Photographic Society of New Zealand

Welcome to The Photographic Society of New Zealand Website

The Society is the umbrella organization for 62 Camera Clubs and Photographic Societies throughout New Zealand. It was founded in 1953 in Queenstown and now has a membership of about 1000 with another 2000 (approximately) belonging to the affiliated clubs.

The goals of the Society include encouraging the advancement of photography as a craft and as an art form, while promoting friendship, cooperation and exchange of ideas within its community.

PSNZ and the club membership are made up from people with a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge ranging from the “keen to learn” novice through to the full time professional. All are united by their love of photography.

Activities include national and regional conventions, competitions, exhibitions, field trips, educational workshops, publications and access to a highly respected system of photographic distinctions. As the exclusive New Zealand affiliate to the world wide organisation, the Federation Internationale de l’Art Photographic (FIAP), members are given access to this prestigious organisation’s distinctions and events.

At this year’s National Convention, hosted by the Focus-Aorangi Club of Timaru, nearly 300 attendees from throughout New Zealand were treated to a range of top level speakers who shared their knowledge and inspired their audience.

New Zealander Melanie Burford, who is a member of the Pulitzer Prize winning team for her Dallas newspaper, gave us insight into the photojournalistic world of a feature photographer covering the often sad lives of families caught up in major tragic events. Ron Davies from Wales took his audience into the world of storytelling through digital AVs and shared his international award winning creations with us. These speakers and others gave the attendees entertainment, techniques and inspiration through their presentations.

That few other organizations are able to offer New Zealanders access to such talent and varied specialist fields, is part of the reason that membership of the Society and its member clubs has become attractive to professional and recreational photographers alike. Because of the huge impact of digital image capture, our membership is growing rapidly as newcomers buy their first digital cameras and then look for guidance and inspiration on how to use their cameras to full potential and improve the results that they get.

We are extremely grateful to the supporters and sponsors who assist us in the many events arranged by the Society throughout New Zealand each year. There are far too many to name all individually, but they include industry and retailing leaders such as Canon, Epson, Kodak, Parkside media [The Photographers Mail / D-Photo], Photo and Video International, H.E.Perry Ltd and Lacklands. We are extremely appreciative that they see PSNZ as an organization worthy of their support and at the forefront of raising photography awareness, education and standards.

Nowhere are the high standards of photographic art more evident than in the beautiful annual NZ Camera series of books to which members submit images annually. The very best of these are selected for this publication which is sold throughout New Zealand and Overseas. A book of this quality is made possible through the sponsorship of Peugeot New Zealand, AMI Insurance, Strategic Financial Planning Limited, La Mai Coffee, Rhema Broadcasting Group and Photo and Video International

As you explore our web site you become to appreciate some of the talent of our members and the range of activities that are available. You will also find the contact details of a photographic club near you and we encourage you to make contact.

So welcome to the “world” of the Photographic Society of New Zealand. We are confident that your involvement with it will be both enjoyable and rewarding.