Annual Exhibition 2026

The Wellington Photographic Society’s annual exhibition is a highlight of our year, bringing together the creative work of our members and sharing it with the wider public. For us, it’s not just a chance to hang photographs on the wall – it’s an opportunity to celebrate the art of photography, showcase the talent within our community, and invite others to discover what makes photography such an inspiring and accessible pursuit.

This year’s exhibition offers a diverse collection of images captured both close to home and further afield. You’ll see photographs from all around the world – landscapes, portraits, street scenes, and wildlife – but the heart of the exhibition is firmly rooted in Wellington. Our members have drawn inspiration from the beauty and variety of our own backyard: dramatic coastlines, majestic mountains, vibrant cities, and the small, fleeting details that make life unique.

We are also proud to display images created during our group meet-ups, workshops, and learning sessions. These gatherings are at the heart of what we do as a society, offering members the chance to connect, experiment, and grow their photographic skills in a supportive and friendly environment. The exhibition is therefore more than just a showcase of individual work – it’s a reflection of the shared learning, encouragement, and passion that our community thrives on.

Visitors can expect to see a wide range of styles and techniques, from classic black-and-white to bold digital artistry. Whether you are a seasoned photographer, someone with a casual interest in the medium, or simply curious to see the world through a different lens, there will be something here to inspire you.

Opening Night: 5th October, 7pm (private event, by invitation only)
Public Viewing: 6th October onwards
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm most days, extended to 8pm on Friday/Saturday

We warmly invite you to join us, explore the exhibition, and experience the world as seen through the eyes of our members. Who knows – you may even feel inspired to pick up a camera yourself and consider becoming part of the Wellington Photographic Society.

Opening night

Monday, 5th October | Time 7pm | Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba St, Te Aro
Please come and join us to celebrate the creative photos of your fellow club members and yourself – family and friends are welcome. Finger food and refreshments will be available.

Gallery roster

We are looking to establish a roster of volunteers to man the gallery during weekday afternoons and during the weekends. Please contact the committee via comms@wps.org.nz if you can volunteer.

Jos Movie Promotional Image

Film Night – Jos

The Forgotten Photographer Who Saved A Town

For nearly 100 years the name Jos Divis was missing from histories of New Zealand photography. Now a wrong is being righted.

Some call him the ‘inventor of the selfie’. A street photographer ahead of his time, he pioneered techniques to capture images of ordinary people and their working lives in a way no-one else could. Imprisoned for his beliefs, he lived his last years alone in the ghost town he helped bring to life, his family believing him dead.

JOS is a journey of discovery following a historian, a photographer and a museum curator all working to give Jos Divis the recognition he deserves.

Doors open from 7pm, film will begin at 7.30pm
Snacks and beverages will be provided
All welcome

 

 

Wellington Zoo – Evening Meetup

Every year the Zoo opens late on certain nights during March.
This gives us a chance to have a laid-back, half-price visit to the zoo to capture some images of the awesome animals.
There are some new attractions since we did this last year including snow leopards and a baby giraffe!
Bring a picnic, bring a friend or your family and let’s have a good time.
We will meet just inside the entrance, next to the otters. We will wait till approx 5.15 and will probably seperate into groups as we head into the zoo. If you are late, leave a comment here and we will let you know where we are.
See you there!

Amber-Jayne Bain: My Journey Into Commercial Photography

Amber-Jayne Bain is a photographer with over 20 years experience operating commercially in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara.

A lengthy hiatus in her career as a photographer when she had children, was a deliberate choice, but her return to the industry over the last 5 years has seen a return to strength as a professional – a progression away from direct-to-client work, and more commonly she works now with creatives to realise a diverse array of briefs.

Her work encompasses editorial portraiture and food, commercial and lifestyle photography, and advertising for large and small brands. A new direction into photographic fine art has her currently studying at Massey University to complete a Masters degree, while continuing to run her commercial photography business, and serve on the executive board of the AIPA.

You can check out more of her work at https://ajbain.com/
Thursday 9th May, Tararua Tramping Club – 4 Moncrieff St, Mt Vic
Doors open from 7pm, free entry.

Print Competition 2022

This year’s print competition will be held on the 8th of December.

Full Competition details:

  • 8th of December @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  • Categories are: Open | Black and White
  • New Closing Date for Entries: On or before the 10th of November (midnight)
  • Presentation Night: 8th of December 2022 at the TTC Club Rooms

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Lara Gilks – Transformation

Lara is a Wellington photographer, she explores dreamscapes through the themes of metamorphosis, mortality, escapism, ascension, peace and silence. She will talk about her practice, her photographic process and inspiration.
Lara has received multiple awards for her work including a finalist at the Lucie Foundation Portrait Awards 2021, first place in Nude and Figure category at the Julia Margaret Cameron Awards 2021 and 2020 and winner of Australasia’s Top Emerging Portrait Photographer for 2018.
Gilks’ work was recently published in Art New Zealand the winter issue in 2022 and SHOTS magazine in 2021. She has been exhibited widely since 2015,in 2021/22 she has exhibited in group shows in Spain, Hungary, Italy, USA. Thailand and NZ.
To check more of Lara’s work, visit her website: https://laragilks.com/

2021 Exhibition: Member information

2021 Exhibition: Member information

The exhibition is being held this year at the Te Auaha Gallery in Dixon St and will run from 13-27 July 2021.

Our annual exhibition is the opportunity to showcase the best work of our members to family, friends and the public and we try to include work from each member.

Current members of WPS are invited to submit up to three images to be considered for selection for the exhibition.

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Impact Magazine: April 2021

Impact Magazine: April 2021

We are back after a small hiatus with a new issue!

Inside this issue, you’ll find articles on Personal photography projects, an interview with WPS member Fred Wotton, who has been an active photographer for 72 years, Some images from our recent Mobile Competition, a review of one of Canon’s last 35mm SLR’s the EOS-3 among other great articles.

We hope you enjoy this month’s magazine.

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