Lyttelton photographer Dean Mackenzie has been named Photographer of the Year at the 2007 Epson/NZIPP Iris Professional Photography Awards. His winning portfolio included striking portraits of his family. Said McKenzie, "Mum has a great sense of humour and when I told her I had won, she said she was available for other assignments."

Image: One of Mackenzie's winning photographs.Lyttelton photographer Dean Mackenzie has been named Photographer of the Year at the 2007 Epson/NZIPP Iris Professional Photography Awards. His winning portfolio included striking portraits of his family. Said McKenzie, "Mum has a great sense of humour and when I told her I had won, she said she was available for other assignments."

Image: One of Mackenzie's winning photographs.It was the first time Mackenzie had done a serious portrait of his family. "They were the only people I knew who fitted the idea I had, and with the smoke wafting through the air it would give me the feel for the shots I was looking for. I was experimenting with some techniques for a people series I'm working on," said Mackenzie.

Mackenzie, who caught the photography "bug" 10 years ago when he was inspired by "the rich, fantastic" colours of Asia, set up his own photography business in Christchurch three years ago.

Mackenzie said he was "absolutely blown away" to win the major award, which he expects will be a boost for his business and its current core of steady clients.

A selection of award-winning images will tour New Zealand from November. The images are also available on the NZIPP website.

2007 Epson/NZIPP Iris Professional Photography Award winners

Photographer of the Year: Dean MacKenzie (Christchurch)
Overseas Photographer of the Year: Peter Eastway (Australia)
Highest Scoring Colour Print: Nikki South (Tauranga)
Highest Scoring Monochrome Print: Stuart Riddell (Auckland)
Tertiary Institution of the Year: UCOL (Palmerston North)

Commercial: Steven Boniface (Wellington)
Creative : Lucy Gauntlett (Auckland)
Editorial/Illustrative: Terry Wreford-Hann (Featherston)
Landscape: John Doogan (Christchurch)
People: Dean MacKenzie (Christchurch)
Student/Assistant: Karina Badger (Palmerston North)
Wedding: Steve Sharp (Whangarei)
Wedding Album: Johannes van Kan (Christchurch)

4/9/07