Photographic Society of New Zealand

Composites Masterclass by Helen McLeod
2026-03-28 09:00 - 2026-03-29 15:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
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.
