The winners of the 2026 New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP) Iris Awards were recently announced and, in the Australian branch, dogs took the “Animal” category crown, but cats put up a fight, also claiming glory.
While the overall category winner was Charlotte Reeves, a Brisbane-based pet photographer who captured a dramatic series of pooches in the outdoors, Melbourne-based pet photographer Belinda Richards claimed the highest-scoring image with a creative frame of a feline.
The NZIPP Awards are New Zealand’s most recognized photography awards for professional and amateur photographers and, two years ago, expanded into Australia.
In its inaugural Aussie year, Reeves was also crowned Animal Photographer of the Year. This year, she told the organizers she was “honored” for the accolade, while thanking her business partner for encouraging her to enter.
Reeves claimed victory with three dramatic images of dogs in the outdoors, each taking a striking pose. Judges scored images out of 100, with “Gold” claiming a minimum of 90 points, “Silver” 80–89 points, and “Bronze” 75–79 points. Reeves’ trio all gained at least a “Silver” rating, with two marked with distinction.
Although Reeves’ dogs took the Animal category, the cats of the competition put up a good fight. Belinda Richards’ frame scored a whopping 99/100, the highest from any entrant across New Zealand and Australia.
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Above: watch how Belinda Richards created her winning image "Catitude"
It’s no wonder Richards scored so well. In a recent Instagram video, the renowned pet photographer revealed how the shot was essentially a major DIY project involving custom set building. Richards had success across the competition too, taking first place in the “Creative” category.
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