Photographer wins industry accolade
Levin-born photographer’s work wins Illustrative Photographer of the Year
A Levin-born and raised photographer has been awarded the prestigious title of Illustrative Photographer of the Year at the NZ Institute of Professional Photographers (NZIPP) IRIS awards.
Kelvin Gilbert, who is now based in Palmerston North where he co-founded creative agency Origin Eight, is also NZIPP’s youngest photography Grand Master, one of his profession’s highest accolades.
Gilbert said the awards pushed him to create and improve his photographic style.
“When rewarded, it shows that the hard work and persistence is worth the effort, as there is no better feeling than to have something you have worked so hard on to be recognised by your peers and industry professionals as worthy to represent New Zealand photography,” he said.
The NZIPP IRIS awards, which are supported by photography giant Nikon, have recognised the country’s most accomplished practitioners across a range of photographic disciplines for 35 years.
They provide a platform for both public and peer recognition of technical excellence, creative originality, and a desire to excel using both digital and traditional techniques.
The judging panel is comprised of New Zealand and international experts, and honours the best in contemporary photography both in New Zealand and abroad.
Gilbert has earned recognition here and overseas too, and last year, the former UCOL student was named Overseas Photographer of the Year by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography.
His love of photography started early, after he was introduced to it at a young age by his grandfather.
He says image making proved to be a powerful creative outlet, and later enrolled in UCOL Palmerston North’s Diploma in Photographic Imaging, where he rapidly developed into a highly skilled photographic retoucher and creative imaging professional.
Gilbert and his Origin Eight co-founder Amy Fowler now supply a full spectrum of creative services to clients around New Zealand and Australasia.