The photographers, all members of the Otago-Southland New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography, are exhibiting a selection of their prints from the recent annual Epson NZIPP Iris Awards in their first joint exhibition.
Chairwoman Emily Adamson, of Queenstown, said the exhibition showcased landscape, travel, portrait, documentary and wedding images from 21 photographers recognised at this year's awards.
Ms Adamson said the awards had been running for 30 years and celebrated New Zealand's professional photographers, providing a platform for recognition within the industry and for the wider public.
The idea for the exhibition came from NZIPP member Jackie Gay, who wanted to celebrate the achievements of the group and showcase their prints publicly, Ms Adamson said.
''It's really cool to come together as a group, exhibit and celebrate it. What could be a solo and competitive occupation, it's one that celebrates each other and is celebrating together.''
Otago-Southland NZIPP member and awards judge Mike Langford said this year's standard was the ''highest ever'' and the southern region placed second overall in the country.
''I would say the Otago-Southland group, the quality of their images, was up there with the best in the country. The people in our region are standing up like we've never seen before. It's fantastic.''
Otago-Southland photographers recognised this year are: Ms Adamson, Ben Arthur, Dan Childs, Ms Gay, Mr Langford, Fredrik Larsson, Jackie Ranken (Queenstown); Anna Allan, Wendy Bowie, Andy Woods (Wanaka); Moira Clark, Kimberley Hutton, Donna-Marie Stark, Nicola Wilhelmsen (Dunedin); Rachel Kelly, Roger Wandless (Invercargill); Rochelle Dillon (Balfour); Janyne Fletcher (Cromwell); Megan Graham (Winton); Kate Groundwater (Becks); and Tina McGregor (Te Anau).
The exhibition opens to the public at 6.30pm tonight, at Queenstown's Front Room Gallery, and runs until Thursday.
