Richard Wood
GM.NZIPP II., BDes., BBS
Richard is a highly acclaimed multi-genre photographer who resides in the beautiful sunny Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. His passion for photography extends beyond just taking pictures as he also works as a photographic educator, sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring photographers. Richard is the author of three comprehensive online courses that delve into the intricacies of photography through the Portrait System.
As the director and head judge of the Portrait Masters Awards and Accreditation competition, Richard has made significant contributions to the photography industry. He has earned a reputation as one of the most awarded photographers globally, and his recent accolades speak volumes about his expertise. Richard has been the grand award winner for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022) at the Asia Pacific Photography Awards, and he has also been recognized as the grand award winner at WPPI.
Richard has been awarded the prestigious New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP) New Zealand Professional Photographer of the Year title four times, in addition to winning multiple categories at WPE, APPA, WPPI, and NZIPP. He is a Grand Master of Photography at NZIPP, a rare achievement that showcases his mastery of the craft.
Richard's exceptional talent, attention to detail, and commitment to his craft have made him an invaluable contributor to the world of photography. He continues to inspire and educate photographers around the world with his knowledge and expertise.
Awards
2021 NZIPP New Zealand PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
2021 NZIPP Open Portrait - Highest Scoring Print
2021 NZIPP Open Portrait Photographer of the Year
2021 NZIPP Expressive Photographer of the Year
2021 Awarded 'Master' at WPPI
2021 Asia Pacific Awards - GRAND AWARD | OVERALL WINNER
2021 Asia Pacific Awards - 1st Place Open Category
2021 Asia Pacific Awards - 2nd Place Open Category
2021 Asia Pacific Awards - 1st Place Portrait Category
2021 Asia Pacific Awards - 4th Place Portrait Category
2021 Asia Pacific Awards - 6th Place Portrait Category
2021 Asia Pacific Awards - 6th Place Wedding Category
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2020 Awarded NZIPP Grand Master with 2 Bars
2020 NZIPP Grand Master of the Year
2020 NZIPP Open Portrait Category - Highest Scoring Print
2020 WPPI GRAND AWARD
2020 WPPI Illustrative 1st Place
2020 WPPI Contemporary Portrait 1st Place
2020 WPE International Photographers - Europe 3rd Place Award - Portrait
2020 Team New Zealand.
2019 World Photographic Cup. BEST OF NATION
2019 WPE International Photographers - Europe. 2nd Place Award
2019 WPE International Photographers - Europe 3rd Place Award
2019 NZIPP Open Portrait Photographer of Year
2019 NZIPP Illustrative Photographer of the Year
2019 NZIPP Highest Scoring Grand Master
2019 Team New Zealand.
2017 NZIPP NEW ZEALAND PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Bar to Grand Master of Photography (GMNZIPP x2)
2017 NZIPP Illustrative Photographer of the Year
2017 NZIPP Creative Portrait Photographer of the Year
2017 NZIPP Grand Master of the Year
2017 Team New Zealand.
2016 New Zealand Grand Master of the Year
2016 Finalist NZIPP New Zealand Professional Photographer of the Year
2016 NZIPP Central Districts Professional Photographer of the Year
2015 Finalist NZIPP New Zealand Professional Photographer of the Year
2014 NZIPP NEW ZEALAND PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
2014 NZIPP New Zealand Illustrative Photographer of the Year
2014 Awarded title of Honorary Spider Fellow
2013 Awarded with the title of 'NZIPP Grand Master of Photography'
2013 Finalist NZIPP Professional Photographer of the Year
2012 International Colour Awards (Master's Cup) Portrait 2nd Place
2012 International Colour Awards (Master's Cup) Portrait 3rd Place
2012 NZIPP New Zealand Classic Portrait Photographer of the Year
2012 NZIPP New Zealand Illustrative Photographer of the Year
2012 NZIPP Highest Scoring Colour Print
2012 Finalist NZIPP New Zealand Professional Photographer of the Year
2011 NZIPP NEW ZEALAND PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
2011 NZIPP New Zealand Creative Portrait Photographer of the Year
2011 International Colour Awards (Master's Cup) Portrait 2nd Place
2011 International Loupe Awards Portrait 3rd Place
2010 Finalist NZIPP New Zealand Professional Photographer of the Year
Numerous Kodak Gold Awards.
