Rahera Creative

18/08/2026

Well I didn’t see this one coming.

Each year a fantastic team of photographers come together to participate in the annual NZIPP Iris Awards. Many volunteer to run the awards, help behind the scenes, panel chair and judge the entries. It’s a massive effort by all. One of the highlights is the awards presentation evening (sponsored by CRK/Ilford)

The Ian Poole Memorial Award holds the mana and prestige of its namesake., it’s something that everyone who judges aspires to ‘be good enough’ to get close to.

This Award is presented annually through recognition of excellence in judging.

The awardee is determined by audience, judge and entrant votes, recognising a judge who demonstrates outstanding qualities and skills as a judge at the annual Iris Awards event.

This year I was surprised, and incredibly honoured to be presented the Ian Poole Memorial Award.
My acceptance speech was a bit s**t as I was caught off guard and the right words fell out of my head before I got to the podium.

I would like to thank the NZIPP Honours Council for their incredible work maintaining the integrity and standards of the Iris Awards, and making sure we continue to have an avenue to celebrate imagery at its best - and more importantly (IMO) the printed image.

I’d also like to thank Tony and Katherine for their work over the years training and encouraging judges to be true to their instincts, back themselves and speak to images with well articulated constructive feedback, respect and heart.

Thank you to my partner Gerard, for your support & encouragement and also your understanding when I say I’ll be judging all weekend - that’s happened quite a lot over the last few years!

Most importantly Thank you to everyone who enters awards wanting feedback, it takes courage to put your work out there for others to critique and the calibre of imagery that is being entered into all of the platforms I have been honoured to judge is incredibly high, and a pleasure to view.

📷 Doug Richardson thank you for capturing this special moment ❤️

ILFORD Imaging C.R.Kennedy (NZ) Imaging

07/08/2026

Talk about walking with giants - I’m pretty excited and humbled to have my name up here alongside Canon Masters Mike Langford and Jackie Ranken and fellow Ilford Master Janyne Fletcher. Congratulations and best of luck to you all 🎉🙌

01/08/2026

A couple of gorgeous days away before one of the busiest photographic weeks of the year. NZ Photography Show and Iris Awards. Looking forward to seeing some amazing images, all the latest gear and all of the wonderful photographers that come together for the week!

📷 - canon R5 mk II, Rf 100-500L

12/07/2026

Who else is coming, it’s going to be a fantastic event!!!

11/07/2026

Entries close tomorrow for the Astro Photography Prize, don’t miss out!
https://astrophotographyprize.com/app-shop






moveshootmove
rentanobservatory
nebula_nest_astronomy
Voyager_software

28/06/2026

Honoured to be part of the team again this year, can’t wait to see all of the entries!

Introducing Astrophotography Prize Judge, Rachael Smith, an award-winning photographic artist, educator, and fine art printer based in Auckland, New Zealand. A Master of Photography with Distinction, NZIPP Accredited Professional Photographer, and Ilford Master, Rachael is renowned for creating evocative landscape, travel, and fine art imagery that celebrates beauty in both the extraordinary and the everyday. 😀🌅

Holding a Master of Fine Arts in Contemporary Art, Rachael combines technical excellence with a deeply artistic approach to photography. Through workshops, mentoring, and fine art printing, she is passionate about helping photographers refine both their creative vision and craftsmanship, making her an invaluable member of the Astrophotography Prize judging panel. 🌄

Entries open for the Astrophotography Prize from now > July 12th. Over $13,000 USD in prizes to be won!
https://astrophotographyprize.com/home/







Voyager Astrophotography Automation

21/05/2026

Honoured to be part of the judging team this year, thank you for the opportunity I can’t wait to see the beautiful work that is entered!

31/03/2026

This was a very unexpected, and welcome surprise!

26/03/2026

I decided to put some last minute entries into the Asia Pacific Photography Awards, it’s a new one for me, I’ve never entered them before but it was well worthwhile. I’m thrilled to be a top 20 finalist in both the Nature and Landscape categories, especially looking at all of the other finalists imagery, some really stunning work presented across all categories. Congratulations and good luck to all finalists, roll on the winner announcements on Monday!