Organised by the NZIPP for more than 30 years, these annual awards celebrate the excellence of New Zealand’s professional photographers, providing a platform for recognition within the industry and the wider public. The Epson/NZIPP Iris Awards demonstrate the commitment of the NZIPP to raise the profile of professional photography throughout New Zealand, providing an annual showcase of cutting-edge imagery and creative photographic talent, which, together with the NZIPP conference and industry tradeshow, form the INFOCUS event.
The Iris Awards are open to ALL professional photographers resident in New Zealand, including members of the professional photography organisations AIPA and NZIPP. All professional entrants resident in New Zealand are eligible to win the prestigious title of Epson/NZIPP Professional Photographer of the Year 2OO8, as well as other major awards, by entering up to 10 prints across a range of categories.
Members of approved overseas professional photography organisations are also able to enter up to 10 prints, and are eligible to win the prestigious title of Epson/NZIPP Overseas Professional Photographer of the Year 2008. Only members of NZIPP or approved overseas organizations are eligible for receiving NZIPP Honours: Associate, Master & Fellow. There is also a Student/Assistant category for photographic students and assistants who are able to enter up to two prints. In addition, there is a Tertiary Institution of the Year Award which is determined by the highest aggregate of 10 student prints for an institution.
All major award winners will receive a specially designed crystal trophy and other prizes. All Finalists will receive a certificate as recognition of being in the top three for each category.
All prints are judged in an open forum over a 3-day period, the best of which are awarded gold, silver and bronze awards. Everyone who has entered prints is encouraged to attend the judging to benefit from the educational nature of the critique process. The judging sessions are also open to the public in order to educate, inspire and inform.
With strong sponsorship support and media interest, the Epson/NZIPP Iris Awards provide an excellent opportunity for professional photographers to gain widespread exposure for the fruits of their creative labors. The major awards and Epson/NZIPP 2008 Photographer of the Year will be announced at a gala black tie dinner on Monday 25 August 2008. Prices for entering the Iris Awards (GST Inclusive): | NZIPP/AIPA Members & Affiliated organisations * | $45 per print | | Non Member | $80 per print | | Students and Assistants ((Student/Assistant category only) | $20 per print | | Wedding Album (NZIPP members only) | $150 per entry | | | | | NZ Entry handling fee | $50 per case | | Overseas Entry handling fee | $90 per case | | | | | Official NZIPP Case | $95 per case | | Group Handling Fee for registered Tertiary Institutions | $112.50 |
* Current approved overseas organisations are: AIPP, BIPP, PPA, PPOC, SWPP/BPPA, WPPI, ASMP, and MIPP (Malta) | 
