The Iris Awards Are Now Open for Entry – 1–29 June
Entries for the 2025 Iris Awards are now open from 1 to 29 June, and it’s time to start preparing your best work. Whether you’re an experienced professional or early in your photography career, entering the Iris Awards is a valuable opportunity to grow, be recognised, and connect with a community that understands your passion.
Why Enter the Iris Awards?
Run by the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP) and sponsored by Canon, the Iris Awards are more than just a photography competition. They’re a chance to challenge yourself creatively, receive expert feedback, and elevate your professional profile. Here are a few of the many benefits of entering:
Professional Recognition
Your work will be judged by a panel of respected photography professionals from New Zealand and overseas. Receiving an award or distinction is a powerful endorsement of your skill, creativity, and vision.
Creative and Personal Growth
The process of selecting, refining, and entering your images is in itself a valuable exercise. Many photographers find that entering the Iris Awards helps them clarify their artistic voice and push their creative boundaries.
Constructive Feedback
Every entry is judged and scored, with valuable feedback provided throughout the judging process. Whether your work is awarded or not, the insights you receive can help you grow and refine your craft.
Community and Connection
The Iris Awards bring photographers together from all over Aotearoa. It’s a chance to be part of a supportive and inspiring community — whether you attend judging in person or tune in online.
Enhanced Professional Profile
Iris Awards achievements can help set your work apart in the eyes of clients. Being able to promote yourself as an award-winning or finalist photographer offers added credibility and strengthens your brand.
Motivation to Create
Many photographers use Iris as a reason to step outside their usual work, explore new concepts, or complete a passion project. It’s a space where originality is encouraged and creative risks are rewarded.
Key Dates
Entries open: 1 June 2025
Entries close: 29 June 2025
Judging: 5th, 6th, 7th August 2025 at the Majestic on Durham in Christchurch and available to watch on YouTube. Finalists announced at the iris Awards Wrap party, at the Majestic on Durham on Thursday 7th August after 7.30pm. Winners announced at the Gala Awards evening on 10th August 2025.
Whether you’re aiming for top honours or entering simply to learn and grow, the Iris Awards are an incredible opportunity to be part of something bigger. Don’t miss the chance to share your work, challenge yourself, and connect with your peers.
Start preparing your entries now — and all the best!
See more at www.irisawards.com