NZ Farmer Wins 3rd International Photography Award

Rebecca Williams was too busy photographing a charity dog trials event to attend her own international awards ceremony, but that's exactly the kind of dedication that earned her the Documentary Category win at the 2026 International Pet Photography Awards.

The Gisborne sheep and beef farmer took top honours with three powerful images. One shows a huntaway framed by rolling hills, sheep, and a rainbow. Another captures exhausted dogs resting after a morning's work. The third depicts a mob of sheep being guided into yards by a hardworking dog team.

Williams beat over 4,000 entries from photographers around the world. Two of her images also made the competition's Top 100, while others received Silver and Silver with Distinction honours.

This marks her third international win in three years. She won the same category in 2024, became a finalist in 2025, and also took home the documentary category of the Dog Photography Awards last year.

The judging panel praised her "beautiful use of light" and ability to capture "a compelling and cohesive story" with exceptional handling of colour and tone. They noted how well she portrayed the essence of working dogs.

Williams and her husband Guy farm in Wharekopae, an hour west of Gisborne. Her photography passion focuses on documenting rural life, especially the loyalty and dedication of working dogs.

Why This Inspires

Williams is developing a personal project called The Shepherd's Team, an ongoing series documenting working sheepdog teams across the Gisborne region and eventually throughout New Zealand. She wants to capture the stories, faces, and partnerships behind the country's iconic shepherding culture.

"Working dogs are the heartbeat of our farms," Williams explained. "Photographing them isn't just about the animals. It's about the people, the land and the connection between them."

Her work recently earned another honour closer to home: 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.

Williams proves that the most powerful stories often come from celebrating the everyday heroes right in our own backyards.