NZ National winner for 2015 World Photography Awards

© Mike MacKinven, 1st Place, New Zealand National Award, 2015 Sony World Photography Awards

New Zealand National Award winner revealed for 2015 Sony World Photography Awards

• Single best photograph taken by a New Zealand photographer discovered by world’s biggest photography competition

• Photograph will be exhibited at Somerset House, London, 24 April – 10 May

17 March: New Zealand photographer Mike MacKinven from Auckland is today named as the winner of the New Zeakand National Award, part of the prestigious 2015 Sony World Photography Awards.

MacKinven’s winning image “Dunstans Way” was chosen as the single best photograph taken by a New Zealand photographer entered into any of the ten Open categories of the 2015 Sony World Photography Awards, the world’s biggest photography competition. A second image of his, “Mount Cook in 360º” was also selected in 3rd position.

MacKinven, an advertising art director who took up photography in 2012, has won a Sony a6000 camera and his image will be shown as part of the 2015 Sony World Photography Awards exhibition at Somerset House, London from 24 April – 10 May.

Talking about his win MacKinven comments: “Awesome! An amazing yet unexpected result to win this competition, I am extremely proud to have come this far with my Astrophotography and to show the world what can be done with a little bit of patience, perseverance and frozen fingers.”

Describing the image he continues: “This was by far the coldest night we have had shooting, not sure what the temperature was though. An amazing place to shoot from, but couldn't stay long as a. it was freezing, and b. the mountains were talking, lots of spooky falling ice sounds in the distance, the coolest noise I have ever heard in nature.

“This panorama shows 360º view of Aoraki Mt Cook as the moon sets over the ridge. It consists of 47 images in 3 rows. A magical place we are sure to visit again.”

Runner up positions for the New Zealand National Award were given to:

• 2nd place - Carl Street

• 3rd place – Mike MacKinven

The winners of all 54 National Awards were announced today by the Sony World Photography Awards. The National Awards programme honours and rewards the best single image taken by a local photographer and runs across the world from Argentina to Australia. It is open to photographers of all abilities. To see all the winning images please go to www.worldphoto.org

Notes to editors:

• About World Photography Organisation (WPO)

WPO is a home where photography is celebrated and the art of the photographer is recognised. Working with professional, enthusiast and student photographers alike, the World Photography Organisation provides a global network across the photographic industry to not only to raise the level of conversation around the subject, but to increase awareness and appreciation of this artform. WPO hosts a year-round portfolio of industry and public events including: Sony World Photography Awards, the world’s largest photography competition and accompanying global exhibition; the World Photography Student Focus Programme, inspiring and working with the next generation of photographers, and Photo Shanghai, Asia Pacific’s premier art fair dedicated to photography. In addition, WPO has a thriving online presence via its website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and addresses the industry’s latest issues in its monthly online publication, The Magazine. For more information please visit www.worldphoto.org

• About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $75 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/

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