‘Trip’ report – Katherine McCusker
Fifteen NPS members and three CPS members participated in a Zoom workshop on 12 and 13 September 2026, designed to strengthen skills in providing constructive feedback on nature photography. Prepared for NPSNZ and adapted from the PSNZ Judge Training Workshop, the programme shifted the emphasis from judging images to offering thoughtful, practical, and encouraging feedback. The workshop explored visual design and composition, nature-specific considerations, and the importance of distinguishing clearly between personal opinion and fact. Participants worked through a range of examples and had opportunities to practise applying the techniques discussed. These activities helped reinforce how feedback can support photographers’ creative growth while remaining respectful, specific, and useful. A key takeaway was the reminder that how feedback is expressed matters as much as what is said. In a non-competitive environment, constructive feedback can encourage personal expression, build confidence, and help photographers make more intentional creative choices.
Particular thanks go to Neil Gordon, Chair of the PSNZ Judge Accreditation Panel, and Geoff Bealls, nature expert, for co-developing and presenting this version of the workshop; to Irene for assisting with feedback; and to James Thompson for instigating the workshop.
