PHOTOGRAPH YOUR PETS
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WITH EMMA STEEL
WHEN:Tuesday 4 August 2026
TIME: 9.00am – 10:00am
WHERE: Space 25, Wilmer St, just down the road a little from The Majestic on Durham, Christchurch Central City
Ever wondered how professional pet photographers capture those beautiful images full of personality and expression?
Join award-winning pet photographer Emma Steel for this practical and entertaining session where she’ll share her favourite techniques for creating stunning pet portraits.
Using her own dogs live on stage, Emma will demonstrate how to work with animals to capture natural expressions, gain their attention, and create images that owners will treasure. You’ll learn how to make the most of available light, choose effective camera settings, and work with the environment around you to produce stronger photographs.
Topics covered include:
Getting your pet to look at the camera
Capturing personality and expression
Working with natural and available light
Camera settings for sharp pet portraits
Composition and background choices
Tips for photographing active and unpredictable animals
Simple techniques to elevate your pet photography
Whether you’re photographing your own pets or simply want to improve your animal photography skills, this session will provide practical advice that you can start using straight away.
What to bring:
Your camera if you’d like to follow along with the settings being discussed, there may be an opportunity to photograph the dogs yourself.
Or a notebook and pen for taking notes
Cost: Free
Booking is essential as spaces are limited.
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HOW TO TAKE AWARD WINNING IMAGES
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WITH SIMONE JACKSON
WHEN: Thursday 6th August 2026
TIME: 9am - 10am
WHERE: Space 25, Wilmer St, just down the road a little from The Majestic on Durham, Christchurch Central City
What separates a good photograph from an award-winning image?
Join award-winning photographer Simone Jackson as she shares the key elements that elevate an image from technically competent to truly memorable. Drawing on her experience as both a photographer and photography judge, Simone will explore what makes an image stand out and connect with viewers.
Topics will include:
Understanding what judges look for in award-winning images
The importance of storytelling and visual impact
Creating strong compositions that hold attention
Using light to enhance mood and emotion
Developing a personal style and artistic vision
Moving beyond technical excellence
Identifying and strengthening the narrative within an image
Common mistakes that can limit an image’s success
Through real-world examples, Simone will break down successful photographs and discuss the creative decisions that help transform an ordinary image into something extraordinary.
Whether you’re considering entering photography awards, building a portfolio, or simply wanting to create stronger images, this session will provide valuable insights into the creative and technical elements that contribute to photographic excellence.
Bring your questions and be inspired to look at your photography with a fresh perspective.
Photo Connect sessions are free to attend, however bookings are essential as spaces are limited.
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FINE ART PORTRAIT EDIT
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SARAH MCGREGOR
Using the captures from the live shoot on Day 1 of the photography show, we’ll dive into the post-production process, showing how the raw images are refined and transformed into the finished fine art portrait. Gain insight into every step of turning a creative vision into a polished work of art. Attendees should have an understanding of photoshop, and working with layers and masks.
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THE BASICS OF PHOTOGRAPHY
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WITH SIMONE JACKSON
WHEN: Tuesday 4th August 2026
TIME: 10.30am – 11:30am
WHERE: Space 25, Wilmer St, just down the road a little from The Majestic on Durham, Christchurch Central City
Are you ready to get more out of your camera but not sure where to start?
Join Multi Award Winning photographer Simone Jackson for this beginner-friendly session designed to help you understand the fundamentals of photography and gain confidence using your camera. Simone will guide you through the key camera settings and functions, explaining what they do, when to use them, and how they can help you create better photographs.
Topics will include:
Understanding aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
How different camera settings affect your images
Focusing modes and when to use them
Getting correct exposure
Simple techniques to improve your photography
Tips for getting the best results from your camera
This session is perfect for beginners, photography enthusiasts, or anyone who wants to move beyond automatic mode and learn how to take greater creative control of their images.
Bring your camera along and follow along as Simone breaks down the basics in a practical and easy-to-understand way.
Photo Connect sessions are free to attend, however bookings are essential as spaces are limited.
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HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR CHILDREN
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WITH STACEY CAVALIER
WHEN: Thursday 6 August 2026
TIME: 10.30am – 11:30am
WHERE: Space 25, Wilmer St, just down the road a little from The Majestic on Durham, Christchurch Central City
Children grow and change so quickly, and capturing authentic images of them can be one of the most rewarding forms of photography. In this practical and inspiring session, Stacey Cavalier will share her approach to creating natural, engaging portraits of children that families will treasure for years to come.
Learn how to work with children of different ages, encourage genuine expressions, and create images that reflect their unique personalities. Stacey will cover tips for choosing locations, using available light, camera settings, composition, and simple techniques to help children feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera.
Whether you’re photographing your own children or looking to improve your family photography skills, this session will provide plenty of practical advice that you can start using immediately.
Join Stacey as she shares her experience, favourite techniques, and real-world insights into creating meaningful portraits of the people who matter most.
Cost: Free
Booking is essential as spaces are limited.
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THE CREATOR CODE
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KATIE KOLENBERG
What actually determines success and why talent isn’t enough.
Most photographers have the skill. Many have the vision. So why do some build thriving, sustainable careers while others (equally talented, equally passionate) can't seem to get traction?
The answer isn't what's in your camera bag. It's what's inside you.
The Creator Code is a practical framework built specifically for professional creatives. It identifies the three internal capacities that separate those who last from those who plateau: grit, self-responsibility, and genius. When these are in balance, everything flows. When even one is underdeveloped, it becomes an invisible bottleneck, which undermines your consistency, your confidence, and your career, no matter how good your work is.
In this keynote, you'll gain a powerful diagnostic lens for understanding exactly what's been holding you back, and a clear, actionable path forward.
This isn't motivation. This is a code, and once you see it, you can't unsee it.
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SONY SCENE EVENT: LUCK!
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Diederik van Heyningen
Thirty years. Multiple recessions. Near extinction of film. Rise of digital. Rise of Social Media. Earthquakes. A pandemic, ADHD, AI, and now a War!
Every time the industry and life shifted, I asked myself — how can I survive this?
Using my own career path to narrate my presentation, I unpack the moments where timing, preparation, and chance collided — and ask how much of professional (and personal) survival is luck, or engineered.
Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding and sharper framework for navigating their own disruptors, and possibly a very different view of where their own success — or lack of success — has come from, or will come from.
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HOW TO CAPTURE WILDLIFE
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WITH SIMONE JACKSON
WHEN: Tuesday 4th August 2026
TIME: 12pm – 1pm
WHERE: Space 25, Wilmer St, just down the road a little from The Majestic on Durham, Christchurch Central City
Have you ever wondered how photographers capture stunning images of birds, animals, and wildlife in their natural environment?
Join award winning wildlife photographer Simone Jackson for an inspiring introduction to wildlife photography. In this session, Simone will share practical tips and techniques to help you improve your wildlife images, whether you’re photographing birds in your backyard, wildlife while travelling, or animals in the great outdoors.
Topics will include:
Choosing the right camera settings for wildlife
Understanding shutter speed and focus modes
Techniques for photographing birds in flight
Getting sharp images of moving subjects
Reading animal behaviour and anticipating the moment
Composition tips for stronger wildlife photographs
Working with natural light
Essential gear and accessories for wildlife photography
Simone will also share examples from her own work and discuss the patience, planning, and fieldcraft that go into creating compelling wildlife images.
This session is suitable for photographers of all skill levels, from beginners wanting to explore wildlife photography through to enthusiasts looking to improve their results.
Bring along a notebook and your questions, and discover how to capture the beauty and behaviour of wildlife through your lens.
Photo Connect sessions are free to attend, however bookings are essential as spaces are limited.
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THE PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT BLUEPRINT
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MATT PALMER
I believe photography projects can change your life — and maybe even the world.
After years of running projects intuitively, Matt Palmer reverse-engineered what actually worked into eight clear steps. From finding your concept to planning your execution, this is your blueprint.
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BASIC PORTRAIT LIGHTING
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WITH IAN ROTHERHAM
WHEN: Thursday 6th August 2026
TIME: 1.30pm - 2.30pm
WHERE: Space 25, Wilmer St, just down the road a little from The Majestic on Durham, Christchurch Central City
Want to create beautiful portraits using simple, accessible lighting techniques?
Join Ian Rotherham for this practical introduction to portrait lighting, where you’ll learn how to use natural light and a small selection of affordable tools to dramatically improve your portraits.
Ian will demonstrate how to recognise and work with different types of natural light, showing you how small adjustments in positioning, direction, and light quality can transform an image. You’ll also learn how to use reflectors and diffusers to shape light, reduce harsh shadows, and create flattering portraits in a variety of situations.
Topics will include:
Understanding natural light and how to find the best light
Positioning your subject for flattering results
Working with light direction and shadow
Using reflectors to add light and create catchlights
How and when to use a diffuser
Creating professional-looking portraits with minimal equipment
Simple lighting setups you can use anywhere
Through live demonstrations, Ian will show how a reflector, diffuser, and good understanding of light can often be all you need to create beautiful portrait photographs.
This session is perfect for beginners, photography enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to improve their portrait photography without investing in expensive lighting equipment.
Bring your questions and discover how to make the most of the light you already have.
Photo Connect sessions are free to attend, however bookings are essential as spaces are limited.
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A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO EVENT CONTENT
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WITH BRUCE MITCHELL
WHEN: Tuesday 4th August 2026
TIME: 1.30pm - 2.30pm
WHERE: Space 25, Wilmer St, just down the road a little from The Majestic on Durham, Christchurch Central City
Whether you’re photographing a birthday party, charity fundraiser, community event, corporate function, or special celebration, capturing the energy and atmosphere of an event can feel overwhelming. Modern cameras offer an incredible range of features, but knowing which settings to use and when can make all the difference.
Join Bruce Mitchell for this practical introduction to event photography and video, where he’ll show you how to confidently use your camera to create compelling images and videos without getting lost in menus, settings, or thousands of unnecessary files.
Photography Essentials
Bruce will cover:
Choosing the right camera settings for events
Autofocus modes and how to use them effectively
Custom function buttons and camera setup
Lens selection for different event situations
Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual Mode – when and why to use each
Creating variety in your images while maintaining consistency
Developing an efficient workflow to help you capture key moments without overshooting
Video Production 101
Learn the fundamentals of event videography, including:
The key differences between photography and video
Framing and composition techniques that work across both mediums
Understanding frame rates, aspect ratios, bit rates, and codecs
How to think like a videographer while still capturing great photographs
Building a simple and effective workflow for video production
Planning for Success
Bruce will also discuss one of the most important aspects of event coverage: planning your outcome and working backwards. Understanding the final deliverables before you start shooting can help you make better creative and technical decisions throughout the event.
This session is ideal for beginners, enthusiasts, content creators, and photographers looking to expand their skills into video coverage.
Bring your questions and discover how to confidently capture the moments that matter, whether through still images, video, or both.
Photo Connect sessions are free to attend, however bookings are essential as spaces are limited.
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AsukaBook — Designing Story-Driven Premium Photo Books That Sell
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ESTHER BUNNING – ASUKABOOK NZ AMBASSADOR
A photograph is seldom just a single image — it’s part of a larger story.
In this workshop, AsukaBook New Zealand Ambassador Esther Bunning guides photographers through the process of transforming their work into beautifully designed, premium photo books that do more than present images — they add meaning, elevate perception, and increase the value of the work in a tangible way.
This is not simply about layout or design rules. It is about how a body of work is experienced. How sequencing shifts emotion. And how thoughtful design can transform photographs into something that feels considered, lasting, and worth returning to.
This session is ideal for photographers beginning to explore books and albums, or those looking to refine and elevate their design approach. Esther will share practical, real-world techniques drawn from professional photographic studio practice, including:
• Designing timeless layouts that allow the work to breathe
• Storytelling through sequencing, rhythm, and image selection
• Common design pitfalls that reduce perceived value
• How format, paper, and finish shape the emotional impact of a book
• Positioning books and albums as a premium product within your business
• Using books as a meaningful record of collections of work and exhibitions
• A walkthrough of the AsukaBook workflow and tools
• Practical ways to streamline album creation without losing intention or quality
Alongside this, you will gain insight into how high-end books and albums can shift the way clients experience and value photographic work — strengthening emotional connection and increasing perceived worth.
What you need to know before attending
This is a beginner to intermediate session. No prior album design experience is required, though familiarity with Photoshop will be helpful.
You’ll leave with clear design principles, practical workflow strategies, and a stronger sense of confidence in how to translate your work into premium photo books that reflect the story telling of your image creation.
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ABOUT ESTHER
Esther Bunning is a portrait photographer based in the Wairarapa, NZ with over 35 years of experience working with people and creating expressive, considered imagery. Her work is known for its quiet, atmospheric quality and a strong sense of storytelling and connection. For Esther, photography is about creating bodies of work that feel meaningful, considered, and emotionally resonant — whether in a single frame or across a complete photographic story.
Alongside her portrait practice, she continually explores creative techniques and approaches that bring an artistic, layered feel to her work.
She is an AsukaBook Ambassador for Australasia, and a Nikon Ambassador for NZ, and she is a double Grand Master and Honorary Fellow of the NZIPP.
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CREATING ART WITH PURPOSE
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LEIGH SCHNEIDER
What if your photography could do more than capture a moment - what if it could connect to who you are, communicate with purpose and create meaningful impact?
In this presentation, Leigh Schneider, Fine Art Conceptual Photographer, invites you to explore how to create with clear intention. Images that connect deeply to your identity and what you care about most - work that has the potential to inspire positive change.
Through a behind the scenes look at her creative process, she will share how ideas are developed and translated into finished artworks, offering insight into the thinking and methods behind her practice.
Additionally, Leigh will share how her 'Bird’s Eye Guide' framework not only helps artists create with purpose, but also supports mental health patients connect to identity as part of their recovery journey.
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LED LIGHTING FOR PORTRAITS
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WITH IAN ROTHERHAM
WHEN: Tuesday 4th August 2026
TIME: 3pm - 4.30pm
WHERE: Space 25, Wilmer St, just down the road a little from The Majestic on Durham, Christchurch Central City
LED lighting has transformed portrait photography, making it easier than ever to see and shape light in real time. Whether you’re photographing family, portraits, pets, or creative projects, understanding how to work with continuous LED lighting can help you create consistent, professional results.
Join Ian Rotherham for this practical hands-on session as he demonstrates how to use LED lights to create beautiful portrait lighting setups. Through live demonstrations with a model, Ian will show how small changes in light position, direction, and modifiers can dramatically change the mood and impact of a portrait.
Topics will include:
Understanding the advantages of LED lighting
Building simple and effective portrait lighting setups
Creating flattering light for different subjects
Using light direction and shadow to add depth and dimension
Working with reflectors to control contrast and fill shadows
Understanding lighting ratios and portrait mood
Practical tips for studio and location portraiture
Live tethered demonstrations and real-time image review
Ian will share examples from his own work and provide attendees with a take-home handout to help reinforce the concepts covered during the session.
This session is ideal for photographers who want to gain confidence using continuous lighting and learn practical techniques they can immediately apply to their own portrait photography.
Whether you’re new to artificial lighting or looking to expand your skills beyond natural light, this session will provide a solid foundation in creating professional-looking portraits with LED lighting.
Photo Connect sessions are free to attend, however bookings are essential as spaces are limited.
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HAPPY HOUR(S)
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Judging is complete, it's time to get the celebrations underway! Happy Hour (or three hours) begins in 25, at the completion of judging. It's a great time to socialise, get together with friends, and prepare for a fantastic evening ahead with the Print Auction and Iris Awards Wrap Party to follow.
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FOR THE LOVE OF LANDSCAPES
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MIEKE BOYNTON
Enjoy being guided through a series of Mieke’s stunning landscape captures, and listen to her explain the shots from start to finish - from the planning of the shoot, to the reality of the conditions on the day, to the decisions made during the editing process.
Have you ever wondered what the best apps are for planning a shoot? Mieke shares all of her planning apps and websites.
Have you been curious about how much processing professional photographers do? Mieke shows her RAW files for each photo and explains why she processed each as she did. Do happy accidents happen in landscape photography? You bet - and Mieke will share some of these stories too.
The presentation includes grand scenics, intimate landscapes, foggy photos, panoramas, night photos, long exposures, ICM, aerials, and landscapes in Black & White. Mieke’s infectious enthusiasm will make the time fly past, but the added bonus is that you’ll pick up a huge stack of practical tips and tricks for your own landscape photography.
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Staying Creative: Building, Sustaining, and Evolving a Life in Photography
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MELANIE JENKINS
Join Melanie Jenkins—commercial photographer, contemporary artist, and author—for an inspiring and honest look at building a lasting creative career. From her early beginnings in the industry to sustaining long-term success in a highly competitive field, Melanie shares the realities behind the work, including balancing motherhood with a demanding career and keeping creativity alive through personal projects.
Exploring the dynamic relationship between her fine art and commercial photography, she reveals how each has shaped and strengthened the other over time. Melanie also reflects on the importance of adapting to industry changes, staying relevant, and continuing to evolve creatively.
This talk is a candid and uplifting journey about starting out, staying the course, and continually redefining what success looks like—offering inspiration for creatives at every stage of their career.
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INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOSHOP
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WITH EMMA STEEL
WHEN: Tuesday 4 August 2026
TIME: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
WHERE: Space 25, Wilmer St, just down the road a little from The Majestic on Durham, Christchurch Central City
Want to learn how to edit your photos in Photoshop but don’t know where to start?
Join Emma Steel for this beginner-friendly introduction to Photoshop, designed for photographers who are new to the software and want to understand the fundamentals of photo editing.
In this hands-on session, Emma will guide you through the basic tools and techniques used to enhance images, improve exposure and colour, make simple adjustments, and build confidence navigating Photoshop’s workspace. You’ll gain practical skills that you can immediately apply to your own photography.
This session is ideal for photography enthusiasts, hobbyists, and anyone wanting to take the next step in their editing journey.
What to bring:
Your own laptop with Photoshop installed (recommended so you can follow along)
Or a notebook and pen if you would prefer to take notes
Cost: Free
Booking is essential as spaces are limited.
If you are not sure where to find Space 25 please come into the Majestic on Durham, 189 Durham St South, and someone will assist you to find the venue.
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PRINT AUCTION
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Did you see a print during the exhibition that you'd love to have as a piece of art on your wall?
This might be your chance to claim it as yours!
This is a hugely fun event as people tussle over who will win the auction and we always have some truly stunning work for sale - so don't miss your chance, come along to 25 next to the Majestic and join in the fun!
Cash bar available.
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EVERYTHING I LEARNED THE HARD WAY
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MATT PALMER
You learn a lot working in the creative industries for 25 years — even more if you're your own worst enemy.
In this talk hear about the jobs gone wrong, the rare wins, and the moments that reframed everything. 25 years of hard won lessons, for the first time in one place.
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IRIS AWARDS WRAP PARTY
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The official end to the 2026 Iris Awards is here - the Iris Awards is officially over and we celebrate with a fantastic evening of casual conversations and celebration. We'll announce the finalists for our New Zealand and Australian categories, and also finalists for our major titles - New Zealand, and Australian Professional Photographer of the Year. You don't need to register to attend, just come along and join in the fun. Cash bar available.
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CLOSING OF THE 2026 NEW ZEALAND PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW
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Don't miss this one - if you purchased a ticket to the New Zealand Photography Show, you need to be at the closing to see if you are the winner of our fantastic prize package, thanks to New Zealand Photography Show Major Sponsor, Sony.
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