More international success for Gisborne photographer Rebecca Williams

One of Rebecca Williams’ two images selected in the Top 100 of the International Pet Photography Awards. This shot also got a Silver with Distinction honour.

The International Pet Photography Awards this year attracted over 4000 entries from all over the globe.

The awards ceremony was held online but Williams was unable to “attend”.

This Rebecca Williams shot of sheepdogs resting after a busy morning was awarded Silver in the International Pet Photography Awards.

She was busy doing what she loves, photographing the Gisborne Charity Dog Trials and continuing the work that inspires her award-winning imagery.

The judging panel praised Williams’ work for its artistry, storytelling and “beautiful use of light”.

“The essence of the working dogs is well captured and tells a compelling and cohesive story. The images together are consistent in style, with exceptional handling of colour and tone.”

As well as the category win, two of her images made the awards Top 100, two received Silver status and one got Silver with Distinction.

Photographer Rebecca Williams has repeated history with her Documentary Category win in the International Pet Photography Awards.

Williams and her husband, Guy, farm sheep and beef in Wharekopae, an hour west of Gisborne.

She specialises in documentary-style photography that celebrates rural life.

Her passion lies with working dogs, capturing the loyalty and hardworking nature of the animals.

She is in the process of developing a personal project titled The Shepherd’s Team, an ongoing series documenting working sheepdog teams across the Gisborne region and eventually throughout New Zealand.

Rebecca Williams’ photo of a mob of sheep being chased into the yards by a team of dogs was awarded Silver and was part of her Documentary category win.

“The project seeks to capture the stories, faces and partnerships behind the country’s iconic shepherding culture,” she said.

“Working dogs are the heartbeat of our farms,” she said. “Photographing them isn’t just about the animals – it’s about the people, the land and the connection between them.”

Adding to her latest achievements, Williams also gained a Silver with Distinction at the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography Iris Awards for her documentary image of a cattle fair at the Wairoa saleyards.