Finalist New Zealand Documentary Photographer of the Year 2025: Nelson Family Photographer

Gosh I'm so humbled to be a Finalist of the NZIPP New Zealand Documentary Photographer of the Year awards for 2025!

Being named as one of the top three documentary photographers in New Zealand is beyond any of my wildest dreams.

I would like to thank the Documentary Category sponsors NZIPP, without whom all of these wonderful growth and recognition opportunities would not have been possible.

I have entered the Iris awards for the past four or so years. My photography had taken a back seat this year and I didn't feel like I had taken any award-worthy photos. My self-esteem and expectations were low.

I attended the live judging for the first time, in awe of my photographic heroes standing in front of me. I soaked in all the judges comments learning from the wedding and family categories.

Then came the documentary category, where all my entries were. I was a nervous wreck. I was so grateful for the support of my wonderful NZIPP friends. In particular, fellow finalist (and ultimate 2025 Documentary category winner) Andrew Stewart; Rebecca Kempton who has always been a great champion of my work; and Victoria Vincent from Nelson who created a very rare photo of myself I like (see headshot below!). Helen Smith was cheering me on from behind the scenes and Shar Devine gave me the biggest hug ever when she found out. Thank you all.

I would also like to thank:

• My incredible fellow finalists Tony and Andrew. You are both an inspiration

• The beautiful families and couples who trust me to document their most intimate moments

• All my NZIPP friends in both the Wairarapa and Nelson

• My long suffering Mum and husband, for facilitating various photographic adventures over the years

• My friend and mentor Scott who taught me that photography isn't about photos, it's about people

• My dear father and grandmother who are no longer with us

  
  

This recognition is not for me, it's for documentary family photographers everywhere. It's for whānau who value their authentic selves. Thank you so much.

Here is a bit about each of my winning photos.

Gold

My first ever gold. Ally and her partner Mark are parents to two strong-willed girls. Mark works away as a contractor for weeks at a time. Ally said "I am in the thick of parenting and absolutely exhausted but wouldn't have it any other way. I would love you to capture the crazy family life, the struggles of solo parenting and how much love there is.".

Which is the exact story the judges were able to see in this series. I'm so grateful for their passionate feedback praising the series' example of exceptional documentary photography. As opposed to more traditional family photography, documentary photography aims to illustrate multiple stories within one photo and a complete story (with a beginning, middle and end) in a series.

Silver Distinction

These are my boys, during the recent major flooding across the Top of the South Island. We watched the water slowly surround our house. It wasn't a stream or a river. It was like an ocean. Growing higher and higher with each passing minute.

Until it finally peaked and was no longer a threat to the house. I could relax for a moment and finally grab my camera for an explore outside. The water quickly overflowed into my gumboots (a thought inspired by Andrew's acceptance speech last year!). Although they desperately wanted to come too, there was no question, it just wasn't safe for boys. The flood waters were literally as high as Tommo's head.

The judges got the story (which is always a win for me) enjoying the children's opinion of the natural disaster. Thank you.

Silver

I was honoured to be invited to document the final farewell of a great man. He was a much-loved community member who founded a motorcycle group. They enjoyed riding together through the beautiful scenery at the Top of the South Island.

Friends and whānau joined together for laughs and remembering the good times. I took lots of photos of the leather-clad characters, the hugs, umbrellas and remembering others, present on this day.

But this photo stood out. This is one of his children Tim. He said "definitely a fitting photo broken on the outside and on the inside…". Tim is standing alone in remembrance, but with the support of the community in the background.

Thanks so much for inviting me to document this for you and future generations. One of the greatest compliments as a documentary photographer is to be physically present (I shoot close, with a 28mm prime lens) without anyone realising you are there. This was such a moment.

Silver

In this photo my hard working husband Ben is enjoying his mug of wine by himself, in a moment without our boys. He does an amazing job homeschooling them both full time.

We were on a West Coast camping trip enjoying a picnic dinner whilst the sun set over the sea.

The judges commended the focus on the boys as "brave". They loved the storytelling aspects of dad enjoying his wine (correct!) and the boys pride in what they've discovered.

Once again I'm just blown away by all of this and thank everyone so incredibly much for your support. Here's to next year!

I provide outdoorsy families who hate awkward poses with documentary photography in Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough Aotearoa New Zealand.

Please feel free to check out my documentary family photography website Real Family Photography; and follow my page on Facebook and Instagram. As a new brand, all the love helps so much :)

Lots of love, Sarah xx

Photo by Victoria Vincent, A Beautiful Photo