Photographer of the Year – Clivia Society 2025
Utopia Clivias is proud to share a significant achievement in its ongoing commitment to excellence in Clivia cultivation and documentation. Carrie Kruger has been named Overall Best Photographer in the Clivia Society’s 2025 Photo Competition, as recorded in the Clivia Yearbook 2026 (page 56).
A Prestigious Recognition
The annual Clivia Society photo competition is highly regarded within the Clivia community, attracting skilled photographers who combine botanical knowledge with artistic vision. In 2025, the competition featured 13 participants and a total of 125 submitted images across multiple categories, making the judging process both rigorous and highly competitive.
Carrie Kruger’s work stood out not only for its technical quality, but for its ability to reveal the character, structure, and subtle beauty of Clivia beyond the obvious bloom.
Competition Results
In addition to being awarded Overall Best Photographer, Carrie achieved the following results:
- 1st Place – Species Category
- 1st Place – Single Flower Category
- 1st Place – Berries and Buds Category
- 1st Place – Foliage Category
- 1st Place – Artistic Category
- 2nd Place – Interspecific Category
- 2nd Place - Berries and Buds Category
Her winning image also received the award for Best Photo: Clivia miniata Umbels.
Photography Beyond the Flower
At Utopia Clivias, photography is an integral part of breeding, record keeping, and evaluation. However, it also serves a deeper purpose. Through the lens, Clivia are not viewed solely as specimens or breeding lines, but as subjects of form, texture, rhythm, and quiet detail.
This award reflects a philosophy that there is often more beauty in a flower than what is immediately seen — that careful observation, patience, and perspective can reveal elements that might otherwise be overlooked.
Continuing the Visual Story of Clivia
This recognition reinforces Utopia Clivias’ dedication to presenting Clivia with integrity, artistry, and respect for the plant. Photography remains a powerful tool in sharing the richness of Clivia species, hybrids, and cultivation practices with a wider audience, both locally and internationally.
The full results and commentary can be found in the Clivia Yearbook 2026, page 56.
Media & Awards – Utopia Clivias
