Winner Feature – Marggie Duncan

Winner Feature – Marggie Duncan

Celebrating Creativity: Meet the 3rd Place Winner of the APNPI Image Competition Child Category

We’re thrilled to show off our 3rd place winner in the 2023 Autumn APNPI Image Competition for the Child Category.

Read on below to learn more about what inspired Marggie to enter and about her experience.

3rd Place Winner Newborn Category: Marggie Duncan

Business Name: BennyAni Photography

Located in: Lakeville, MN, USA

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Child Category | “Little But Fierce” by Marggie Duncan

 

Why did you decide to submit to the APNPI International Image Competition?

I love to challenge myself. This competition is a great way to see how my work stands against other in my industry.

 

What, if anything, did you learn about yourself through the process of image competition judging?

I learned to be super open to critique. It only helps to grow and become better at my skill. I learned not to take it personally.

 

What attracted you to APNPI’s International Image Competition? 

I love the feedback they give, the opportunity to watch the judging as it takes place, the professionalism of the judges and their honesty as well as APNPI as an organization.

 

Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?

Of course! My clients love to see things like this and assures them that they are hiring someone who is skilled in the industry.

 

What were you looking for when selecting images to submit to the image competition?

My best work! I looked at my lighting, focus, angles, positions. Mostly though, I looked at if the image spoke to me in anyway, if the image had an artistic voice.

 

What would you say to a member thinking about submitting imagery?

Absolutely do it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Even if you don’t score high, it gives you an excellent starting point of where you are at compared to where you’d like to be. Don’t take the criticism to heart, take it and use it for growth. If it’s your first time, I also highly recommend in investing in the feedback component from the judges.

 

 

 

“I love the feedback APNPI gives, the opportunity to watch the judging as it takes place, the professionalism of the judges and their honesty as well as APNPI as an organization.”

~ Marggie xo

The Story Behind the Winning Images – Trayc Dudgeon

The Story Behind the Winning Images – Trayc Dudgeon

APNPI Competition 1st and 3rd Place Winner

1st place Child Category – “Simply Fascinating” by Trayc Dudgeon

3rd place Child Category – “Show Me Your Muscles” by Trayc Dudgeon

 

The Story Behind the Winning Image

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes in some of these amazing images, particularly those that are competition winners?

Come enjoy a peek inside the behind the scenes of these two images in another great video by Trayc Dudgeon… (then don’t forget to scroll all the way down to SEE the winning images!)

To see more of Trayc’s work:

https://blueroosterstudio.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/blueroosterstudio/

3rd place Child Category

3rd place Child Category – “Show Me Your Muscles” by Trayc Dudgeon


Trayc Dudgeon - APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner1st Place Child Category – “Simply Fascinating” by Trayc Dudgeon

To learn more: APNPI Image Competition

Did you know…

All members receive one free entry – so go ahead try it out, you have nothing to lose!

Each image is up for an award, whether it’s in the top 3 or not.  Every submission competes against itself to earn a Merit Award (score of 80 and above).

Merit Awards are prestigious accomplishments!  They denote a level that stands out above the Accreditation level.

Competing is an excellent way for members to sharpen their skills and elevate their work.

Members learn a ton from entering their images and receiving feedback from the judges.

For more info and to enter, visit: www.apnpi.com/image-competition

APNPI Competition Winner Feature – Jackie Orlando

APNPI Competition Winner Feature – Jackie Orlando

Celebrating Creativity: Meet the Winner 

We’re thrilled to show off our 1st place winner in the 2023 Autumn APNPI Image Competition for the Newborn Category.

Read on below to learn more about what inspired Jackie to enter and about her experience.

1st Place Winner Newborn Category: Jackie Orlando

Business Name: Jackie O Photos

Located in: Stoney Creek, ON Canada

 

 

1st place apnpi competition winning image Jackie Orlando APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Newborn Category | “A Gift from Above” by Jackie Orlando

Why did you decide to submit to the APNPI International Image Competition?

I wanted to feel more like a part of the newborn photography community, see if I could learn anything from potential feedback given on my images, and if my images were worthy of a silver distinction award, I wanted to proudly display that on my website and social media as a reminder of how far I’ve come in my photography journey.

What, if anything, did you learn about yourself through the process of image competition judging?

I learned that I’m more talented than I realize. I never expected to place in the top three, let alone first place. Winning first place as well as another silver distinction was very validating, and made me feel like all of my hard work, passion, and dedication has been worth it. There have been plenty of times that I’ve felt like giving up, but I’ve kept working at a steady pace and tried my best to overcome the self-doubt. Finding my style was a bit of a journey. I admire so many photographers with different styles and I experimented for a while with retro vibes and pretty florals. In the end, I realized my talent shines best through simplicity. I lean towards an understated, classic vibe, it feels authentically me, and I’m so honored to be recognized for that.

What attracted you to APNPI’s International Image Competition? 

I was attracted to the image competition because I love the idea of learning from a community of other talented photographers, especially when there are so many that I admire or have learned from in this organization. I was hoping to receive some feedback on my images, especially the winning one, but I know for next time to request a critique if I’d like to learn more about what the judges like and dislike about the images.

Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?

My family and friend circle are incredibly proud and I’ve received so many compliments on my talent, dedication, and hard work. To see my clients, friends, and family proudly sharing my images on social media with loving, supportive comments makes me so happy and gives me all the motivation I could ever need to continue to learn and grow.

What were you looking for when selecting images to submit to the image competition?

I was looking for images that looked a little bit unique to many of the images I’ve seen submitted in past competitions. I have a little bit of a different style compared to traditional, posed newborn photography, and I wasn’t sure how it would place in this competition. I personally love to capture unposed images as well as poses that are artistic, unique, and representative of the baby’s traits and personality. Babies are definitely born with a personality!

What would you say to a member thinking about submitting imagery?

There is no harm in submitting, even if you start small with one or two images. At the very least, you will find out if your images are worthy of silver distinction, whether you need to improve or practice longer, or if you’re much better than you realize! Having recognition in this community is so meaningful, and I’m so glad I submitted images.