Winners revealed

New Zealand’s most prestigious photography prize, Photographer of the Year, has been claimed by Christchurch-based photographer Alden Williams for a broad portfolio covering landscapes and social documentary.

Williams, a photojournalist at the Christchurch Press, was a finalist four times over, across two categories. He won the Resene Landscape category and achieved a highly commended in Lumix Society.

His attention to dramatic light is a hallmark of his work, says New Zealand Geographic publisher James Frankham. “The glow of a cigarette lighter, strong backlight through fog, the pinpoint accuracy of a shaft of light illuminating a father and daughter at a memorial for victims of the Christchurch attacks. These could be interpreted as examples of serendipity, but Williams was there when it happened, in the right place with the right lens, and a well-trained eye to the viewfinder.” See all winners...

Who won the People's Choice Award?

As well as the overall Photographer of the Year award, we've recognised the winners of each category: Aerial, Landscape, Wildlife, Society & Culture, and Photo Story. See the winning photographs online now.

Then there are the special awards. Which up-and-coming finalist took home Young Photographer of the Year? Who won the Colour Award? And who was victorious in the public vote—the People's Choice Award?

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