Kristine Zipfel is a photographer based in Wellington, New Zealand, from Norway and Germany. She has experience as both a freelance photographer, shooting for commercial clients and creative studios, and as an in-house photographer at Wētā Workshop. Aside from photography, she is fluent across the Adobe suite, whether you need a video editor, image retoucher, designer, or illustrator.

Kristine Zipfel

Kristine Zipfel is a photographer based in Wellington, New Zealand, from Norway and Germany. She has experience as both a freelance photographer, shooting for commercial clients and creative studios, and as an in-house photographer at Wētā Workshop. Aside from photography, she is fluent across the Adobe suite, whether you need a video editor, image retoucher, designer, or illustrator.

Available to hire

Kristine Zipfel is a photographer based in Wellington, New Zealand, from Norway and Germany. She has experience as both a freelance photographer, shooting for commercial clients and creative studios, and as an in-house photographer at Wētā Workshop.

Aside from photography, she is fluent across the Adobe suite, whether you need a video editor, image retoucher, designer, or illustrator.

See more

Language

English
Fluent
Norwegian
Fluent
German
Advanced

Work Experience

Professional Photographer at Freelance
January 1, 2017 - Present
Freelance photographer providing services to clients including Wētā FX, Fringe Festival, Coastella, Daymark, Obvious Agency, Love Rimurimu, Wellington Greater Regional Council, and more.
Photographer at Wētā Workshop
May 31, 2025 - July 18, 2025
Professional photographer at award-winning concept design and manufacturing facility.
Underwater Stunt Performer at Freelance
January 1, 2017 - Present
Performed underwater stunts for major productions including Avatar 2/3, Titanic: 25 Years Later with James Cameron, Alita Battle Angel, and various documentaries.
Camera Assistant & Safety Diver at Ten Thousand Images
August 31, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Camera assistant and safety diver for documentary productions in Norway and Mexico. Also served as photographer and videographer during work in Revillagigedo Islands.
Camera Assistant & Safety Diver at Ten Thousand Images
May 31, 2024 - July 18, 2025
Camera assistant and safety diver for documentary productions in Norway and Mexico. Also served as photographer and videographer during work in Revillagigedo Islands.
Chief of Safety at Freedom Depth Games
October 31, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Head of safety and safety diver for an international freediving competition. Responsible for risk analysis and safety team management for athletes diving 20-102m.
Safety Diver at AIDA 31st Freediving World Championship
September 30, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Safety diver for the official AIDA Pre-Competition and World Championship. Supported over 100 international athletes diving between 30-135m.
Safety Diver at Vertical Blue
December 31, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Safety freediver responsible for rescuing athletes from deep blackouts (20-36m). Received the Stephen Keenan award in 2023 and managed competition logistics and official training with the safety team.
English Editor at MDPI
January 1, 2024 - July 18, 2025
Edited content for over 200 academic journals with 24-hour turnaround, completing more than 2600 papers across scientific and humanities disciplines.
Freediving Instructor, Divemaster and Retail at Dive Wellington
December 31, 2021 - July 18, 2025
Sole freediving instructor delivering AIDA courses, teaching over 50 students, collaborating on community education, and managing bookings, marketing, social media, and shop operations.
Freediving Instructor at Freedive Utila
August 31, 2019 - July 18, 2025
Freediving instructor teaching beginner through advanced students at a freediving centre in Utila, Honduras.
Safety Diver at CMAS Freediving World Championship & Caribbean Cup
August 31, 2019 - July 18, 2025
Set up diving platforms and safety equipment for international competitions. Provided safety for world record attempts, performed deep rescues (18m) and resuscitations.
Freediving Instructor at Freedive Club Greece
October 31, 2018 - July 18, 2025
Assisted in multiple freediving competitions including Mediterranean Cup and daily operations of a world-class freediving center in Kalamata, Greece.
Snorkel Guide at Mountains to Sea
December 31, 2018 - July 18, 2025
Delivered marine educational programs and guided student groups in Taputeranga Marine Reserve.
Professional Photographer at Freelance
January 1, 2017 - Present
Freelance photographer providing services to clients including Wētā FX, Fringe Festival, Coastella, Daymark, Obvious Agency, Love Rimurimu, and Wellington Greater Regional Council, among others.
Photographer at Wētā Workshop
May 31, 2025 - July 18, 2025
Professional photographer at award-winning concept design and manufacturing facility, contributing to high-quality visual documentation.
Underwater Stunt Performer
January 1, 2017 - Present
Worked on major film projects including Avatar 2/3, Titanic: 25 Years Later, Alita Battle Angel, and several documentaries. Performed complex underwater stunts that require advanced freediving skills.
Camera Assistant & Safety Diver at Ten Thousand Images
May 31, 2024 - July 18, 2025
Served as camera assistant and safety diver for documentary productions in Norway and Mexico, including work as photographer and videographer in the Revillagigedo Islands.
Chief of Safety at Freedom Depth Games
October 31, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Head of safety and safety diver for international freediving competition. Responsible for risk analysis and managing the safety team for athletes diving from 20 to 102 meters.
Safety Diver at AIDA 31st Freediving World Championship
September 30, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Safety diver for official AIDA Pre-Competition and World Championship supporting over 100 international athletes diving between 30 and 135 meters.
Safety Diver at Vertical Blue
December 31, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Safety freediver rescuing athletes from deep blackouts (20-36m), managed competition logistics, official training and received the Stephen Keenan Award in 2023 for exceptional safety work.
English Editor at MDPI
January 1, 2024 - July 18, 2025
Edited content for over 200 academic journals with rapid turnaround, completing over 2600 papers across scientific and humanities disciplines.
Freediving Instructor, Divemaster and Retail at Dive Wellington
December 31, 2021 - July 18, 2025
Sole freediving instructor developing and delivering AIDA courses, taught over 50 students, collaborated with Water Safety NZ for community education, and managed bookings, marketing, social media, and shop operations.
Freediving Instructor at Freedive Utila
August 31, 2019 - July 18, 2025
Taught beginner to advanced freediving students at a freediving centre in Utila, Honduras during summer season.
Safety Diver at CMAS Freediving World Championship & Caribbean Cup
August 31, 2019 - July 18, 2025
Set up diving platforms and safety equipment for international competitions, provided safety for world record attempts, and performed deep rescues and resuscitations.
Freediving Instructor at Freedive Club Greece
October 31, 2018 - July 18, 2025
Facilitated freediving competitions including Mediterranean Cup and assisted in daily operations of a world-class freediving center.
Snorkel Guide at Mountains to Sea
December 31, 2018 - July 18, 2025
Delivered marine educational programs and guided student groups within the Taputeranga Marine Reserve.
Professional Photographer at Freelance
January 1, 2017 - Present
Providing professional freelance photography services to clients including Wētā FX, Fringe Festival, Coastella, and Wellington Greater Regional Council among others.
Photographer at Wētā Workshop
May 31, 2025 - July 18, 2025
Professional photographer at award-winning concept design and manufacturing facility.
Underwater Stunt Performer
January 1, 2017 - Present
Performed underwater stunts for major film productions including Avatar 2/3, Titanic: 25 Years Later, Alita Battle Angel, and multiple documentaries. Participated in deep freediving scenes and worked in physically demanding aquatic environments.
Camera Assistant & Safety Diver at Ten Thousand Images
May 31, 2024 - July 18, 2025
Worked as camera assistant and safety diver for documentary productions in Norway and Mexico. Responsibilities included photography, videography, and ensuring safety during underwater shoots.
Chief of Safety at Freedom Depth Games
October 31, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Head of safety and safety diver for international freediving competition. Managed risk analysis and safety team operations for athletes diving depths between 20-102 meters.
Safety Diver at AIDA 31st Freediving World Championship
September 30, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Provided safety services for official AIDA Pre-Competition and World Championship events, supporting over 100 international athletes diving between 30-135 meters.
Safety Diver at Vertical Blue
December 31, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Safety freediver at international competition in the Bahamas. Rescued athletes from deep blackouts and managed competition logistics and official training with the safety team.
English Editor at MDPI
December 31, 2024 - July 18, 2025
Edited content for over 200 academic journals across scientific and humanities disciplines with a rapid turnaround time, completing over 2600 papers.
Freediving Instructor, Divemaster and Retail at Dive Wellington
December 31, 2021 - July 18, 2025
Sole freediving instructor responsible for delivering AIDA courses, community education, booking management, marketing, social media, and retail shop operations.
Freediving Instructor at Freedive Utila
August 31, 2019 - July 18, 2025
Taught beginner through advanced freediving students at a freediving centre in Utila, Honduras.
Safety Diver at CMAS Freediving World Championship & Caribbean Cup
August 31, 2019 - July 18, 2025
Provided safety support during international freediving competitions, set up diving platforms and safety equipment, performed deep rescues and resuscitations.
Freediving Instructor at Freedive Club Greece
October 31, 2018 - July 18, 2025
Assisted with day-to-day operations and facilitated multiple freediving competitions at a world-class freediving center.
Snorkel Guide at Mountains to Sea
December 31, 2018 - July 18, 2025
Delivered marine educational programs and guided student groups within a marine reserve.
Professional Photographer at Freelance
January 1, 2017 - Present
Freelance photographer providing services to clients including Wētā FX, Fringe Festival, Coastella, Daymark, Obvious Agency, Love Rimurimu, Wellington Greater Regional Council, and more.
Photographer at Wētā Workshop
May 31, 2025 - July 18, 2025
Professional photographer at award-winning concept design and manufacturing facility.
Underwater Stunt Performer at Various productions
January 1, 2017 - Present
Performed underwater stunts in films and documentaries such as Avatar 2/3, Titanic: 25 Years Later with James Cameron, Alita Battle Angel, Freediver (Alexey Molchanov documentary), To The Edge (Orlando Bloom documentary), Secrets at Red Rocks, and After The Party.
Camera Assistant & Safety Diver at Ten Thousand Images
August 31, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Camera assistant, safety diver, photographer and videographer for documentary productions in Norway and Mexico, including work in Revillagigedo Islands.
Camera Assistant & Safety Diver at Ten Thousand Images
May 31, 2024 - July 18, 2025
Camera assistant, safety diver, photographer and videographer for documentary productions in Norway and Mexico, including work in Revillagigedo Islands.
Chief of Safety at Freedom Depth Games
October 31, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Head of safety and safety diver for international freediving competition in Larnaca, Cyprus. Responsible for risk analysis and safety team management for athletes diving 20-102m.
Safety Diver at AIDA 31st Freediving World Championship
September 30, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Safety diver for official AIDA Pre-Competition and World Championship in Limassol, Cyprus. Supported over 100 international athletes diving between 30-135m.
Safety Diver at Vertical Blue
December 31, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Safety freediver in Long Island, Bahamas. Rescued athletes from deep blackouts (20-36m). Awarded the Stephen Keenan award in 2023. Managed competition logistics and official training with the safety team.
English Editor at MDPI
January 1, 2024 - July 18, 2025
Edited content for over 200 academic journals with 24-hour turnaround. Completed over 2600 papers across scientific and humanities disciplines.
Freediving Instructor, Divemaster and Retail at Dive Wellington
December 31, 2021 - July 18, 2025
Sole freediving instructor developing and delivering AIDA courses. Taught over 50 students. Collaborated with Water Safety NZ for community freediving education. Managed bookings, marketing, social media, and shop operations.
Freediving Instructor at Freedive Utila
August 31, 2019 - July 18, 2025
Taught beginner through advanced freediving courses at a freediving center in Utila, Honduras.
Safety Diver at CMAS Freediving World Championship & Caribbean Cup
August 31, 2019 - July 18, 2025
Set up diving platforms and safety equipment for international competitions in Roatan, Honduras. Provided safety for successful world record attempts. Performed deep rescues and resuscitations.
Freediving Instructor at Freedive Club Greece
October 31, 2018 - July 18, 2025
Assisted with the operations of a world-class freediving center in Kalamata, Greece. Helped facilitate multiple freediving competitions including the Mediterranean Cup.
Snorkel Guide at Mountains to Sea
December 31, 2018 - July 18, 2025
Delivered marine educational programs and guided student groups in Taputeranga Marine Reserve, Wellington.
Professional Photographer at Freelance
January 1, 2017 - Present
Providing freelance photography services to various clients including Wētā FX, Fringe Festival, Coastella, Daymark, Obvious Agency, Love Rimurimu, and the Wellington Greater Regional Council. Managing photography projects from concept to delivery.
Photographer at Wētā Workshop
May 31, 2025 - July 18, 2025
Professional photographer at an award-winning concept design and manufacturing facility, responsible for capturing high-quality images to support creative and production teams.
Underwater Stunt Performer
January 1, 2017 - Present
Performed underwater stunts in major film productions including Avatar 2/3, Titanic: 25 Years Later with James Cameron, Alita Battle Angel, and documentaries like Freediver and To The Edge. Specialized in safety and performance in underwater environments.
Camera Assistant & Safety Diver at Ten Thousand Images
May 31, 2024 - July 18, 2025
Served as camera assistant, safety diver, photographer, and videographer during documentary productions in diverse international locations including Norway, Mexico, and the Revillagigedo Islands, ensuring safety and optimal visuals.
Chief of Safety at Freedom Depth Games
October 31, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Headed the safety team and managed risk analysis for an international freediving competition in Larnaca, Cyprus. Oversaw safety divers and protocols for athletes diving between 20 and 102 meters.
Safety Diver at AIDA 31st Freediving World Championship
September 30, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Provided safety diving support for the official AIDA Pre-Competition and World Championship events in Limassol, Cyprus, ensuring athlete safety for over 100 international freedivers.
Safety Diver at Vertical Blue
December 31, 2023 - July 18, 2025
Acted as a safety freediver in the Long Island, Bahamas competitions, rescuing athletes from deep blackouts, managing competition logistics, and official training sessions. Awarded the Stephen Keenan award for exceptional safety work.
English Editor at MDPI
January 1, 2024 - July 18, 2025
Edited content for over 200 academic journals, handling more than 2600 scientific and humanities papers with rapid turnaround times.
Freediving Instructor, Divemaster and Retail at Dive Wellington
December 31, 2021 - July 18, 2025
Developed and delivered AIDA freediving courses, instructing over 50 students and collaborating on community education efforts. Managed bookings, marketing, social media, and retail operations.
Freediving Instructor at Freedive Utila
August 31, 2019 - July 18, 2025
Taught beginner to advanced freediving courses at a centre in Utila, Honduras during seasonal months.
Safety Diver at CMAS Freediving World Championship & Caribbean Cup
August 31, 2019 - July 18, 2025
Set up diving platforms and safety equipment for international competitions, provided safety support for world record attempts, and performed deep rescues and resuscitations.
Freediving Instructor at Freedive Club Greece
October 31, 2018 - July 18, 2025
Facilitated multiple freediving competitions and helped manage daily operations at a world-class freediving centre in Kalamata, Greece.
Snorkel Guide at Mountains to Sea
December 31, 2018 - July 18, 2025
Delivered marine educational programs guiding student groups in Taputeranga Marine Reserve, Wellington.

Education

Bachelor of Design with Honours at Massey University
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2017
Exchange Program at Munich University of Applied Sciences
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Outdoor education specialisation at Høgtun Folkehøgskole
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
Bachelor of Design with Honours at Massey University
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2017
Exchange Program at Munich University of Applied Sciences
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Outdoor Education Specialisation at Høgtun Folkehøgskole
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
Bachelor of Design with Honours at Massey University
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2017
Exchange Program at Munich University of Applied Sciences
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Outdoor education specialisation at Høgtun Folkehøgskole
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
Bachelor of Design at Massey University
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2017
Exchange Program at Munich University of Applied Sciences
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Outdoor education specialization at Høgtun Folkehøgskole
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
Bachelor of Design with Honours at Massey University
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2017
Exchange Program at Munich University of Applied Sciences
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Outdoor education specialisation at Høgtun Folkehøgskole
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013

Qualifications

First Class Bachelor of Design with Honours - Photography
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2017
Exchange Program - Munich University of Applied Sciences
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
AIDA and Apnea Total Freediving Instructor
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
AIDA Professional Safety certification
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
PADI Divemaster
January 11, 2030 - July 18, 2025
PHEC/Pre-Hospital Emergency Care certified
March 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024
First Class Bachelor of Design with Honours - Photography
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2017
Exchange Program - Munich University of Applied Sciences
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Høgtun Folkehøgskole - Outdoor Education Specialisation
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
AIDA and Apnea Total Freediving Instructor
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
AIDA Professional Safety certification
January 11, 2030 - July 18, 2025
PADI Divemaster - 110+ logged dives
January 11, 2030 - July 18, 2025
PHEC/Pre-Hospital Emergency Care certified
March 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024
AIDA and Apnea Total Freediving Instructor
January 1, 2018 - July 18, 2025
AIDA Professional Safety certification
January 11, 2030 - July 18, 2025
PADI Divemaster - 110+ logged dives
January 11, 2030 - July 18, 2025
PHEC/Pre-Hospital Emergency Care certified
March 1, 2024 - July 18, 2025
AIDA and Apnea Total Freediving Instructor
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
AIDA Professional Safety certification
January 11, 2030 - July 18, 2025
PADI Divemaster
January 11, 2030 - July 18, 2025
PHEC/Pre-Hospital Emergency Care certified
March 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024
AIDA and Apnea Total Freediving Instructor
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
AIDA Professional Safety certification
January 11, 2030 - July 18, 2025
PADI Divemaster
January 11, 2030 - July 18, 2025
PHEC/Pre-Hospital Emergency Care certified
March 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services, Other, Manufacturing