Richard Wood.
Hawke's Bay Photographer.
Hawke's Bay Commercial Photographer | Headshots, Events, Product, Fashion & Wedding Photography
I'm Richard Wood, one of New Zealand's most decorated photographers with five NZIPP New Zealand Photographer of the Year titles to my name, including the 2025 Commercial Photographer of the Year. I hold the highest points total in the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography's 80-plus year history, and am the only photographer ever to have achieved Grand Master with three bars, GM.NZIPP III, the highest accreditation ever awarded by New Zealand's governing body of professional photography. Based in Havelock North, I work with businesses, brands and individuals across Hawke's Bay and throughout New Zealand.
With a Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication and a Bachelor of Business in Marketing, I bring something most photographers can't. A formal understanding of how imagery functions as a strategic business tool, not just a visual one. Every photograph I produce is considered not just as an image but as a piece of visual communication designed to work for your brand.
I specialise in commercial, headshot, branding, product, fashion, event, architectural and wedding photography across Hawke's Bay, working with clients locally and nationally.
Why Richard Wood | Craft, Experience & Credentials
01
New Zealand's Highest Decorated Photographer
The only photographer in the 80-plus year history of the NZIPP to hold Grand Master with three bars, GM.NZIPP III, with five New Zealand Photographer of the Year titles and the highest points total ever recorded in New Zealand professional photography. Internationally, I'm a grand award winner at the Asia Pacific Photography Awards for two consecutive years, alongside winning Grand Awards at WPPI and the International Icon Awards. My work is measured and awarded at the highest levels of the global photography industry.
02
NZIPP Accredited and Accreditation Judge
I don't just hold NZIPP accreditation, I help set the standard. As an NZIPP judge I assess and accredit the work of other New Zealand photographers, determining whether their imagery meets the professional benchmark required for membership. When you hire me, you're hiring the person other photographers are measured against.
03
Industry Leader
Past Director and Head Judge of the Portrait Masters Awards and Accreditation competition. Photographic educator with four published online courses and an international workshop programme spanning multiple countries. I don't just practise photography at the highest level, I help define its standards.
04
Commercial and Design Background
Before specialising in photography, I worked in the advertising and design sector, giving me a firsthand understanding of how visual communication functions at a strategic level. Combined with a Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication and a Bachelor of Business in Marketing, I approach every commission with the mindset of a creative director as much as a photographer. Most photographers haven't sat on the other side of the brief. I have.
05
Over 20 Years of Commercial Experience
With over two decades behind the lens, I've worked across virtually every category of commercial photography, from product and fashion to architecture, events and advertising campaigns. That breadth of experience means whatever your brief, I've done something like it before and know exactly how to approach it.
Trusted by big brands.
Available to local Hawkes Bay businesses.
Premier Photography, Local Hawke's Bay Business Friendly.
WHAT HAWKE'S BAY CLIENTS ARE SAYING
TESTIMONIALS FROM HAWKE'S BAY BUSINESS
KYLIE PARISH - PONDER DESIGN
- overwhelming success of this campaign
"I worked with Richard on the creative direction for Campaign for Wool NZ’s nationwide consumer campaign. Our brief was to create a series of photographic scenes that were disruptive, unsettling and demanded attention. Richard brought our vision to life in a way that exceeded our expectations, and his amazing photography contributed to the overwhelming success of this campaign across TV, print, radio, digital and social platforms. Working with Richard to deliver on this brief was absolutely seamless. His professionalism, creativity and eye for detail was brilliant."
HANA MONTaPERTO HENDRY
- success in securing 55.21% of the vote
Working with Richard was pivotal during my recent campaign for the Heretaunga Ward seat on the HDC.
Richard's skill and attention to detail were evident. He took the time to understand my goals and crafted visuals that authentically represented both myself and my commitment to the community. The high-quality images he produced were instrumental in conveying myself and message, significantly enhancing my campaign materials.
Thanks to Richard's work, I was able to present a strong, authentic image to the electorate, contributing to my success in securing 55.21% of the vote in a competitive field. His contribution was invaluable.
Richard is a photographer who combines technical expertise with a genuine understanding of vision.
DAMIAN SMITH - ALLEGIENCE
- the experience is world class
I have been lucky enough to have been photographed by Richard several times. His work it’s truly outstanding. The experience is world class and the images come out beyond what we expected every time. Richard truly is in a league of his own. If you can book him for your production you will not be disappointed at all .
About Richard Wood - Hawke's Bay Photographer
Beyond my work as a Hawke's Bay commercial photographer, I'm a photographic educator, international workshop presenter and industry leader. I've authored four comprehensive online courses through the Portrait System and regularly travel internationally to hold in-person workshops for photographers around the world.
As director and head judge of the Portrait Masters Awards and Accreditation competition, I've played an active role in shaping the standards of portrait photography globally. My work has been recognised at the highest levels of the industry, including grand award wins at the Asia Pacific Photography Awards for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022, alongside recognition at WPPI and the International Icon Awards.
In New Zealand, I've won the NZIPP New Zealand Professional Photographer of the Year title five times, hold the highest points total in the organisation's 80-plus year history, and remain the only photographer ever to have achieved Grand Master with three bars, GM.NZIPP III. I've also collected multiple category wins at WPE, APPA, WPPI and NZIPP across my career.
If you're looking for a Hawke's Bay commercial photographer who brings genuine international pedigree to every local commission, you're in the right place.
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