Auckland-based Jason Hosking has won The New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year 2015 award for his innovative work, including building a drone on which to mount a camera for finding new angles on his subjects.
Mr Hosking's aerial images complemented his portfolio of documentary work in a compelling way, said the judges of the competition, which drew 5800 entries for nine categories.
New Zealand Geographic publisher and convenor of judges James Frankham said Mr Hosking, a professional of a decade's experience, also was runner-up in the Landscape category with a frame showing a breaker rolling into Cape Palliser, Wairarapa.
"It was an image of raw natural power, but delicately back-lit by evening light," said Mr Frankham.
![Silhouette of shag in Pohutakawa Tree at sunset, Great Barrier Island. Picture / Jason Hosking](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/PS7MKU2MK64XGV2LY3TWR24HYM.jpg?auth=bbf6927aea0152072c1f44e99945d7e7ac6fbadeddb23f31681a0c31cf78bebb&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)