Meet the 2025 Judges

Irene Callaghan, APSNZ

Irene Callaghan has been a been a member of camera clubs for 29 years and sunny Nelson is now her home.

She became an accredited judge 9 years ago to help her photography grow but found satisfaction in helping others.

Her interests are diverse with her passion being creative and portraiture.

Rachael Smith, MFA. M.NZIPP.Dist

Rachael Smith is a photographic artist based in Auckland with over ten years' experience judging at regional, national, and international levels. She holds a Master of Fine Arts, is an Ilford Master and Ilford Certified Fine Art Printer, and currently serves as President of the NZIPP. She’s passionate about the craft of image-making, the magic of print, and helping photographers grow — always offering honest feedback, a keen eye, and a good dose of playful humour.

While her work spans many genres, Rachael has a soft spot for landscapes, nature, and travel. Especially when there’s great light, a hint of drama, or a story waiting to be told.

Peter Robertson LPSNZ

A trained teacher, Peter has been teaching and tutoring photography for over 50 years. He taught Photography courses at High School level in the days of film and continues to tutor at  Club and community workshops.

A member of Buller Camera Club, he joined PSNZ in 2007 and served as President 2016-2018.

He remains a champion of The Photographic Society of New Zealand and its affiliated camera clubs, as a framework of encouragement and support for students of photography.

He is based in Westport on the spectacular West Coast of the South Island where he is active in the community as a photographer, Justice of the Peace, Rotarian, and Chairman of the Denniston Heritage Trust.