Lower Hutt Hosts First Young Photographer Award Celebrating Rising Creative Talent

A new event celebrating the creativity of young people across Wellington will take place in Lower Hutt this December, with the launch of the Young Photographer Award, supported by Hutt City Council, the Excio Photo Community, and the Captivating Photography Journal.

The event is the first of its kind in New Zealand and highlights a growing interest in photography among tamariki and rangatahi. Over the past year the Art of Seeing Academy has delivered more than 80 workshops, with over 180 young people taking part. Many had never held a camera before.

Founder of the Academy Ana Lyubich says the results have been remarkable.

“We’ve seen kids who were shy, overwhelmed or unsure of themselves suddenly light up when they look through a camera. Photography helps them slow down, focus and express ideas they sometimes can’t put into words.”

The workshops are fully inclusive and support neurodiverse youth and those who may need extra learning help. “A camera becomes a bridge,” says Lyubich. “It gives kids a way to explore, communicate and feel proud of what they create.”

A celebration, not a competition

The Young Photographer Award takes a different approach. It is not a competition, and there are no single “winners”.

“Creativity isn’t a race,” says Lyubich. “We don’t want kids comparing themselves or trying to outdo each other. What matters is how far they have come, the confidence they’ve built and what they’ve discovered about themselves.”

Each young photographer will be recognised for their effort, growth and unique way of seeing the world.

Community event with guest speakers

The evening will feature a large display of students’ photographs as well as four guest speakers:

• Etanah Lalau Talapa, artist and curator
• Chris McKeown, Wellington photographer and speaker on mindful seeing
• Miro Kennett, teen underwater photographer
• Gareth Davies, former Royal Air Force and NZ Police photography instructor

The event is open to families, friends, photographers and the wider community.

Annual event with plans to expand

This year marks the first Young Photographer Award, which will become an annual celebration of local talent. The Academy also plans to expand the awards to regions beyond Wellington in 2026 to support young photographers across Aotearoa.

“This is just the beginning,” says Lyubich. “There is so much talent in our communities. Our goal is to encourage more kids to pick up a camera and feel proud of what they create.”

Event details

Young Photographer Award 2025 

Little Theatre, Lower Hutt, Wellington

11 December

5.30-7.30pm

Free RSVP: https://vents.humanitix.com/young-photographer-award-2025

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