Auckland photographer Lisa Crandall has been recognised as one of the best in the country after her work stood out from more than 1000 stunning images submitted to this year's national professional photography awards.

Lisa was named People Photographer of the Year at the Epson/NZIPP Iris Professional Photography Awards which were held in Tauranga from 21 - 25 August.Auckland photographer Lisa Crandall has been recognised as one of the best in the country after her work stood out from more than 1000 stunning images submitted to this year's national professional photography awards.

Lisa was named People Photographer of the Year at the Epson/NZIPP Iris Professional Photography Awards which were held in Tauranga from 21 - 25 August.Lisa runs her portrait and wedding photography business, ImageMe, in Northcote Point. About half of her portrait sessions take place in her fully-equipped studio, the other half are taken out on location, often making use of the North Shore's beautiful beaches.

Her portfolio of winning images had a variety of themes including passion, loss of a loved one, body image pressures on young women, and the magic of childhood. The common thread was emotion. 'I'm an emotional person, and there's no doubt that my images reflect that' says Lisa.

The Epson/NZIPP Iris Professional Photography Awards have helped launch the careers of some of New Zealand's top photographers and are highly competitive. A panel of judges assess seven different categories and score each print out of 100 during a gruelling three day judging process.

"It really is the cutting edge in what's happening in the photographic industry and New Zealand is right up with the best in the world," said Chris Parker, president of the NZIPP, and Iris awards judge.

Judges looked for prints which communicated emotion, demonstrated superior techniques and had appropriate colour and design elements. "And then there's the X factor," Mr Parker said. "No-one really knows what it is but it's when all those elements combine to make something truly stunning."

The New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP) is the only qualifying body for professional photographers in New Zealand and covers wedding, portrait and commercial disciplines. It ensures members adhere to the highest standards of creative and business practices and the annual awards help push photographers to the next level.

For further information contact Lisa Crandall on (09) 419 4019 or visit www.imageme.co.nz

01/09/09