Photographer of the Year 2024
Winner of both the Landscape and Wildlife awards in the 2024 NZ Geographic Photographer of the Year
I'm thrilled to announce that two of my photographs have won this year's NZ Geographic Photographer of the Year competition! I won both the wildlife and the landscape category.
This is my first time entering the competition in a number of years, so it's particularly rewarding to have my work recognised.
The two photographs are currently exhibited in Bitomart in Auckland until 20th November as well as on billboards around New Zealand.
Behind the Photographs
Emperor Penguins - Wildlife Winner 2024
McMurdo Sound, Antarctica - New Zealand Ross Dependency
This image captures the dramatic moment when two emperor penguins leaped out of a hole at the edge of the pack ice. Our ship had lingered near the ice for several hours to observe the penguins as they hesitated to re-enter the water after orcas surfaced nearby. Just before this shot, some penguins decided it was safe to dive back into the sea, only to be startled once again, prompting them to burst out of the water in a sudden, synchronized leap.
This photograph was the result of careful observation and anticipation. After seeing one penguin jump through this particular spot, I suspected more would follow. I framed the diagonal composition of the ice sheet and waited, knowing that patience would be key to capturing this fleeting moment.
Join me on a 2026 Expedition to Antarctica, where I photographed the Emperor penguins.
Falling Autumn Leaves - Landscape Winner 2024
Beside the Mata-Au Clutha River, Wānaka
This image captures a serene scene of poplar trees on a misty autumn morning. The parallel trunks in the background are framed by the soft, out-of-focus leaves in the foreground, creating the illusion that the leaves are gently falling from the trees. By positioning the foreground leaves close to the camera and blurring them, I was able to conceal the thin branches, making the leaves appear as though they are suspended in mid-air.
Since 2017, I’ve returned to this patch of woodland every autumn, making multiple trips each year. This photograph is the result of years of familiarity with these trees and my ongoing exploration of their presence within the landscape. It’s part of a larger series titled ‘Metaphor,’ which delves into my personal connection with trees and their symbolic role in nature.
Join me on my Autumn Masterclass in Wanaka, where I took my winning landscape photograph
Special Offer: Fine Art Prints
To celebrate these two winning photographs, I’m offering a special deal on fine art prints of these images. For a limited time, you can purchase a print of either photograph for the special price of $395 for an A2 print, down from the usual price of $595, with larger sizes also available.
