Vice President’s Report

Rachael Smith - M.NZIPP I Accredited Professional Photographer

A few months ago, I was walking down the street, an elderly gentleman was walking towards me. He stepped to the side so I could pass. I did the same, at the same time, in the same direction and we did that whole awkward side-stepping thing a few times before I busted out laughing and suggested to him he just ask me to dance, which he did, so we did, in the street, two complete strangers, giggling at our own silliness.

We had a good laugh and carried on our separate ways – no exchange of names or anything. I occasionally wonder just what his circumstances were – had he spent lockdown surrounded by family, or on his own, fearing an unseen threat.

One year on from New Zealand’s nationwide Covid 19 lockdown. We all no doubt can acknowledge that we are lucky to be in New Zealand and, mostly, living life as normal (except maybe Auckland, but hey – taking one for the team has always been a challenge Kiwis have stepped up to – thank you Auckland!)

I was recently asked at a workshop why someone should join NZIPP. I found this both difficult, and easy to answer. It was difficult because it felt personal – ‘why are you in this family?’ and easy, because, why wouldn’t I become a part of a group of people that encourage, teach, uplift, motivate and nurture each other. I remember the first time I had that “OMG, these people actually understand me” moment, and there have been so, so many more moments like that since then.

This support, the connections, friendships, are for me why I’m part of NZIPP. I do also feel I get a lot out of my membership because I put a lot into it – I’ve put myself well outside my own comfort zones and become an active part of things, and boy have I learned and grown as a result of that.

Our NZIPP community, our family, aren’t just limited to our membership. We are incredibly lucky as an organisation to have ongoing support of the wider photographic community through our association within the NZ retail and wholesale suppliers. Planning for our annual NZIPP Iris Awards and conference, the newly re-named New Zealand Photography Show, is well under way and we already have the confirmed support of Nikon, Canon, Ilford, Lumix, Sony, Momento Pro and Fujifilm. With other long-time industry supporters pledging to also be a part of these two events. The continued support of these companies is an integral part of being able to hold these events – they support us and in turn we need to do all we can to continue to buy local and support them.

The prospect of being able to hold an event where we can all interact in person is so exciting, especially in as stunning a location as Nelson. I can’t wait to catch up with everyone either at the awards judging, the conference, gala dinner, or in the bar afterwards – I’m pretty easy to find so make sure to say hello!

Rachael Smith

Rahera Photography