From Top 25 Finalist to Silver Award in the NZAPA Portrait Photography Awards

After being selected as a Top 25 Finalist in the NZIPP/NZAPA Portrait Photography Awards, this environmental portrait of Tautau was awarded a Silver Award. Following its earlier recognition as a Top 10 finalist in the TAMRON 2026 Photo Competition, it's incredibly rewarding to see this image recognised by a second independent judging panel.
During the live judging, one of the judges commented “Congratulations… wow what an awesome dude he looks like a lot of fun. Beautifully captured." For me, that feedback captured exactly what I hoped the portrait would communicate. Not only the landscape, but Tautau's warmth, personality and presence within it.
Tautau was also thrilled about the recognition, saying “Kia Ora Brother Tony! Wow man that is so awesome! You are very talented & I am so happy for you. Ka mihi aroha."

Looking for your own environmental portrait session? Visit the About or Contact page to learn more.

This portrait was awarded a Silver Award after being selected as a Top 25 Finalist in the NZIPP/NZAPA Portrait Photography Awards.

A Top 10 finish for Tautau’s portrait in the TAMRON 2026 Photo Competition

This environmental portrait of Tautau has been selected in the Top 10 from more than 1,000 entries in the TAMRON 2026 Photo Competition. The photograph was taken during a portrait session on Moturiki Island in Mount Maunganui, where the focus was simply on documenting Tautau in a place that reflects who he is. As a musician and medicine man, his connection to the land, the ocean, and his music is an important part of his story. Rather than directing or heavily posing the session, I wanted to create space for genuine moments to unfold naturally.
It's especially meaningful that an image built around authenticity, presence, and place has been recognised by the judging panel, who said, "The judging team loved your entry and selected it in their Top 10 from over 1,000 entries!"
Read TAMRON New Zealand's Facebook announcement Facebook announcement here.

"Love your mahi, really magical bro. You saw with the Eye of God & created something authentic & really quite magnificent! May you & your whanau be blessed a million times over, exponentially." - Tautau

Looking for your own environmental portrait session? Visit the About or Contact page to learn more.

This portrait was selected as a Top 10 finalist from over 1000 entries in the TAMRON 2026 Photo Competition.

Music, place, and presence with Tautau on Moturiki Island

This environmental portrait session with Tautau took place on Moturiki Island in Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty. The setting provided a natural backdrop that reflected both his connection to music and the environment around him. As a musician and medicine man, Tautau's relationship with place is an important part of who he is. Rather than directing or heavily posing the session, the focus was on observing and documenting genuine moments as he played, reflected, and immersed himself in the experience. The result is a series of authentic, environmental portraits that reflect both the person and the place that helps shape his story.

"Love your mahi, really magical bro. You saw with the Eye of God & created something authentic & really quite magnificent! May you & your whanau be blessed a million times over, exponentially." - Tautau

Looking for your own environmental portrait session? Visit the About or Contact page to learn more.

A special photo session with Tux in his final days

This portrait session took place among the sand dunes of Mount Maunganui, where Vaughan and Maree wanted to capture meaningful moments with their beloved 14-year-old dog, Tux, in his final days. Rather than creating posed portraits, the focus was simply on documenting time together in a place that held special meaning for all three of them. The beach was Tux's happy place where he could explore, relax, and enjoy being with the people who loved him most. The result was a collection of natural, honest moments that reflected their connection and celebrated a much-loved companion in a place that felt like home.

“Thanks Tony, you absolutely nailed it with the photos. We showed a few friends who knew Tux and they cried!” - Vaughan

If you'd like to document time with the people, places, or pets that matter most, get in touch.

Inside John’s hangar... setting the stage for old rockers

This portrait session with John and his band of “old rocker” friends took place in his hangar at Tauranga Airport. Living in the hangar reflects both his life as a pilot and his passion for music. His old biplane sits alongside a purpose built stage, where he regularly plays with his band for a close circle of friends. Photographed in black and white with a subtle grain, the intention was to echo a raw, timeless feel…  reminiscent of classic rock photography. My focus was on honest, unposed moments of performance and connection. The result is a documentary-style portrait collection of a group of musicians fully immersed in a space where they live out their rock star dreams!

"Thanks for the awesome pics. They are great photos." - John

Interested in a documentary-style portrait session that reflects your story and environment? I'd love to hear from you.

Dan… a life shaped by the sea

Dan’s happy place is by the ocean. A large part of his life revolves around surfing, fitness, and his Toyota Prado… converted into a simple home away from home that keeps him close to the waves. This environmental portrait session took place along the Mount Maunganui coastline, where you’ll often find Dan parked up. He is well known among local surfers and regulars, so the aim was to capture a familiar “Dan moment”… sitting in the back of his truck overlooking the beach, taking in the ocean before heading out, and spending time in the water doing what he loves most. The result is a series of natural, documentary-style portraits that reflect a life closely connected to the ocean.

If you’d like to document your own story in a meaningful place, get in touch!