Ian van der Wolde, a multi-award-winning commercial photographer based in Melbourne, opened his studio, Altered Images Photography, in 1986.

Ian has achieved the status of Master of Photography IV (4 Gold Bars) and has been awarded the titles of Honorary Fellow and Fellow by the former Australian Institute of Professional Photography, the industry’s peak body for over 75 years. Following the unexpected demise of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography, Ian has joined the Image Makers Association as a professional member.

Throughout his career, Ian has earned a variety of industry awards, titles, and endorsements. He was honored with the AIPP Victorian Landscape Photographer of the Year title twice, first in 2012 and again in 2017, at the Victorian Professional Photography Awards. Additionally, in 2012, he received the AIPP Victorian Illustrative Photographer of the Year award, achieving two category wins in that year. (see Acccolades below)

As a pioneer in digital capture, color management, and fine art printing, he has established a strong reputation for the exceptional service he provides to his clients. Additionally, he serves as a brand ambassador for many of the industry’s leading companies. (see Endorsements below)

Ian collaborates with advertising agencies, design studios, and clients directly. His expertise encompasses various areas, including advertising photography, aerial photography, architectural photography, commercial photography, corporate portraiture, fashion photography, food photography, industrial photography, product photography, as well as fine art reproduction and large-format archival fine art printing.

Although Altered Images studio is located in Melbourne, Ian is frequently commissioned by clients for assignments both across Australia and internationally.

Ian welcomes photography assignments of any size. Whether you need a corporate head shot, a few product shots, or a large advertising production, consider Ian and Altered Images as your trusted photographers.

Affiliations

Endorsements

Accolades

2021 – Current

Sadly, 2021 marked the unexpected demise of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) and with it, the conclusion of the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards, which for more than 50 years celebrated the very best of Australian professional photography. In 2025, a Supreme Court order reinstated the AIPP, however a replacement for the Australian Professional Photography Awards has yet to be established

2019

1 Gold Award at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

1 Silver Award with Distinction at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

1 Silver Award at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

2018

Awarded the Prestigious Honour of “Fellow” of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography the AIPP’s Highest Honour

Appointed Profoto Light Shaping Ambassador

1 Silver Award with Distinction at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

Attained 4th Gold Bar to AIPP Master of Photography Status

2017

2017 Victorian AIPP Professional Landscape Photographer of the Year

1 Silver Award at the AIPP Victorian Professional Photography Awards

3 Silver Awards with Distinction at the AIPP Victorian Professional Photography Awards

2 Gold Awards at the AIPP Victorian Professional Photography Awards

1 Gold Award with Distinction at the AIPP Victorian Professional Photography Awards

2 Silver Awards at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

2016

Appointed BenQ AQCOLOR Ambassador

4 Silver Awards at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

2015

Appointed X-Rite Coloratti (Colour Management Expert)

2 Silver Awards at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

1 Silver Award with Distinction at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

Attained 3rd Gold Bar to AIPP Master of Photography Status

4 Silver Awards at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

2014

4 Silver Awards at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

Appointed Australia’s Only Official Profoto Premium Club Trainer

2013

Invited as one of only 6 Australians (at that time) to become an International Ilford Master

4 Silver Awards at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

3 Silver Awards at the AIPP Victorian Professional Photography Awards

2012

2012 Victorian AIPP Professional Illustrative Photographer of the Year

2012 Victorian AIPP Professional Landscape Photographer of the Year

2 Silver Awards and 2 Silver Awards with Distinction at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

1 Gold Award with Distinction at the AIPP Victorian Professional Photography Awards

2 Gold Awards at the AIPP Victorian Professional Photography Awards

5 Silver Awards with Distinction at the AIPP Victorian Professional Photography Awards

3 Silver Awards at the AIPP Victorian Professional Photography Awards

Attained 2nd Gold Bar to AIPP Master of Photography Status

2011

3 Silver Awards and 1 Silver Awards with Distinction at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

2010

3 Silver Awards and 1 Silver Awards with Distinction at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

2009

2 Silver Awards and 1 Silver Awards with Distinction at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

Attained 1st Gold Bar to AIPP Master of Photography Status

2008

3 Silver Awards and 1 Silver Awards with Distinction at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

6 Silver Awards and 2 Bronze Awards at the International Aperture Awards

Awarded the Prestigious Honour of “Honorary Fellow” of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography

2007

1 Gold Award, 2 Silver Awards and 1 Silver Awards with Distinction at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

6 Silver Awards ant the Victorian AIPP Professional Photography Awards

Runner Up Victorian AIPP Commercial Photographer of the Year

Attained AIPP Master of Photography Status

2006

1 Silver Awards at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

2005

2 Silver Awards at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

2004

2 Silver Awards at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

2003

2 Silver Awards at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

Attained AIPP Associate Status

2002

1 Silver Awards at the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards

Elected AIPP National President