The first issue of D-Photo for 2015 is available in stores this week, and it’s packed with tons of inspiration and instruction to help you make the most of the beautiful summer days we find ourselves in the midst of.

Here’s a peek at what you’ll find beyond the cover:

Perfect moment: landscape legend Andris Apse talks about his latest work shooting the resplendent South Island and the way in which his exceptional upbringing has informed his visual style.

Nature’s masterpiece: join travel and wildlife photographer Karim Sahai as he embarks on a voyage to shoot the icy landscapes of the Arctic and capture one of nature’s most dazzling phenomena; the Northern Lights.

Tragic glamour: art photographer Yvonne Todd discusses the largest exhibition of her career and the influences that have shaped her distinctive, unnerving approach to studio portraiture.

The future of photography: we find ourselves in a time of undeniable upheaval and evolution for the art, production, consumption and business of photography – take a look at where today’s trends may be leading ...full story

^{Liza Van Der Stock}

Back in November last year we let you know about the Freedom of Love photography competition;  Liza Van Der Stock from Belgium has been announced as the latest winner. The competition set out to convey a window of hope for people who are negatively affected by discrimination and to raise awareness about the violence and the misery caused by hate crime. (more…)

Document moments from your ideal Kiwi summer and you could be printing your holiday shots on a new Epson printer and capturing your next summertime excursion with a new GoPro camera.

D-Photo has teamed up with Epsom to track down the images that best convey the New Zealand summer experience in the D-Photo Epson Summer Photography Competition. Whether it be sun and sand, outdoor pursuits, laid-back leisure time, or fun with the family; submit your favourite summertime images and be in with a chance to win great prizes and have your picture published in D-Photo magazine.

The competition winner will take home an Epson Artisan 1430 photo printer and a GoPro Hero3 White Edition action camera, with a total value of $889.

New Zealand photographers have until February 16 to submit up to three images for the D-Photo Epson Summer Photography Competition; entry form and full terms and conditions can be found here.

Warning: this article covers violent subject matter that may be troubling viewing for some readers

For three years photojournalist Vlad Sokhin has been exploring the dire and dangerous human rights issue pervading the society of New Zealand’s Pacific neighbour, Papua New Guinea (PNG). At significant personal cost and risk to his own safety, the photographer has been tirelessly documenting the truly shocking incidence of violence towards women throughout the island nation.

With rampant physical and sexual abuse a part of everyday life, along with a disturbing tradition of sorcery accusations and their grizzly consequences, Papua New Guinea is one of the most dangerous places for women – and their advocates – in the world. Vlad has amassed gripping, appalling evidence of this situation in his book project Crying Meri, which he has just released in New Zealand.

D-Photo catches up with Vlad ahead of the book launch to discuss his laudable approach to photojournalism and hopes for the future of his troubled Pacific subject:

D-Photo: Can you give us a brief bit of background on yourself and your photography?

Vlad Sokhin: I got my first ...full story

This summer, creative teenagers have the perfect oppertunity to come to grips with the practical side of professional photography, as one of Auckland’s leading photo studios opens its doors for an inaugural Photography Summer School intake.

Auckland’s Kingsize Studios is now accepting applicants for its new educational programme targeted to current high school students studying visual arts or with an interest in breaking into photography, as well as school leavers looking to enhance their portfolios.

The course is an intensive one-week programme running January 12-16, which will see students immersed in the art and craft of photography. As well as learning theory, participants will be putting technical learning into practise, shooting every day both within the professional studio set-up and on location.

The programme will serve as an ideal introduction to using professional camera and lighting equipment as well as natural light. At the end of the course, in addition to much experience with industry-standard gear, attendees will leave with a portfolio of imagery to serve them in advancing career prospects.

The hands-on experience costs $475 and has been designed not ...full story