

A van will be used for group transport

We also need one additional attendee vehicle to assist with travel to locations

If you can help, please advise Nel after registering (a $100 petrol voucher will be provided)

Register NowLog into the Member’s Area to secure your place in this unforgettable Golden Bay photography adventure.

FujiFilm GFX Mastserclass
2026-03-14 10:00 - 14:30
Join us for a unique opportunity to step into a full-scale studio production featuring top of the industry creatives and equipment.

Fujifilm NZ, in collaboration with Radlab — one of New Zealand’s leading creative agencies specialising in photography, video production, event coverage and brand campaigns invites you inside to join in on a full-scale studio production built to true commercial standards.

Hosted at White Studios, Auckland’s premier studio facility, you’ll step into a live, structured production environment featuring professional lighting, stylist, hair and makeup, assistants, talent, and agency-led creative direction.

As medium format continues to gain momentum in commercial and fashion spaces globally, this session offers a rare opportunity to see how Fujifilm’s GFX system performs in environments where image quality, workflow, and client expectations are uncompromising.

Rather than multiple short sessions, we will build and run two complete studio sets, allowing you to observe, understand and step into the workflow professionals operate within.

You’ll gain insight into:

• How Fujifilm’s GFX system performs in demanding studio and commercial environments

• Medium format depth, tonal precision and detail on set

• Professional lighting design and production pacing

• Real collaboration between the director, photographer, gaffer, stylest and crew

• How GFX files hold up in post-production

• Learn about film and production working with Medium format and Fujifilm X systems.

As part of the session, you will have the opportunity to learn insight into how GFX files perform in real commercial post workflows, from skin detail and colour grading to flexibility in retouching. You’ll see first-hand why medium format files are considered a dream to work with.

Attendees will have the opportunity to handle and shoot with the gear during the session. Each ticket includes a 32GB memory stick so you can take home the images and video content captured on the day.

A complimentary hot drink is included.

Whether you are stepping into commercial work or already operating within it, this is an opportunity to experience a professional production from the inside and understand what defines industry-level execution.

Spaces are limited!

Black and White: The Timeless Aesthetic with Peter Rees
2026-03-20 14:00 - 2026-03-22 15:00
On this course we are going to explore the Karangahake Gorge, in all its glory, through black and white photography. Why black and white? Well there are many reasons but from my teaching perspective the art of picture-making has a clarity and almost surreal power when it comes to dealing with the formal elements of light, form, tone, and composition in the absence of colour. We will look at the way removing colour can provide an artistic freedom in conveying mood through layering, tone, texture and dramatic light.

During the post processing sessions, I will reveal ways of using ‘pools of light’ to further enhance the creative and dramatic possibilities of your images. On how to enhance depth in images through the manipulation of light, contrast and texture. I say this obvious fact so often, the light at the end of the tunnel doesn’t exist without the darkness of the tunnel itself. The dramatic effect of a simple pathway or track can be made so much more powerful when you start to apply some basic tonal dynamics to enhance your images. These techniques we will explore in some depth.

With black and white photography you are almost transported to another visual world. We will consider its timeless power and how it will also feed back into all aspects of improving your visual awareness and broader range of photographic skills.

The workshop will be led by Peter Rees. For nearly 40 years he has been engaged in fine art as a painter and photographer, with more than 20 exhibitions and vast experience teaching and leading workshops. He brings a painter’s eye to photography and will offer fresh perspectives on how to render the world around us.

The Workshop is based at the Pedlars Motel in Paeroa where accommodation (twin share) is provided. It will commence at 2.00 pm on Friday 20 March and finish at approximately 3.00 pm on Sunday 22 March. This is very close to our key locations in the Karangahake Gorge.

Health and Safety: We will be accessing the tracks in the Karangahake Gorge area. These are relatively level and well formed with some steps where the tracks change level. No long walks are involved. There is a swing bridge from the main car park at the Gorge to the river and tracks. The access way to the Owharoa Falls could be slippery after wet weather.

Small Print: Accommodation provided is twin share, two per room, segregated sexes. All meals, snacks and water are to your account. We will have a pay your own way dinner on Saturday night and will facilitate a joint dinner on Friday night.

Maximum: 12 participants

Do You See What I See? with Noelle Bennett
2026-03-20 16:00 - 2026-03-22 15:00
Have you ever wondered just how much single elements in your images influence the impact of the complete work? If an element is seen as dynamic and a colour as positive, does it follow that your whole image will be dynamic and positive? And why is it that some people just don’t see your images the same way you do? Why can’t they seem to see what you see?

If you have ever wondered about any of the above and now I’ve piqued your interest, then please come and join me for a weekend of interesting discoveries and discussions combined with lots of photography which I hope will ultimately lead to you understanding the why.

This workshop is not genre-specific – in fact the more varied people’s genre preferences are, the more interesting the weekend will be. The focus of the sessions will be intriguing discoveries and fun, by virtue of your participation.

Originally Noelle Bennett trained and worked as a classical musician, a career that spanned about 15 years which she credits with having a huge influence on her approach to photography even though it would be many years before she first picked up a camera.

A Fellow of the Photographic Society of New Zealand, her work has been recognised on both national and international stages. Noelle describes herself as a nature lover who makes photographs. She sees her camera as both her paint brush and her canvas, granting her the luxury of self-expression that is also heavily influenced by music. Her hope is that she may help people begin to see that even the most mundane subject matter can be both fascinating and beautiful.

Who should attend?This workshop will be perfect for anybody who enjoys photography of any type irrespective of how experienced they may be. What is most important is an open and enquiring mind.

ScheduleThe workshop will be held at the Whanganui Camera Club, 2 Handley St, Gonville, Whanganui and starts at 4pm on Friday 20 th March with introductions and a short general discussion about the next two days. After dinner we will resume at 7.30 for an inspirational presentation ofNoelle’s work. Then sessions will run from 9am to 4.30pm on Saturday and from 9am to 3.00pm on Sunday. During this time we will look at:

our individual perceptions of art

what criteria are most important to each of us when viewing images – criteria such as uniqueness, points of difference, technique and technical ability, story-telling etc – and what difference, if any, those preferences make

crafting stories through photography; trying to establish how it’s done and whether all images do actually tell stories

what influences how we create our images.

Time for play and exploration will happen via photographic challenges which will take place at various points throughout the course of the workshop. Each challenge will last for about an hour. There will be time allocated for post-processing your favourite image(s) from those challenges. All the images will be shared with the group as the grand finale to the weekend.

This workshop will be limited to 12 people.

Translating Video for Photographers - Thomas Busby
2026-03-27 16:00 - 2026-03-29 12:00
Unlock the full potential of your camera and confidently step into the world of videography. If you’ve ever suspected your camera can do far more than you’re using it for—especially when it comes to video—this workshop is designed for you.

Who This Workshop Is ForPhotographers who already understand the fundamentals of manual shooting (shutter speed, aperture, ISO) and want to convert that knowledge into creating beautiful, engaging video. You’ll learn how to produce personal video art pieces as well as professional marketing content for any business. We’ll also cover the essentials of editing and exporting your work so you can confidently share your creations with the world.

Your Instructor: Thomas BusbyWith 22 years of professional image-making experience, Thomas Busby brings a wealth of real-world knowledge from both photography and film. His credentials include:

NZIPP Landscape Photographer of the Year (2016)

Work on feature films

A long career fusing photography and videography in a clear, practical, non-technical teaching style

Thomas excels at helping photographers translate their existing skills directly into video.

What You’ll LearnBased in beautiful Ohakune, the workshop includes:

Translating photography principles into videography

Hands-on filming sessions

Lighting, audio, and editing fundamentals

Creating your own finished video project

What to Bring

A camera with video capability and at least one lens around 18–55mm

A laptop (under 6 years old) with 16GB RAM or more and at least 100GB free storage

DaVinci Resolve (free) downloaded prior to arrival

A tripod

Workshop Details

Fee: $550 – Own room in a 2 room chalet (same sex) | $495 – Own room in a 3 room chalet (same sex)

Includes:

2 nights accommodation at Rocky Mountain Chalets (To review accommodation and facilities click the link here)

Food – BYO Breakfasts; other meals will be pay as you go at local restaurants and cafes.

Dates: Friday 27 March (start 4pm) – Sunday 29 March (finish around 12pm)

Location: Ohakune

Fitness: Moderate (some walking on tracks involved)

Capacity: Limited to 12 participants

Once registered and paid, you’ll receive a detailed schedule and a recommended gear list.Log into the Member’s Area to register.

FujiFilm Workshop: Street Photography @ Cuba Dupa
2026-03-28 08:00 - 2026-03-29 17:00
Join us for a unique opportunity to improve your street photography skills at Wellington’s most iconic arts festival.

FUJIFILM Workshop | Street Photography at CubaDupa

Join our immersive Street Photography Workshop at Wellington’s most iconic arts festival. This hands-on experience is designed to fast-track your observational skills and boost your confidence in approaching and photographing strangers.

Key Outcomes:

Master the fundamentals: learn and practice essential techniques in composition, framing, and the use of angles to create compelling street photographs.

Build confidence in public spaces: gain practical experience in engaging with people and capturing moments in dynamic environments.

Develop your unique style: Receive constructive feedback from a pro to help you improve your photography. Bring your own camera or trial Fujifilm’s extensive range of cameras and lenses.

Network with fellow enthusiasts: Fujifilm events are welcoming and inclusive. Connect with a group of like-minded photographers and have fun as you learn.

CubaDupa is held over Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March. Tickets can be purchased for a single day or both.

Composites Masterclass by Helen McLeod
2026-03-28 09:00 - 2026-03-29 15:00
Creating believable and seamless photo composites in Photoshop is a complex skill, and many common faults can break the illusion. This workshop is intended for people that have used Photoshop to create composites already but want to improve their technique with the use of:

Consistent lighting and temperature across components

Matching shadows (tone, direction and diffusion)

Perspective (consistent vanishing points, relative scale and depth)

Managing cut-outs

Consistent colour grading, grain and sharpness between components

Authentic lighting of foreground elements with respect to the background

This workshop will be run by Helen McLeod, a Fellow of the Photographic Society of New Zealand, an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society holding a Gold Portfolio Distinction with the Photographic Society of America. She has been tutoring photography for many years in tertiary institutions and runs six Landscape workshops annually in central Otago. Her personal work is principally in creative composites where she has won many awards

The workshop will be held in Taupo (Vintage Car Club Rooms)

Day One will be primarily a teaching day; and

Day Two will focus on critiquing examples of participant’s work and suggestions for improvement.

The fee includes all tuition but not meals and accommodation. We will meet on Saturday night for a pay your own way dinner at a local restaurant. During the weekend there is a very good café open close by.

Creating Images with Impact with Tom Ang
2026-04-11 09:00 - 16:00
Tom Ang says the composition of an image is seldom sufficient in itself to guarantee that your work is remarkable. This workshop will focus on elements that create images with impact helping you make more expressive and winning photographs.

We all want to create images that delight the eye and captivate imagination. In this workshop let’s learn how! Note: this workshop is genre agnostic!

What we will cover

Through clear examples, lively discussion, and plenty of visual inspiration from the greats, you’ll learn how to:

Handle the tools of framing, perspective, and flow

Recognize and use visual structure effectively

Balance elements for stronger images

Free yourself from rules and formulae

Apply your instinct for aesthetics with flexibly and creativity

Grow confident with your own personal preferences and personality style

Produce images that stand out and win competitions

We’ll break down each “top ten” idea into practical steps you can use right away—whether you shoot landscapes, portraits, street, or travel photography.

The day will comprise an inspirational presentation by Tom, group analysis of winning images and some photography during the day shared with the group

Tom received the Hamdan International Photography Award (HIPA) Content Creator Award in 2019 and the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jinan International Photography Biennial. He has worked many roles in photography at top levels. His photography has been exhibited internationally and is widely known through over 40 photography books he’s written.He has also judged some the world’s top photo competitions (he was one of the founding judges of the Sony World Photography Awards) … Tom has been around the block a few times.

The workshop will be held at the Gallery Room Eden Gardens 24 Omana Ave, Epsom, Auckland 9.00 am – 4.00 pm.

Judging Specialisation Session (Nature) - Geoff Beals APSNZ
2026-04-19 15:00 - 16:30
This is one of three special sessions intended for PSNZ Accredited and Trainee Judges this year.

Sunday, 19 April – Nature Specialisation led by Geoff Beals (APSNZ)

Sunday, 26 July – Photojournalism / Street Specialisation led by David Smith FPSNZ

Sunday, 11 October – Creative / ICM Specialisation led by Judy Stokes APSNZ

Please contact Neil Gordon of the Judge Accreditation Team to register your interest.

PSNZ AGM
2026-05-08 15:45 - 17:00

Mushroom Macro Masterclass
2026-06-05 15:00 - 2026-06-07 13:00
This workshop is designed for occasional macro photographers who really want to lift their game to the next level. It will be a practical workshop.

Topics covered will be:

Gear

Focus brackets and stacking using Helicon (essential for superb mushroom images) including tabletop practise

Prepping mushrooms for photography

Lighting

Photoshoots in the beautiful bush around St Arnaud over the weekend.

Rebecca Bowater is a botanist and wildlife photographer based in Nelson and author or several books including “New Zealand Fungi.” Jo Southgate is a very talented mushroom photographer based in Blenheim. Both are very familiar with the St Arnaud area and look forward to sharing their knowledge and experience with you.

The workshop will begin at 3.00pm on 5th June at the Rotoiti Outdoor Education Centre, St Annaud and end after the second field trip midafternoon on Sunday.

Accommodation is provided on a shared basis (segregated) but there will be ample room to spread out as the centre offers eight rooms that can accommodate 66 persons in total. Typically we will have two per room. There is one male bathroom and one female bathroom. If you wish you can make your own arrangements but we regret we cannot offer a discount on the room cost if you do.

Small Print

Meals, drinks and snacks are not included in the price. You will need to bring your camera, a macro lens, tripod and your laptop with Helicon installed (you can download a free version that works for 30 days). Please also bring all toiletries such as shower soap etc.

Judge Training Weekend | via Zoom
2026-06-13 09:30 - 2026-06-14 17:00
This is an opportunity to participate and see what the process is for gaining accreditation as well as what the judges are looking for when they assess salon images. You will gain an insight into what is involved, how to view images, critique and communicate the results to the photographer.

There will be a judge training weekend held over Zoom on 13 and 14 June 2026. This was originally planned as an in-person event in Nelson, but is now running over Zoom, to make sure more people can attend without having to worry about travel uncertainties and costs in the current world situation.

This is an opportunity to participate and see what the process is for gaining accreditation as well as what the judges are looking for when they assess salon images. You will gain an insight into what is involved, how to view images, critique and communicate the results to the photographer.

The sessions will run from a 9:45 am sign into Zoom (for a formal 10:00 am start) to about 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The training will be led by Neil Gordon APSNZ and Judy Stokes APSNZ.

We very much appreciate the support of Leica NZ for the Judge Training Programme.

The cost is $50 for financial PSNZ Members, and $75 for those who are not PSNZ Members but do belong to an affiliated club. It is also free (yes, $0) for any existing PSNZ accredited judges who want to have a refresher, provided there is enough room.

Registrations are now open, with participants limited to 20.

Creative Stations with Gail Stent
2026-06-20 09:00 - 2026-06-21 15:00
Explore, Experiment, Express

Step into a weekend of pure photographic play! This immersive 2-day workshop invites you to rotate through a series of themed creative shooting stations, each designed to spark fresh ideas, awaken your artistic eye, and push your image-making into exciting new territory. Whether you’re craving inspiration, wanting to try new in-camera techniques, or looking to break out of a creative rut, this workshop blends experimentation, guidance, and plenty of opportunity to create unique, expressive images. Every station offers a fresh challenge and a chance to make imagery that feels bold, expressive, and uniquely yours. You’ll receive guided instruction at each station, time to shoot and explore, and group sharing to reflect on discoveries. Perfect for photographers wanting to find inspiration, try new techniques, and build confidence in their creative voice. Join us for a fun, supportive environment where you’ll explore, collaborate, and leave with a refreshed sense of creative momentum.

About GailGail is a Fellow of the Photographic Society of New Zealand and currently on the PSNZ Honours board. She has been tutoring photography since 2016 and also leads New Zealand Photography Workshops. Gail also tutors photography privately, as well as Photoshop and Lightroom post processing. Her personal work covers a variety of genres, her favourite genres are composites and creative work, macro and closeups, sport, wildlife and underwater portraits.

Details & Inclusions

Where: Tauranga Photographic Society’s club rooms. 177 Elizabeth Street.

Workshop fee: $200, the workshop is limited to 12 attendees

Meals: Tea, Coffee and Biscuits provided. BYO lunch both days

The workshop will start at 9am on Saturday and conclude at 3pm on Sunday. On Saturday evening you’re invited to an optional get together dinner (pay your own way) at a local restaurant.

Once registered and paid, you’ll receive a full schedule, location details, and a recommended gear guide.

Judging Specialisation Session (PJ/Street) - David Smith FPSNZ
2026-07-26 15:00 - 16:30

2026 New Zealand Landscape Salon
2026-08-14 08:00 - 2026-09-07 17:00
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” M. Proust

The New Zealand Landscape Salon is one of New Zealand’s most popular inter-club competitions. Running for over 25 years, photographers all over the country have shared their images of iconic and less known locations around New Zealand. They have awed and challenged judges with their interpretation of a scene and introduced creative approaches to help convey that magic moment of being connected with and feeling part of the landscape.

The salon is hosted annually by the Christchurch Photographic Society and started as a salon honouring its former member, Laurie Thomas, who was a passionate landscape photographer. His drive to travel and capture the beauty of New Zealand is now his legacy and our inspiration. Entrants are encouraged to be creative and champion the scene that made them stop, think and feel.

Join us in celebrating the New Zealand Landscape by entering your images in the 29 th New Zealand Landscape Salon. Entries for this digital competition will be open from August 14 to September 7, 2026.

The winner of the champion image will receive, to keep, a Laurie Thomas Trophy titled “Wind and Water” symbolising the essence of New Zealand landscape. Following the success of the last two years, a fantastic book of the winning entries will again be available.

This year the judging panel is made up of Convening Judge, Mike White and panel members Simone Jackson and Roger Wandless (2025 Gold Medal winner). Award afternoon is 31 October in Christchurch.

Further information is available at www.nzlandscapesalon.photo. This site also contains a support area to assist entrants.

The winning image from 2025 was “Winters Abstract” by Roger Wandless.

The 2025 silver images encapsulate more of the beautiful diversity of our landscape.

We look forward to receiving your stunning images using the timeless art of photography to celebrate and interpret the fantastic New Zealand landscape.

Spring Photography Workshop @ Blue Duck Station with Martyn Davies
2026-09-04 08:00 - 2026-09-06 17:00
Immerse yourself in the vibrant landscapes of Blue Duck Station this spring for an exclusive 2.5-day photography workshop with talented photographer Martyn Davies! Located in the Ruapehu District on the banks of the Whanganui and Retaruke Rivers, and surrounded by Whanganui National Park, Blue Duck Station is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground.

The station’s core values are to conserve its endangered wildlife, increase the health of native bush and rivers, and preserve the history of the area, while educating visitors about the endangered New Zealand blue duck, other native species and local history. Blue Duck Station boasts an abundance of opportunities for photographers to capture some amazing imagery.

From sunrise at the top of the world, to native wildlife, towering redwood forest, and so much more our photography tours take you to a variety of locations by ATV and jet boat. Martyn, is a freelance photographer and videographer with a diverse background. After spending 11 years in the army, he transitioned into the alpine rescue and ski industries, where he spent another six years honing his skills in the adventure sport and alpine sport environments. Drawing from these experiences, Martyn now specializes in tourism and adventure tourism photography. He is also involved in live streaming sporting and corporate events.

The workshop fee of $1150 includes:

2 nights’ accommodation in bunk room style rooms, share twin in Whio Lodge. See accommodation here (single upgrades are available on request for an extra $130).

2 cooked breakfasts

2 evening meals

ATV transport (2) around the station with 2 local guides

A jet boat ride that has been extended to 3 hours based on feedback from past attendees.

Lunches are at your own cost on the on-site café.

This workshop is perfect for people that want to experiment with a range of photography e.g landscape, slow motion waterfalls, gardens, station life and birds, while exploring Blue Duck Station’s rugged beauty. Reserve your spot now and don’t miss the chance to see New Zealand’s spring landscapes through your lens!

The workshop will start at 2pm on Friday September 4th and conclude around 2pm on Sunday 6th September. A medium level of fitness will be required as some walking on tracks will occur.

Once you have registered and paid, you will receive more in depth information on the schedule as well as a recommended gear sheet.

Workshop is limited to 9 people

Log into the Member’s Area to register for this workshop.

Judging Specialisation Session (Creative/ICM) - Judy Stokes APSNZ
2026-10-11 15:00 - 16:30

Wildlife of Kaikoura with Leanne Buchan
2026-10-23 17:00 - 2026-10-25 15:00
Join wildlife photographer Leanne Buchan in Kaikōura for an unforgettable long-weekend workshop immersed in the incredible bird life and coastal beauty of Aotearoa. Leanne, owner of Feather in Your Capture, is a passionate educator who loves helping photographers of all levels capture compelling wildlife images.

What’s Included

Private charter aboard the Coastal Encounter vessel Delphinadae, where you’ll photograph albatross, other pelagic seabirds, and—if we’re lucky—dolphins.

Guided sessions along the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, focusing on coastal birds, New Zealand fur seals, and dramatic seascapes at both sunrise and sunset.

Workshop Schedule – Friday 23 October – Sunday 25 October (Labour Weekend)

Starts: 5pm Friday

Ends: Approximately 3pm Sunday – Labour Weekend gives you an extra day on Monday to explore Kaikōura or continueyour travels.

Practical Details

Meals: At your own cost in local cafés and restaurants.

Accommodation: Please book in central Kaikōura.

Group Size: Limited to 14 participants.

Workshop Fee: $475

Gear & Fitness Requirements

Recommended lens: 400–600mm zoom.

Expect 3–4 hours on the open sea — good sea legs (or reliable seasickness remedies) essential.

A moderate level of fitness is required for several hours of walking on Saturday and Sunday.

Important Notes

The boat operator may cancel the charter if weather conditions are unsafe. In this case, the boat-tour portion of your fee will be refunded.

Once registered and paid, you’ll receive full schedule details and a recommended gear list.

Breeding Spoonbills and Shorebirds by John Parker
2026-11-06 14:00 - 2026-11-08 12:00
The feature of this workshop is to introduce you to a newly formed breeding colony of Spoonbills in the Hawkes Bay which offers superb reasonably close range shooting.

The workshop will be led by John Parker, an award-winning bird wildlife photographer based in Te Awamutu, New Zealand. Over the years John’s work has gained National/International recognition winning Kiwi Image of the Year, New Zealand Professional Photographer of the Year and has been published in books, magazines, and calendars worldwide. As the founder of Maddox Photography NZ, John has combined his passion for the outdoors, adventure, and photography into a unique experience for fellow photography enthusiasts.

Friday 2.00pmWe will begin at 2.00pm at the Kennedy Park Conference Centre with an introductory briefing and a presentation by John on his Journey and what he looks for in a strong image, followed by a familiarisation tour of the colony.Saturday 5.00 amAn early start is needed to take advantage of the sunrise at the colony. We will aim to be back by 8.30 am so you can get breakfast resuming at the Conference Room by 10.00 am for a processing workshop and processing clinic. Mid-afternoon John will show us one of the best shorebird locations in the Bay where we would hope to catch some evening colour.Sunday 5.00 amOur second early start at the colony followed by breakfast. Then you will have free time to explore these or other locations recommended by John.

Birds on offer at these locations include Royal Spoonbill, White Heron, Cormorants, Patiki, Dabchicks, Australian Coot, Pukeko, Pied stilts, Dotterel, Godwits, Canadian geese, Wrybill and Heron.

Please note the above timeline is weather dependent.

Fitness

All locations are on level ground and provide easy walking.

Accommodation and MealsAccommodation is not included in the fee but we recommend you make use of the Kennedy Park Resort which offers a wide range of accommodation. No meals, snacks or drinks areincluded.
