Wellington Photographic Society

The Wellington Photographic Society (WPS) is a New Zealand club of photographers based in Wellington. According to its official website, the Society encourages the study and practice of photography, providing high quality stimulating events and opportunities for learning as well as an appreciation of photography. Its stated aim is to encourage participation and help members develop confidence in their photography, and it offers a diverse programme of activities designed to inspire members. WPS runs a varied annual programme of meetings and activities that is regularly updated. Meetings are run on a fairly informal basis, and members can expect to learn something new at every meeting whether they are long-time photography enthusiasts or just starting out. At meetings, members have the chance to listen to and meet some of New Zealand's established and up-and-coming photographers, to share their own photography, and to receive feedback from other members. A number of field trips are planned throughout the year where members get together at different locations and make photographs. The Society's activities include competitions, exhibitions and projected image competitions. Its website highlights a 2026 Projected Image Competition, an Exhibition 2026 with member information, and a Volunteer Wellington Project calling for expressions of interest. It also presents galleries of member images and images from past competitions and exhibitions, including a 125th Anniversary Exhibition, an Exhibition 2021 and a Projected Image 2021 gallery. The 125th Anniversary Exhibition indicates a long institutional history reaching back well over a century. WPS publishes an official newsletter, WPS Impact, which is described as the official newsletter of the Wellington Photographic Society. The newsletter is intended to encourage people to get involved with photography and local events and to demonstrate the photographic work happening in the Wellington and New Zealand photography community. The Society also maintains a member gallery featuring photographers such as Ian Mcilraith, Shannon Doyle and Gail Teale, and promotes member benefits including experience and learning, photowalks and field trips. As a membership-based photographic society rather than a commercial manufacturer or retailer, WPS operates as a community organisation serving photographers in the Wellington region and more broadly in New Zealand. Its public-facing activities centre on education, competition, exhibition and social photography rather than on selling products.

The Wellington Photographic Society is a New Zealand club of photographers. Its official website presents the Society as an organisation that encourages the study and practice of photography, providing high quality stimulating events and opportunities for learning and an appreciation of photography. The Society's stated aim is to encourage participation and help members develop confidence in their photography, and it offers a diverse programme of activities. The Society's history is reflected in its exhibition record. Its website features images from a 125th Anniversary Exhibition, indicating that the Society has been active for well over a century. It also presents images from an Exhibition 2021 and a Projected Image 2021 competition, showing a continuing tradition of annual exhibitions and competitions. More recent activities highlighted on the site include an Exhibition 2026 with member information, a 2026 Projected Image Competition, and a Volunteer Wellington Project seeking expressions of interest. Throughout its history, WPS has operated as a membership-based society. Its meetings are run on a fairly informal basis, and members can expect to learn something new at every meeting, whether they have been interested in photography for years or are just starting out. At meetings, members have the chance to listen to and meet some of New Zealand's established and up-and-coming photographers, to share their own photography, and to receive feedback from other members. A number of field trips are planned throughout the year where members get together at different locations and make photographs. The Society publishes an official newsletter, WPS Impact, which is described as the official newsletter of the Wellington Photographic Society. The newsletter is made to encourage people to get involved with photography and local events, and to demonstrate the great photographic work happening in the Wellington and New Zealand photography community. The Society also maintains a member gallery featuring photographers such as Ian Mcilraith, Shannon Doyle and Gail Teale, and promotes member benefits including experience and learning, photowalks and field trips. As of the evidence available, WPS continues to operate an active programme of competitions, exhibitions, meetings and field trips, serving photographers in Wellington and New Zealand.

• 125th Anniversary Exhibition held, indicating over a century of activity

• Exhibition 2021 and Projected Image 2021 competition held

• 2026 Projected Image Competition announced

• Exhibition 2026 member information published

• Volunteer Wellington Project expressions of interest opened

A membership-based photographic society in Wellington, New Zealand, focused on encouraging participation, learning and appreciation of photography rather than commercial product sales.

1. 1WPS – Wellington Photographic Societywps.wps.org.nz
2. 2About Us | WPS – Wellington Photographic Societywps.wps.org.nz
3. 3About Us | WPS – Wellington Photographic Societywps.wps.org.nz
4. 4Wellington Photographic Societywikidata.org