Still Stories: Images by cinematographers

Photo by Photographer and Cinematographer Tammy Williams.

A new exhibition of still photographs shot from a cinematic perspective.  

This is the first year of the NZCS Still Stories Exhibition, a limited exhibition of selected still photographs captured by cinematographers; inspired by the unprecedented success of the American Cinematographer Society's "Stories in a Single Frame" exhibition, which showcased some truly remarkable images.

This exhibition brings a special challenge for cinematographers — to distil a powerful narrative down to a single frame. You can either start capturing new photos or sift through your archive of images.

What story does your image tell? It could be anywhere, of any subject, the stronger the story contained within the image, the better! You can enter up to two hi-res images suitable for large prints, and of course you’ll need to be a member of NZCS.

Renowned New Zealand film director and screenwriter, Roger Donaldson, himself a published photographer, will make his choice of the best 30 images to go into the public exhibition. From July to September 2024, the selected prints will be exhibited in the main foyer of the New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) across four key regions: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

Exhibited prints will be available for purchase, with proceeds evenly distributed between the cinematographer and supporting the various educational initiatives provided by NZCS nationwide.

How to enter

• Register for each image (maximum two entries) and pay the entry fee.
• Email your submission to eo@nzcine.com quoting the entry/invoice number and any notes about the image.
• Submit your entry by 31 May 2024 to be eligible.

Please note

• Competition is open exclusively to NZCS members with a maximum of two submissions per member allowed.
• Submissions close May 31st, 2024.
• The images must be of a resolution suitable for large prints. Variations in ratios are acceptable, as long as the long edge measures greater than 4500 pixels. However, please note that for optimal A2 prints, a resolution of 300 pixels per inch (ppi) is recommended.
• You are responsible for any clearance that is needed to sell the photos and display them online.
• Multiple prints may be sold. You retain copyright over the original image.
• AI and AI-assisted photos are not allowed. A RAW file or DNG scan must be included with the final image.
• You do not need to print the image. Successful entries will be printed on A2 satin photo paper 190gsm (in Auckland) and A3 on coated silk 170gsm (at Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin) by our friends at Canon NZ, with no colour correction or processing. They will be trimmed without borders to the aspect ratio of the image.
• Entries are accepted at the sole discretion of NZCS, inappropriate entries will be returned and fees refunded.
• The selection for the exhibition is independent and made without reference to the entrant’s particulars. The judge’s decision is final.