Fireside Chat – Stories of Struggle and Success
Autumn Colors in Newborn Photography
There’s a special enchantment that comes with the arrival of autumn, and when paired with the tender innocence of newborns, it’s a sight to behold. In this exclusive showcase, our community of talented photographers present a delightful array of newborn images, each carefully staged amidst the rustic charm of the fall season. Be prepared to be swept away by the adorable smiles and cozy setups that encapsulate the magic of autumnal beginnings.
The Story Behind the Winning Image – Lilliana Norris
APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Milestones Category
“My Lovely Six Months” by Lilliana Norris
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?
Enjoy a look inside this image… and be sure to scroll down for further Q&A with Lily!
The History behind this lovely picture…. Well that start when I decided broke the rules in 2019 when I photographed my first 6 months boy posed!!!
And since that date I started posing old babies to 1month old to 1 year!!
This particular image was planned! Since the successful demand in old babies I decided to add “Sleeped Babies” images in my collections moms love and Me too! I love the perfect skin, rolls and the cute faces of old babies, Santiago came to my studio since Newborn and month by month, I had the image in mind, I visualized the colors, outfit etc… I loved the final photo and this is why I decided to enter the Competition and now I’m so happy with the Place in the competition!
To see more of Lilly’s work: https://lilynorris.wixsite.com/lilynorrisphotos
The Inside Scoop…
Q: Why did you decide to submit to the APNPI International Image Competition?
A: Since I’m APNPI member only was watching only over the fence, this time I decide to give a step and enter to the competition to check if my advance was at the label to get some place during the Competition.
Q: What, if anything, did you learn about yourself through the process of image competition judging?
A: I learned that We need to believe in your own grow in the experience, and that you can continue with your goals!
Q: What attracted you to APNPI’s International Image Competition?
A: I really love to watch the recorded judging and learn about the each Judge, I’m very happy with the quality and professionalism, etc
Q: Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?
A: In this particular image I had very nice comment from the parent and clients since the session, after I received the achievement I thing the customers has the confident to book and trust in me more!
Q: What were you looking for when selecting images to submit to the image competition?
A: I’m looking to prove to myself about my advance, growing and check the quality of my images and composition
Q: What would you say to a member thinking about submitting imagery?
A: Enter!!! and don’t think so much to send your images no matter if you don’t get a place, enter to competitions let the judges comments your images and for sure you will learn a lot and continue growing!
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
The Story Behind the Winning Image – Jennifer McNeil
APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Newborn “Always Here For You” by Jennifer McNeil
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 look inside this image… (and be sure to scroll down to see Q&A with Jennifer below the video!)
Specializing in newborn photography, Jenn is located in Southern California, where she has photographed over 3,000 babies over the last 14 years. Her passion for color, and connection between subjects comes through in this winning image as well as all of her work.
To see more of Jennifer’s work: https://jennifermcneilphotography.com
The Inside Scoop…
Q: Why did you decide to submit to the APNPI International Image Competition?
A: Getting feedback on images in general is always a good idea professionally speaking. It’s nice to get a score rather than only a placement, so that I can see my personal growth over time.
Q: What, if anything, did you learn about yourself through the process of image competition judging?
A: Whenever I add on critiques, I learn more about the little mistakes I may make and yet overlook. These competitions also remind me that I’m driven by growth and learning.
Q: What attracted you to APNPI’s International Image Competition?
A: I appreciate the scoring system so I can see if I am improving overall. I find the feedback on the critiques to be helpful as well. One thing I greatly enjoy about APNPI is the commitment to newborn safety which is why I keep coming back.
Q: Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?
A: Parents definitely appreciate the accolades from APNPI. It does tend to be shared with me that they felt good about their choice of photographer knowing I’m linked with APNPI and their safety standards. And of course, winning images make them feel good too.
Q: What were you looking for when selecting images to submit to the image competition?
A: There are always images that stand out to me more, probably because I liked creating them most. From there, I try to look for something that is on par with most of my work, something a client could expect to see in their gallery. I realize this is not what everyone does, but to me, it is more about being consistent with what I provide clients, and knowing those images are improving, rather than doing a specialty session for the sake of a competition only.
Q: What would you say to a member thinking about submitting imagery?
A: Choose an image that you are proud of – but figure out why you are proud of it – is it the lighting, the posing? Then add on critique and see what the judges have to say about those areas. While at the end of the day your vision, and your client’s satisfaction may be most important, if you want to grow and learn, it’s important to know what you can work on and measure that over time.
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