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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 select 30 finalists whose work will be exhibited at FOTO FEST in Hawke’s Bay. 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.
Theme
This year’s theme is ‘Nature: the living world’ – all the animals, plants and other things in the world.
Exhibition
IHC’s Capture the moment exhibition will feature at FOTOFEST from Monday 28 September to Thursday 22 October 2026 at Hastings Art Centre.
Address:
Hastings Art Centre
106 Russell Street South
St Leonards
Hastings 4156
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 4pm
Saturday: 10am to 2pm
Sunday: Closed
FOTOFEST is managed by FOTO Iwi, a creative charitable trust
Prizes
- Winner – $5,000
- Second place – $3,000
- Third place – $2,000
- Youth Award winner – $1,500
- People's Choice winner – $1,500
Terms and conditions 2026
Please see our Capture the moment Terms and Conditions..
If you have any questions, please contact us at ihc.events@ihc.org.nz.
Judges
Shayne Jeffares
Shayne is a Hawke’s Bay photographer passionate about helping people discover photography. Through mentoring alongside adults and young people he encourages others to develop their photography skills, find their own style and enjoy the creative process.
As founder of annual photography festival FOTOFEST Shayne brings photography to Hawke’s Bay through a number of exhibitions and events including IHC’s Capture the Moment during September.
Shayne is looking forward to seeing this year’s entries as a competition judge and also hosting this year’s winning images at FOTOFEST.
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.
