What is an APNPI Accredited Photographer

What is an APNPI Accredited Photographer

What is an APNPI Accredited Photographer?

You may have heard the term “Accredited” before but did you know your photographer can seek accreditation in their work with newborns and babies?

At APNPI, our dedicated members are working hard to improve their abilities and many are seeking accreditation in our 10 available categories.  So just what is an APNPI Accredited Photographer?

Currently one of our highest levels of achievement, Accreditation in a chosen category is a recognition beyond that of the QNP Certified Photographer denoting above average quality in photographic artistry. Holding an accreditation demonstrates the member as a specialist in his or her chosen field and is a stepping stone toward earning recognized designations such as Craftsman of Photography and Master Photographer.  

To achieve accreditation, a member must accomplish the following:

  • Successfully complete the APNPI Safety Course.
  • Successfully hold the QNP Certification.
  • Submit 12 images meeting a strict outline of requirements in a chosen category to an APNPI approved Judging Panel of which all 12 images must be deemed “accepted”.

Our APNPI Panel Judging Events can be quite exciting to view! If you keep an eye on our social media pages and blog, you too can watch the thorough vetting our accredited members go through.  Many applicants will attempt accreditation evaluation several times before acquiring this achievement in their chosen field.

Our Accredited APNPI members have invested time, dedication and money in perfecting their craft.  They have a solid understanding of lighting, posing angles, and the necessary artistic fundamentals to produce beautiful imagery. Best of all, they produce a consistent product time and time again.  

When it comes to hiring an Accredited photographer, we’re confident you’ll not only notice a difference in quality, but also consistency. Our accredited members are reliable producers and provide their clients with exceptional imagery on a daily basis.

To find an accredited photographer, click here and look for the Accreditation Badge in the listings: https://apnpi.com/directory/

Take a peak below at some of our recently Accepted imagery from a selection of our successfully accredited members.

Image Competition – Spring 2025

Image Competition – Spring 2025

APNPI International Image Competition Results!
Image Competition – Spring 2025

 

Congratulations to our International Award Winning makers on their achievements in our recent round of competition. We are pleased to announce the following winners across the categories who have achieved Silver awards with scores in the range of 80-84, Silver Distinction awards with scores in the range of 85-89, Gold awards with scores in the range of 90-94, and Gold Distinction awards with scores in the range of 95-99.

Newborn Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Newborn "The Heart of it All" by Kayleigh Ashworth

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Newborn "Lavender Lashes" by Alicia Barrett

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Newborn "Heartfull" by Michelle Dominey

Maternity Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Maternity "ethereal" by Amanda Capello

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Maternity "Pretty In Pink" by Kayla Butler

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Maternity "Divine Radiance" by Vesta macintosh

Milestones Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Milestones "Mohawks and Chubby Cheeks" by Alicea Tomshine

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Milestones "Curiosity in Motion" by Jenice García

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Milestones "Somebunny" by Jackie Orlando

Child (ages 1 year and up) Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) "Unbreakable Brother Bond" by Trayc Dudgeon

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) "Picking Grandma" by Anita Windsor

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) "Smooches in Style" by Jackie Orlando

Creative Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Creative "The greatest love" by Beryl Bernos

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Creative "Parenthood in Perfect Balance" by Jennifer McNeil

Gold Awards – Scores: 90 to 94

Silver Distinction Award – Scores: 85 to 89

Silver Award – Scores: 80 to 84

Watch the Competition Judging Results and Meet Our Sponsors

Watch the Competition Judging Results and Meet Our Sponsors

Airing June 17!

Curious about the winners of our latest photography competition? Join us to watch the APNPI Image Competition Judging Event! We’re thrilled to share the official judging results video, where you can watch each award-winning image unfold and gain insight into what makes each piece stand out. In this post, you’ll also meet our panel of distinguished judges, who bring decades of expertise in newborn and maternity photography. Learn about their backgrounds, unique judging styles, and the criteria they used to evaluate this year’s impressive submissions. We hope you enjoy and are inspired by the artistry that continues to shape the photography community!

A warm congratulations to all of our makers for bravely entering this round of competition! We hope you’ll find the judges’ feedback helpful in the advancement of your journey as maternity, newborn or baby photographers and thank you all for your submissions.

 

*Are you an accredited member of APNPI and interested in our judge training program? Email us at admin@apnpi.com

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors


This incredible event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their commitment to excellence in the industry helps us celebrate and showcase the amazing work of photographers from around the world. Take a moment to learn more about the sponsors who helped bring this competition to life.

ELITE SPONSOR

Seamlessly book clients, deliver gorgeous galleries, and sell photos with confidence using ShootProof's easy-to-use studio management tools

ShootProof helps you get back to what you love, with exceptional galleries, custom portfolio sites, invoice tools, and more.

Why Newborn Photographers Are Falling in Love with ShootProof (And You Will Too)

Why Newborn Photographers Are Falling in Love with ShootProof (And You Will Too)

Why Newborn Photographers Are Falling in Love with ShootProof (And You Will Too)

Let’s talk about something every newborn photographer knows but rarely admits out loud: the behind-the-scenes chaos that happens after you’ve captured those perfect sleepy baby poses.

You know the drill. You’ve spent three hours getting that one perfect shot of tiny fingers wrapped around mom’s thumb, masterfully navigated diaper blowouts, and somehow convinced a fussy newborn to sleep long enough for family portraits. You’re exhausted, caffeinated beyond belief, and riding the high of creating pure magic with your camera.

Then reality hits: now you have to deliver these precious memories to sleep-deprived parents who can barely remember their own names, let alone navigate a complicated gallery system.

Sound familiar? You’re definitely not alone.


The Real Talk About Newborn Photography Business

Running a newborn photography business involves a surprising amount of… well, everything that isn’t actually taking photos.

Gallery delivery, client communication, print ordering, contract management, invoice tracking – it’s like someone took all the administrative tasks you never wanted to do and wrapped them up in a bow labeled “Congratulations, you’re a business owner now!”

But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to feel like you’re drowning in a sea of digital chaos while trying to run your dream photography business.

Beyond Galleries: All the Essentials to Run Your Business

Image courtesy of Fru Jonas

But Wait, There’s More: It’s Easy to Use

Here’s where ShootProof really shines, and honestly, where most other platforms fall flat on their faces: ease of use.

You know that sinking feeling when you sign up for a new software, and suddenly you need a computer science degree just to upload your first gallery? Yeah, ShootProof said “absolutely not” to that whole experience.

Setting up your first gallery takes minutes, not hours. The interface is so intuitive that you’ll find yourself thinking, “Wait, that’s it? Where’s the complicated part?” Spoiler alert: there isn’t one.

Your clients will actually understand how to use it. Remember, these are sleep-deprived new parents who are running on approximately 3 hours of sleep and pure adrenaline. The last thing they need is a gallery system that requires a tutorial. ShootProof’s client-facing galleries are so straightforward that even your most tech-challenged clients can navigate them without sending you panicked texts at midnight.

No learning curve means you can focus on what matters. Instead of spending your first week watching tutorial videos and trying to figure out where the “upload” button is hiding, you can get back to doing what you love: photographing adorable babies.

“ShootProof is life-changing! It’s such a great and easy way for me to deliver galleries to clients and sell prints.” – Erika Holifield Photography

Beyond Galleries: All the Essentials to Run Your Business

Image courtesy of Shailee Connolly

Real Photographers, Real Results

Don’t just take our word for it. One ShootProof user puts it perfectly:

“As photographers with a growing business, ShootProof has seriously been a game-changer for us. It’s so user-friendly, making client galleries super easy to set up and deliver beautifully organized images without any hassle.

Setting up print orders for our clients was a breeze, too! Now, they can order prints with just a few clicks, and it’s given us a great way to bring in extra income beyond session fees—total win!! We also love the automated emails, contracts, and invoices. It’s all just done for us, which has saved us so much time and effort.

Honestly, ShootProof is the perfect solution for any photographer looking to streamline their workflow and deliver a polished, professional experience to their clients. We couldn’t recommend it enough!” – E-Squared Photography

That’s the kind of testimonial that makes you stop and think: what if running the business side of newborn photography could actually be… enjoyable?

Beyond Galleries: All the Essentials to Run Your Business

Image courtesy of Shailee Connolly

Beyond Galleries: All the Essentials to Run Your Business

Here’s where ShootProof gets really smart about understanding photographers’ needs. They didn’t stop at galleries – they built an entire ecosystem for photography businesses.

Online Booking: Showcase your availability with ease, enabling clients to book full sessions, mini sessions, or consultations directly through your photography booking site.

Contracts and Invoicing: Create professional contracts that clients can sign electronically, and send invoices that get paid with just a few clicks. No more chasing down payments or wondering if that email got lost in someone’s spam folder.

Portfolio Websites: All ShootProof plans include a Portfolio Website. This simple, no-code-needed website solution that gets your photography business online and off the ground instantly.

Automated Communications: Set up email sequences that nurture client relationships without you having to remember to hit send on every follow-up message.

The Bottom Line for Newborn Photographers

Photography should be about capturing those fleeting moments of new life, tiny fingers, and pure family joy. It shouldn’t be about wrestling with technology or spending hours on administrative tasks that make you question your life choices.

ShootProof gets that. They’ve built a platform that handles the business side so smoothly, you have time to focus on what matters most to you, which is exactly how good technology should work.

Ready to see what streamlined feels like?

ShootProof offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. Plans start at just $10/month for 1,500 photos – that’s less than most photographers spend on coffee during a single editing marathon.

You became a newborn photographer to create art and capture life’s most precious moments. ShootProof is here to make sure the business side runs as beautifully as your photography.

Want to see ShootProof in action? Start your free 14-day trial today and discover why thousands of newborn photographers have made the switch to streamlined gallery management. Use code APNPI25 to save 25% off your first year of any monthly plan!

Beyond Galleries: All the Essentials to Run Your Business

Image courtesy of Tianna J-Williams

Welcoming India’s first APNPI Ambassador: Amrit Ammu

Welcoming India’s first APNPI Ambassador: Amrit Ammu

Welcoming India’s First APNPI Ambassador: Amrit Ammu

Welcoming Amrit Ammu – APNPI’s First Ambassador in India!

We are overjoyed to introduce and welcome Amrit Ammu, a certified newborn photographer in India and the newest member of our Ambassador family — and she is our very first APNPI Ambassador from India! Based in the vibrant city of Mumbai, Amrit brings a deep wealth of talent and heart to the world of newborn and family photography.

With over a decade of experience and a home studio rooted in warmth and soul, Amrit is more than a photographer — she’s a storyteller, a mentor, a mother, and a visionary who transforms moments into lasting legacies.

“Photography has always been my way back home — to myself, to hope, and to others.”

Business name:

Amrit Ammu Photography

Location:

Mumbai, India

Photography as a Path to Healing

Amrit’s journey into photography is deeply personal. Inspired by her late father — a passionate, self-taught photographer — she found solace behind the lens after his passing in 2014. What began as a tribute to his legacy has blossomed into a purpose-led business: Amrit Ammu Photography.

Her work is a powerful blend of artistry and intention, combining baby safety training (through APNPI and Ana Brandt Education) with emotional storytelling that speaks directly to the heart. Every frame she creates honors the beauty of motherhood, family, and the quiet power of love.

A Photographer, Mentor, and Creative Force

Amrit specializes in newborn, maternity, family, and motherhood portraits, capturing the sacred, fleeting moments that define a family’s early chapters. Beyond the lens, she is a mentor, facilitates healing through journaling, and is pursuing a PhD – all guided by her belief in creativity as a path to transformation.

Through her expressive work and community mentoring, she helps photographers and mothers alike feel seen, celebrated, and strong. Her favorite part of newborn photography? That tender, sacred energy — and the chance to preserve memories that parents will treasure forever.

Representing India on the Global APNPI Stage

As the first APNPI Ambassador in India, Amrit is opening new doors and inspiring a new generation of photographers across South Asia. She joins a global network of professionals who share a commitment to excellence, baby safety, and heartfelt connection.

“This isn’t just a title — it’s a full-circle moment. I’m excited to connect, give back, and lead with heart, just like the artists who once inspired me.”

We are thrilled to see the impact she will continue to make — not just through her camera lens, but through her mentorship, advocacy, and creative leadership.

Tell us a bit about yourself:

Hi! I’m Amrit Kaur (aka Amrit Ammu), an award-winning photographer with over 10 years of experience, specialising in newborn, maternity, baby, family and motherhood portraits through my cozy home studio in Mumbai, India. I am a qualified and baby safety trained newborn photographer with APNPI, and certified in Baby Safety by Ana Brandt Education and for me, both artistry and baby safety go hand in hand. Inspired by my father’s love for photography and shaped by the loss of both my parents, my work is rooted in legacy, healing, and emotion. What began as a tribute to my dad’s passion became my soul’s calling. Today, I create heartfelt portraits, mentor photographers, and hold space for families and new mothers to feel seen, celebrated, and connected – through every frame and every story we capture together.

Beyond the camera, I’m a mom, a research scholar, journal therapy and expressive arts coach, and an advocate for healing through creativity. Photography has always been my way back home – to myself, to hope, and to others. In every image I create and every student I mentor, I lead with heart, compassion, and purpose. My greatest joy is helping new mothers feel seen, celebrated, and strong – because every woman deserves to feel radiant in her becoming.

What inspired you to become a photographer?

My love for photography began in childhood, watching my father – a passionate, self-taught photographer – capture our family’s happiest moments with so much love and care. We’d often bond over cameras and marvel at the work of legends like Anne Geddes, dreaming of creating something magical together. After my father passed away in 2014, those photographs became my most cherished treasures. They held memories, emotions, and a piece of him I could still feel — and that changed everything for me.

Photography, once a shared hobby, became a lifeline. It became a way to hold onto love, to heal, and to honour my father’s legacy. That’s how Amrit Ammu Photography was born — not just a brand, but a heart-led mission rooted in love, emotion, and legacy.

Over the years, I’ve been deeply inspired by artists like Anne Geddes, Ana Brandt, Kelly Brown, Jade Gao, Kath V., and Sujata Setia – learning from each one of these artists helped me evolve through my work. Photography, for me, is not just about taking pictures — it’s about creating legacy, holding space, and capturing love in its purest form.

What do you love most about working with newborns and families?

I love the calm, tender energy newborns bring — it’s such a sacred time. Capturing those tiny details and raw emotions between families feels like freezing love in time. For me, it’s not just about photos, it’s about creating memories that parents will hold onto forever. It’s an honour to be part of their story.

What are you most excited about with being part of the APNPI ambassador community?

Being chosen as an APNPI Ambassador – and the first from India – is an incredible honour. I’ve admired APNPI for years for its commitment to professionalism, safety, and heartfelt photography. This role feels like a beautiful full-circle moment — a chance to represent a craft I love so deeply, and a community I truly believe in. I’m excited to connect with fellow photographers, share my journey, and support others as they grow. This isn’t just a title for me – it’s a platform to give back, inspire, and lead with heart, just like the artists who once inspired me.

5 Fun Facts About Amrit Ammu

1. I was once known as RJ Amrit.
At 16, I got an opportunity to be one of the youngest RJs on Chandigarh AIR FM, hosting a show named Hi-Five. Talking into the mic, scripting my shows taught me how to connect with my audience – and those learnings flows through my work even today.

2. “Ammu” was my childhood nickname.
My mom and dad lovingly called me Ammu, and years later it became Amrit Ammu Photography. My full name is Amrit Kaur—but Ammu carries my roots and my story 🙂

3. I launched my photography career in Ludhiana, 2013.
One of the few female photographers in my city back then, I started with big dreams and bold steps, one at a time with faith in my heart. Meeting Anne Geddes in New York in 2019 was a dream come true and a full-circle moment that reaffirmed my calling.

4. My first newborn photography studio? A corner of our Mumbai living room.
I turned a tiny space of our home into a cozy newborn setup – because dreams don’t wait for perfect conditions, just faith and passion in the heart are enough to be stepping stones to drive all your desires.

5. I’m an MBA-turned-photographer and PhD scholar.
Through my lens, my coaching, and my research, I’m here to empower women to feel seen, strong, and celebrated—in their motherhood, creativity, and leadership. Capturing stories and uplifting others isn’t just my work; it’s my way of honouring them.
My life shifted the day I began my PhD journey – it was also the very day I lost my mother. Her last words were filled with pride, and that heartbreak became the fire that fuels my purpose. Every step forward is a tribute to her, and to every woman rising in her own way.

Welcome to the Team, Amrit!

Please join us in celebrating Amrit Ammu, a shining new face in our ambassador family and a powerful voice for motherhood, memory, and mentorship. Welcome to APNPI, Amrit — we’re honored to walk beside you!

Connect with Amrit

Follow Amrit’s work and journey at:
Amrit Ammu Photography

Instagram 

Pinterest

Youtube