Photographer Moments 2025

Their mission is simple but demanding: to capture the people, the work, and the professionalism of the New Zealand Defence Force - and to bring home the stories from over the horizon and the far-flung corners of the world where that work can’t be seen first-hand.

Being a military photographer means bringing together a rare mix of attributes. They must carry the discipline, situational awareness, and operational skills required to work safely alongside our people, while also applying the creative instincts needed to frame moments that resonate. Just as importantly, they build trust - often in high-pressure or unpredictable environments - so our sailors, soldiers, and aviators allow them close enough to capture the reality of their work. Whether on a flight deck, in the field, at sea, or embedded with deployed teams overseas, NZDF photographers adapt to every platform and environment to provide a window into that world.

This 2025 showcase brings together some of their defining moments - images that reveal the character of our people, the environments they operate in, and the quiet skill required to tell the NZDF story from the frontline.

Some images may have been cropped to fit the web platform. All captions are written by each photographer. 

Corporal Andy Jenkins

This year has been a wild ride from the get-go. With deployments spanning the icy shores of Antarctica to the sweltering heat of the tropics and everything in between. I had a hard time settling on just four photos from such an epic year of tasks across the globe, but I have landed on these images. We get to meet and work with so many amazing people in this job, and these images all represent a favourite moment from the year working with some awesome units.

Tekapo Snowfight. A soldier from 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment’s Fire Support Group applying marksmanship principles during a snowball fight in a moment of downtime somewhere in snowy Tekapo. Deadly accurate with a GMG. Deadly accurate with a snowball.

NH90 Mountain Flying. The St Arnaud Range viewed from the door of a Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter during a joint search and rescue exercise with NZ Police. I know we’re not supposed to play favourites when it comes to the units we work with… but hanging out of an NH90 while it's flying through mountain ranges in the south island is pretty hard to beat.

New Zealand Army Band Concert. A member of the New Zealand Army Band on stage at the Piano in Christchurch before a show earlier this year. Something a little different from the usual cam paint and cold weather and a good chance to play with some different lighting.

Banks Peninsula Boating Exercise. A soldier from 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment hitching a ride into a target area near Banks Peninsula with engineers from 2nd Engineer Regiment’s 3rd Field Squadron. Reflecting on a year of photographing all sorts of wild activities, I am almost surprised that my cameras have made it out the other side unscathed. This exercise in particular probably used up eight out of my camera's nine lives this year.

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Petty Officer Chris Weissenborn

Invictus Games 2025. Invictus Games 2025 Rowing Competition this was one of the final events of the games held in Canada, the loud cheering from the spectators was huge and the sheer grit and determination of the competitors was amazing to be a part of. I wanted to add a little movement in the shot so I chose a slower shutter speed. I tried a range of speeds, where this one came out best.

Fisheries patrol on HMNZS Taupo. Fisheries patrol on HMNZS Taupo in Northland boarding and inspecting local fishing vessels with the Ministry for Primary Industries fisheries officers. I also made a short video compile on this trip, so taking photos and recording a video of moments that only occur once gets a bit tricky at times.

Drydock. HMNZS Te Mana leaving drydock at Devonport Naval Base, I chose this photo as I like the symmetry and leading lines that take you to the ship. This was a very long day for the crew and Babcock who managed drydock operations which went well into the night.

Waterside Training facility. Action from the swimmer of the watch and man overboard training at the Waterside Training facility, Devonport Naval Base which gives our sailors a unique maritime training experience on a life-like ship platform.

The weather turned bad that day and added an extra challenge to the team as they worked together, good to capture the team's determination on their faces to get the job done.

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Leading Aircraftman Connor Williams 

As the newest member of the photography team and spending only a few months on the job, I have already had the privilege of being involved in a variety of activities, from formation flyovers of an All Blacks Game and the Milford Sounds to Navy Recruit and Army Officer Training exercises.

Navy recruits during their ‘longest day’. Royal New Zealand Navy recruits during the start of their ‘Longest Day’, designed to push them both physically and mentally across an extended period. The day started with recruits filling up waterlogged sandbags and carrying them up a steep road from the beach. Photographing in the dark at 4am with no flash was a challenge, and I relied on the head torches of the recruits and an extreme ISO for exposures. 

Flying in formation over Rangitoto. This was my first air-to-air job, photographing a Boeing from the cockpit of a Hercules as they circled in formation near Rangitoto in preparation for a flyover of Eden Park. The weather had threatened to cancel the flyover entirely, but thankfully there was only some scattered showers that made for an interesting view from the air, and flying over Eden park definitely made it a once in a lifetime experience.

New Zealand Army Officer Cadet during Exercise. Exercise Santici is part of the Army Officer Cadets basic training, with this year's iteration in Waipukurau. The exercise as whole was a good opportunity to become more familiar working with the Army, growing my experience across the three services. The junkyard activity, where officer cadets had to clear and secure an area of hostile elements, was a difficult space to navigate but visually interesting as a backdrop, and this house decorated in scrap hubcaps certainly made for an awesome environment to work in. 

A German Air Force A400M in the Milford Sound. Exercise Tuhuno Rangi was a deployment of two German Air Force A400M aircraft and crew to RNZAF Base Woodbourne, being my first large scale exercise and chance to work with international partners. Photographing in from the cockpit was a challenge, as I had to bracket, taking up to five different photographs using different exposures which were then layered together in post to get the interior and exterior of the plane correctly exposed. 

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Leading Aircraftman Jalesa Nomani

This year, I’ve chosen imagery that reflects the range of environments I’ve worked in, each requiring a different approach to capture the scene. Being a photographer isn’t just about taking the image - it’s about preparation, adaptability, and the rapport you build in every space you enter.

In the Trenches - Ex Sangro. My first real experience of Army life came earlier this year on Exercise Sangro. To capture the action, you’ve got to be in it - down in the trenches, dust and all. My go-to 70-200mm lens, gives me the reach to punch in when needed, capture the details, whilst also keeping a safe distance. Being up close in this environment allowed me to convey the intensity of the moment.

T-6C II Formation Flight - Ex Wiseowl. The six-ship formation flight from Exercise Wiseowl was all about prep and timing. I’d been shown the flight plan, including where the Texans would pop smoke over Auckland, so with a tight window to get the shot, I chose North Head for the best height and city backdrop. Lying on the hillside with a 600mm lens and high aperture, ready to pan and fire in continuous high-speed, I waited. The crew tore past in an instant. Out of the lucky few frames, this one froze the formation cleanly showing what good prep can achieve when the window is seconds long. 

Dawn Breaking - Anzac Day. Emotions always run high at Anzac Dawn Services. In a dimly lit environment like this, I crank my ISO to stay unobtrusive and let the moment unfold naturally. This image captures a soldier standing guard, while a bagpiper plays tribute to the fallen. A calm moment amid the weight of the ceremony. In post I enhanced the colours that emphasised the quiet beauty of dawn just breaking.

Nyx & Chaos - Military Working Dogs on the Range. Equipped with their protective helmets, Nyx and Chaos from the RNZAF Military Working Dog Unit. I captured this playful moment one-handed while holding their chew toy above my head to get their attention. A shallow depth of field and intentional in-camera cropping draw focus to their interaction, showing how engagement (and a bit of balance!) creates a connection that comes through in the image.

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Corporal Maddy Butcher

Combat Team Wolfpack. Combat Team Wolfpack pushes through the Urban Operations Training Facility during a coordinated assault as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre.

I was jolted awake at 0300 by the distant rumble of artillery fire – it was the signal that our mission was a go. I quickly geared up and waited for it all to kick off. As our troops stormed the building, I stayed hot on their heels, following closely as they cleared each room with precision and focus. 

NH90 helicopter during Exercise Talisman Sabre. An NH90 helicopter from the RNZAF releases countermeasure flares, whilst operating the MAG-58 weapon system during a tactical flight over Shoalwater Bay Training Area as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 25. 

Capturing images inside helicopters can be a challenge, especially when balancing the stark contrast between the bright exterior light and the dark interior. For this shot, I opted for a low ISO to counteract the intense illumination from the flares, which would inevitably flood the scene with light the moment they fired.

Soldier during Exercise Talisman Sabre. A New Zealand Army soldier cautiously peers around the corner, scanning for enemy activity and potential threats during a coordinated assault as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre. 

I love this image because the swirling smoke implies movement and intensity, but the main subject is frozen in a poised, controlled moment. The mix of motion in the environment and stillness in the subject creates a certain sense of anticipation. 

Exercise Sango 2025. New Zealand Army soldiers from Anti Armour Support Company conduct live firing of the FGM148 Javelin as part of Exercise Sangro 2025. 

It was a thrilling experience capturing the Javelin for the first time. I cranked up my shutter speed to the max, ensuring I could freeze the action and get the perfect shot.

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Corporal Naomi James

As NZDF Photographers, we are lucky that we get access to capture scenes that most people don’t get to see. My series of images this year reflects the creative approach that I try and adopt when I’m out on tasks. If I can bring these audiences into these scenes so they can visually experience it through my lens, then I know I’ve done the best I can as a photographer.

P-8A Poseidon Flares. A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon from No. 5 Squadron put on a show with some flare firing over the coast near Base Ohakea and I was lucky enough to have a front row seat in a T-6C II Texan with my camera. 

Planning the shoot and manoeuvres with the crew beforehand was key in order to get these angles as well as the weather supporting us. There’s nothing quite like some air-to-air photography to provide a surreal career experience.

Dawn Mortar Fire. New Zealand Army’s 163 Battery gunners conduct first light live field fire missions in Waiouru’s chilly training area during Exercise Miriyang. Starting nice, cold and early, this scene was practically unseeable by the human eye. With the detachments firing on their section commander’s call, I spotted this location to set up the tripod and wait for a muzzle flash to centre stage.

T-6C II Night Flying. Royal New Zealand Air Force wings students of the 23/2 pilot course undergo their night flying phase of their intensive 18 month long course. I often see the T-6C flying past the office window at work, and I had a moment of reflection that I have never seen a photo of them flying at night compared to some that myself and the team have taken of other aircraft, particularly rotary. In a bid to change this, I organised this shoot with 14 Squadron who gave me the green light to give it a go. The red light you see in the background was one of the aircraft in a circuit painting the sky with its navigation light on it’s wing top as I set this 15 second long exposure.

NH90 Gunnery. No. 3 Squadron helicopter crews conduct aerial gunnery training using the MAG58 machine gun in preparation for Talisman Sabre 2025. Continuous shutter is key for capturing the muzzle flash during firing. The space on the memory cards may not have loved it but it’s worth it for the action shot. 

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Corporal Rachel Pugh

One of my favourite things about our job is that we get to see every corner of the NZDF at work, across all the services, ranks, and trades. I am grateful for every experience, whether it’s capturing a portrait of a colleague or holding a camera scarily close to a weapon that goes boom. I was especially lucky in 2025 because I was able to deploy operationally with all three services in close succession, and choosing my top four photos gave me a chance to relive all the growth and grins I had along the way.

16 Field in PNG. This year took me to Papua New Guinea to capture 16 Field Regiment instructing the Papua New Guinean Defence Force soldiers on using 81mm mortars. My personal mission was to chase the ‘dragon’s breath’, which is the nickname for when both the carbon flash and mortar round are visible exiting the barrel. On the first day I got one, or the other, but not the magic moment. Thankfully on the second day, against a stormy jungle sky, I heard a roar and saw the fire: a dragon was breathing in front of me.  

Patrol Dog Calendar. I had held the vision for a snarling silhouette to go into the 2026 Patrol Dog Calendar all year, but on the night, the rain bucketed down so aggressively I had no idea how we’d get the shot without drowning our models or frying the lights. We snapped the photos quickly to take cover from the rain, and I went home just praying that there was something usable. But what we hadn’t seen from the back of the camera was the way Alita’s eyes lit up in the flash, transforming her into a wolfish war-dog and making this one of my favourite photos. 

On the high seas. While I was out on the high seas with HMNZS Aotearoa, the opportunity came up at the last second to capture some live wet winching. While I was stoked to capture all three maritime elements in the one shot: the ship, the Seasprite helicopter, and the RHIB, what wasn’t captured is the masking tape and glad-wrap I used to protect my cameras from the salty downwash spray. It looked silly, but it worked!

50th Anniversary in PNG. Back in Port Moresby for the 50th Anniversary celebrations, which included our NZ Army Band participating in an incredible military tattoo with other bands from around the world. At the end of the final show, I sprinted across the field in time to capture our very own bandmaster marching the entire show off the field. 

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Flight Sergeant Sam Shepherd

Now in the Active Reserve, I still jump at any chance to be back out in the field with my camera. From training and operations to ceremonies and commemorations, this year offered an incredible range of moments to capture - and these images reflect some of the ones that stood out.

3SQN and NZ Police. The NH90 helicopter’s downwash turned the red strobe light into a cloud of red fire as No. 3 Squadron and NZ Police carried out night winch training in Wellington Harbour. Shooting this in pitch black, amongst the noise, salt spray and rotor wind was a challenging shoot, but the moment the medic dropped into the beam of white light, everything came together. 

Anzac Day 2025 in Gallipoli. During the NZDF Gallipoli Anzac Day contingent’s walk from No. 2 Outpost to Chunuk Bair, the group paused at key sites to hear what unfolded there and reflect on those who fought. Recent fires had stripped the landscape of its usual greens and browns, leaving a stark black that echoed the battlefield it once was. The silhouette sets the bugler among those ash-covered branches, capturing a moment of quiet remembrance on the peninsula. 

HMAS Canberra in Wellington. The forecast promised steady rain, and as the Freedom of Entry parade formed up on Queens Wharf the first drops began to fall. But instead of settling in, the showers passed in and out, with sunlight breaking through the cloud just long enough to backlight the falling rain. The result was a soft shimmer around the Ship’s Company of HMAS Canberra - nearly 300 personnel from the Royal Australian Navy - as they stepped off into Wellington CBD.

Exercise Cassino. After the building had been cleared and a suspected IED identified, the gunner remained in position scanning his arcs. The light falling through the doorway separates him from the dark interior, emphasising the contrast between the controlled space inside and the uncertainty outside. The scene was during Combat Team Alpha’s cordon and search of an enemy location in Kaimua Bay during Exercise Cassino, assessing 2/1 Battalion’s High Readiness Task Unit in stability and support operations. 

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Sergeant Sean Spivey 

“From the high country to the deep, the open sea to the city skyline— as an NZDF photographer, I’ve captured the precision and teamwork that keep our people sharp on the front-line in every environment. I’ve selected these because each frame tells a story of calm execution under pressure, not only in the most challenging environments, but also all at night! Swipe to see my top four moments of the year.”

Navy Diver, HMNZS Te Kaha, Oman. A Navy diver surfaces during an underwater inspection of HMNZS Te Kaha in Oman, an operational requirement when working in contested waters. With the extreme heat above water, and silence below- it must’ve been quite a nice change! I have a huge respect for the Dive Team for learning about their varied roles within the Royal New Zealand Navy, and wider in the NZDF. They definitely deserve some time in the spotlight. 

NH90 & STG Night Operations. Dust, pressure, and perfect timing. A Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 and NZ Police Special Tactics Group conduct night operations in the high country, fast roping under NVG light in total coordination. Hiding in a wedge of two boulders, I wasn’t sure I was in the right spot. As it turned out, I got the full brunt of the down-wash, so keeping the camera steady during a long exposure became the biggest challenge. Every move counts when you’re operating in the dark! 

Boarding Team Departure. HMNZS Te Kaha Boarding Team Coxswain ‘Jenky’ departs a vessel of interest after a long day’s work on the Indian Ocean. It’s calm now, but every step on and off that deck required coordination, professionalism, and trust between the team. The kind of work that rarely makes headlines, but makes all the difference. These days on the water were long and one full of highs and lows for the boarding teams, getting any images I could to show their dedication was worth the effort! 

NH90 & STG over Wellington. A Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter delivers NZ Police STG operators onto a building in Wellington City’s night-scape. Urban training at altitude demands the same standards as any deployment- precision, coordination, and trust. I had really hedged my bets on the building I chose to shoot from! Bex and I had done a recce of about 5 buildings the day before, and with it being a night-op in the city, there were no second chances. I decided to shoot it as an HDR panorama to show the entire cityscape and was very happy with the final product.