Richard Wood has joined an elite class of photography grandmasters - the youngest person to achieve such an honour and one of only six in the country.
He received the title during last week's New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP) Awards in Auckland, which included judging, classes and celebrations.
Recipients were decided using a system whereby points were awarded and added to a photographer's tally every time one of their images gained a place in a category.
"Bronze is one point, silver two and gold three - when you accumulate 10 points you are made an associate; 20 points you are a master of photography, after 30 points you are a fellow; if you achieve fellow six times you are awarded grand master," he said.
"It means I am one of the top photographers in the country."