About Capture the moment 2026

Capture the moment is IHC’s photography competition for New Zealanders with an intellectual disability, or an intellectual disability and autism.

Building on the success of the IHC Art Awards, Capture the moment celebrates creativity through the lens – whether a camera, mobile phone, or tablet.  

The competition is a platform for self-expression, confidence-building, and connection, while highlighting the unique perspectives and stories of photographers. It helps raise awareness of the creativity within the IHC community and encourages inclusion and appreciation through visual storytelling.

Our judges selected 30 finalists whose work was exhibited at FOTO FEST in Hawke’s Bay and at Johnsonville Library. FOTO FEST is a vibrant, city-wide visual arts and cultural event held across Hastings and Napier, featuring exhibitions in galleries, community spaces, outdoor locations and local businesses.

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Theme

This year’s theme is ‘Nature: the living world’ – all the animals, plants and other things in the world.

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Online gallery store

You can also view this year's 30 finalists and winners in our online gallery store. You can purchase A2 prints of the photographs. Please note there is only one framed print of each photograph available, so framed prints are subject to availability. Photographers receive 100% of sales.

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Prizes

• Winner – $5,000
• Second place – $3,000
• Third place – $2,000
• Youth Award winner – $1,500
• People's Choice winner – $1,500

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Terms and conditions 2026

Please see our Capture the moment Terms and Conditions..

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If you have any questions, please contact us at ihc.events@ihc.org.nz.

Danielle Zam, First Place Winner of the 2025 Capture the moment photography competition

Danielle Zam is an Auckland-based photographer who was inspired by her teacher at school. She quickly fell in love with photography and has been passionate about it ever since.

Danielle won first place in the 2025 Capture the moment photography competition with her image Whio and is looking forward to being a judge this year.

“I’m really excited to be a judge this year and am looking forward to seeing all the photographers’ entries.”

Carlos Biggemann

Carlos Biggemann has spent 20 years living in New Zealand, where he completed his studies at Aoraki Polytechnic, and he graduated with a Certificate in Digital Photography.

Since his graduation, Carlos spends the majority of his time taking photographs of the Majestic "Carnaval de Oruro", travel photography and the marvellous New Zealand's landscapes.  Through Carlos' work and lens, he wants to make a better world and to make it more human.