
NZIPP RECOGNISED & TRUSTED HAWKE'S BAY PHOTOGRAPHERS
NZIPP Accredited Professional Photographers You Can Trust
– Based Right Here in Hawke’s Bay
Looking for an accredited, professional photographer in Hawke’s Bay? This is your one-stop directory for NZIPP-accredited photographers in Hawke's Bay – proven experts in their field. The NZIPP (New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography) represents the highest standard of photographic professionalism and ethics in the country. Whether you're after business headshots, family portraits, weddings, commercial work or fine art – these are photographers who meet the mark. This Hawke's Bay website is authorised by the NZIPP National Body.

NZIPP ACCREDITED HAWKE'S BAY PHOTOGRAPHERS
Hiring a photographer can be overwhelming – but when you choose an NZIPP-accredited professional, you can trust in experience, skill, and accountability. NZIPP stands for the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography, and every accredited member has undergone rigorous assessment. You can expect the highest standards of creativity, technical expertise, business professionalism, and ongoing education.
When you hire an NZIPP member, you're not just getting beautiful photos – you're getting peace of mind.
Meet Your NZIPP Accredited Hawke’s Bay Photographers
Richard Wood
NZIPP Grand Master III.
Havelock North, Hawke's Bay

COMMERCIAL & BRANDING, EVENTS, FASHION, WEDDING
Richard is one of New Zealand’s most decorated photographers, celebrated for his evocative portraiture, cinematic vision, and masterful use of light. With a career spanning over two decades, he has delivered around 140,000 hours of education to photographers, earned five NZIPP Photographer of the Year titles and four levels of Grand Master distinction. From high-end commercial campaigns to fine art commissions, Richard brings creativity, precision, and professionalism to every Hawke's Bay project—crafting imagery that is both visually powerful and emotionally resonant.

Karyn Worthington
NZIPP Master with Distinction I. Havelock North, Hawke's Bay

FAMILY PORTRAIT​​
Karyn Worthington is a Master of Photography with Distinction (NZIPP), celebrated for her heartfelt family portraits that capture genuine connections and emotions. Based in Hawke’s Bay, Karyn crafts timeless, heirloom-quality images that tell each family's unique story. Her work has earned numerous accolades, including multiple awards at the NZIPP Iris Awards and recognition as a finalist for the New Zealand Family Photographer of the Year in 2023. Karyn's approach combines artistic vision with a warm, relaxed atmosphere, ensuring every session is a memorable experience.​

Simon Cartwright
NZIPP Associate
Havelock North, Hawke's Bay

COMMERCIAL | EVENTS | AERIAL
​Simon Cartwright is a distinguished commercial and event photographer based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, celebrated for his dynamic visual storytelling and meticulous attention to detail. Simon has become a trusted creative partner for businesses across the country, delivering compelling imagery that elevates brand narratives and marketing campaigns.

Loren O'Connor
NZIPP Grand Master
Patoka, Hawke's Bay

PORTRAIT | FINEART​
Loren O'Connor is a Grand Master with the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP), known for her emotive fine art portraiture and elegant floral imagery. Based in rural Patoka, Hawke’s Bay, Loren creates bespoke, heirloom-quality artworks that blend painterly aesthetics with technical mastery. Her tranquil studio offers a space where clients are guided through a personalised experience—whether for timeless portraits or artistic floral studies.

Shar Hays
NZIPP Master with Distinction Napier, Hawke's Bay

PORTRAIT | FINEART​
Shar Hays is a Hawke’s Bay-based photographer and illustrator known for her creative versatility and keen eye for detail. Her work spans portraiture, lifestyle, and commercial photography, often blending illustrative elements to create compelling visual narratives.
With a background in both photography and illustration, Shar brings a unique perspective to her projects, seamlessly integrating traditional and digital techniques.

Bruce Jenkins
NZIPP Associate
Napier, Hawke's Bay

COMMERCIAL | AUTOMOTIVE
Bruce Jenkins is a seasoned photographer based in Napier, New Zealand, with over 30 years of experience capturing dynamic imagery across motorsport, fashion, and landscape genres. Renowned for his ability to freeze high-speed action with clarity and artistry, Bruce has served as the official photographer for the Toyota Racing Series and the Toyota Finance 86 Series for six years. His work is characterized by a unique blend of technical precision and creative vision, delivering compelling visuals that resonate with audiences and clients alike.​

Michelle Fey
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NZIPP Master with Distinction I. Taradale, Hawke's Bay

PORTRAIT​
Michelle Fey is an award-winning Hawke’s Bay photographer, known for her heartfelt newborn, maternity, and family portraits. With a background in forensic photography, she brings precision and care to every session at her studio, Capture Us Photography. Michelle’s warm, professional approach and internationally recognised work make her a trusted choice for timeless, family-focused imagery.

Chris Helliwell
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NZIPP Master I.
Havelock North, Hawke's Bay

FRAMING | WILDLIFE
Chris Helliwell is a multi-award-winning wildlife and macro photographer based in Hawke’s Bay, renowned for his striking images of New Zealand’s natural world. A two-time NZIPP Nature Photographer of the Year, Chris combines artistic vision with technical precision to capture the beauty of native species and landscapes. As co-owner of Edges Art + Framing, he brings a deep commitment to the craft of printmaking and art presentation.

Samantha Polatsek
NZIPP Accredited Member
Napier, Hawke's Bay

PORTRAIT
​Samantha Polatsek is a family and newborn photographer based in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. With a background in childcare and extensive training from leading newborn photographers worldwide, she offers a relaxed, safety-focused approach to capturing maternity, newborn, and family portraits. Samantha provides in-studio sessions, ensuring a comfortable experience for clients. Her work emphasizes natural, heartfelt moments, delivering timeless images that families can cherish for years to come.
WHAT IS AN ACCREDITED NZIPP PHOTOGRAPHER?
NZIPP accreditation is not just a badge – it’s a promise. Members must consistently demonstrate professional conduct, business integrity, and photographic excellence. They're backed by a national body and supported with ongoing education, legal resources, and technical training. This means you get a photographer who is committed to best practices – and to you.
TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHY OFFERED IN HAWKE'S BAY
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Business Headshots
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Commercial and Branding Photography
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Family Portraits
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Fine Art and Creative Photography
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Weddings and Elopements
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Event Photography
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Real Estate and Architecture
All photographers listed are NZIPP-accredited and based right here in Hawke’s Bay.
Want to Know More About NZIPP?

This is the NZIPP – New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography official Accredited logo – representing accredited photographers.”
Visit the official NZIPP website to learn more about accreditation, ethics, and what it means to be a professional photographer in New Zealand.
Book a Photographer
Whether you're launching a brand, updating your LinkedIn profile, capturing memories with family, or celebrating your wedding – you'll find the right Hawke's Bay photographer here. Contact any of our members directly through their profile.