Aotearoa Music Photography Award 2026 Winners

Image Auckland is delighted to announce the winners of 2026 Music Photography Award - Whakaahua Puoro Toa

The 2026 Award was judged by Rosa Nevison, co-founder, co-editor, and designer of Newzician Magazine and Frances Carter, music photographer and director. They applaude the high quality of entries "It was an honour to be tasked with looking through the 500+ entries in this year’s award, and vigorously debating the finalists. Photography, like all art forms, is inherently subjective, and narrowing down the field was therefore a very challenging process. Some images stood out for their technical execution, some for the vibrant moments they captured, and others for the unexpected ways they succeeded while breaking traditional photographic conventions.

There were so many fantastic works that held our attention – we only wish we had more awards to give! We would like to note that although the winners this year ended up all being black and white photographs, this was not a deliberate result, as many incredible colour images made it to our shortlists. Overall, we are so excited and impressed by the huge amount of talent and passion on display this year. We extend our thanks to all the photographers who submitted their work – music photography in Aotearoa is clearly thriving, and you are all a part of that."

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1st Place: Evie Thomson "Park Flyers" (Windiest Day in Wellington)

Our judges commented "We are so happy to award this year’s first place prize to a distinctly beautiful photograph that hovered in our minds for days after we first saw it, like an image from a dream. To go out shooting in such challenging weather and come back with this delicate, poetic photo is a real testament to this photographer’s eye. Despite the tempest, there is a compelling stillness. The composition creates depth with the staggered subjects, who stumble and fly from the off-kilter horizon, while the pylon balances the triad. On top of these qualities, there is a real connection of artist to place. A beautifully executed, emotionally resonant work that was a clear winner for us both."

Evie wins -

1st place $1250 grant plus, Canon R50 SLK | Canon TLK Camera Bag

Epson ET- 8550 Printer, Ilford Smooth Pearl A3 | Ilford Smooth Pearl 6x4

Back copy Newzician Magazine, Published on our website, social media.

Evie said ““It was a battle getting this photo so it’s so amazing for it to be chosen for this prize!”

2nd Place: Mick Brady "Cindy on Wilson" (Newtown Festival 2026)

Our judges commented "The choice for second place was difficult, but we found ourselves returning to this dynamic shot over and over. The photographer has managed to distil the chaos of the moment into a very engaging image, one that makes the viewer feel as if they are standing right inside the scene. We were struck by the relative neutrality of the lens choice (not especially wide or long) and the angle (not especially low or high). This restraint allows the eye to travel through the depth of the image, picking out small details of the distant crowd and musician, while the energetic foreground rages on. With so much going on inside the frame, this photograph resists overwhelming us and gives us instead a balanced, visually coherent image that keeps the atmosphere of the moment alive."

Mick wins -

2nd place $500 grant, plus DJI Action 6 Combo

Epson ET- 8550 Printer, Ilford Smooth Pearl A3 | Ilford Smooth Pearl 6x4

Back copy Newzician Magazine, Published on our website, social media.

Mick was stoked about his win “I tried to capture the chaos and raw energy of this show, this felt like the peak and I was lucky to be right in the thick of it. I'm blown away to have my work recognized like this, thank you. It's a testament to getting amongst it and supporting local artists and events, especially these amazing spaces for artists to do their thing, amazing mahi!"

Best Photo Essay: Sandy Hughes - Various Festivals, Gigs and Venues

Our judges commented "This is an exhilarating set of photographs, the kind that can only be captured by someone who is truly embedded in their scene. It takes real commitment to create work like this, and we commend the photographer on their dedication in showcasing the incredible energy of this musical community. Their passion for this scene is absolutely palpable and looking through the images was a total delight for us. It made us want to listen to these bands and engage more deeply with the scene itself, which speaks to the strength of the photographer’s perspective. The quality is consistent and there is a strong signature style. It’s the kind of work that makes a rich historical archive, but is also fizzing with vitality in the present day."

Sandy wins -

New category 'Best Photo Essay'

Judge's choice $300 grant. Plus Essay published in Newzician Magazine (late 2026 edition)

Instax Mini Evo Cinema, Back copy Newzician magazine, Published on our website, social media.

Sandy said: "It’s an honour to be able to document NZ’s small music scene, especially the hardcore scene, and to be part of such a welcoming community. I’m really excited to see the future of where this photography takes me and I appreciate everyone who supports my work!"

To date $11800 has been Awarded to support Music photography in NZ through this Award since 2021. Announced 27th May 2026

Our judges also wanted to extend some specific notes on entries that made their job so hard, congratulations to these photographers.

Highly Commended (Single Image):

Thiago Alencar – Biffy Clyro at the Auckland Town Hall
Tom Grut – Geese
Mingxuan Lyu – The hand of legacy
Chontalle Musson – Laneway Festival Auckland, Chappell Roan crowd
Bevan Triebels – Possessed

Highly Commended (Essay):

JM Beltran – CubaDupa2026

View all the 2026 entries - https://photographyfestival.org.nz/photo-blog/index.cfm

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