Meet the APNPI Judges: Leaders in Maternity, Newborn, and Family Photography!

As the next round of APNPI Accreditation approaches, we’re thrilled to introduce our highly qualified APNPI Judges! These industry leaders have completed APNPI Judges Training and are recognized experts across diverse styles and genres in maternity, newborn, and family photography.

Accreditation Applications Are Now Open!
If you’re a QNP Certified member, this is your chance to take your career to the next level. Apply for accreditation in one of our 10 categories to showcase your expertise and elevate your professional standing.

Looking for Submission Tips and Feedback?
Join our popular Feedback Friday sessions! Held in our membership community on Facebook, these sessions offer personalized critiques of image submissions from our APNPI Judges. This valuable experience helps you refine your submission, ensuring it meets accreditation standards. It’s also a fantastic way to get comfortable with image critiques before the final submission deadline. Stay updated on our Facebook group for session announcements.

Accreditation is a key step toward building your reputation in the photography industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to submit your best work, gain recognition, and receive expert guidance from our prestigious judging panel.

We can’t wait to see your submissions and celebrate your achievements!

Lisa Digeso

“When judging Accreditation submissions, I’m looking for correct lighting, correct posing, good skin tones, and baby safety.”

Hi I am Lisa, Photographer at Milk & Honey Photography, co-owner of the Milky Way a photographer’s resource, Host & producer of the online Retreat series, Podcast host of the Art & Soul Show, wannabe yogi, avid book buyer, and education junkie. Im a curious cat, always exploring and researching something. I have never been a colour inside the lines kind of girl. I look at the world with a sense of humour, and have never taken off my rose-coloured glasses. This is the kind of art I create. Thats the kind of businesses I run. Business run with intention, integrity and heart and soul. I’m mama bear proud of our students, and get lit up by their transformations and confidence and belief in themselves. My purpose if to create, empower, educate and entertain, and Im happiest when all of those blend together.

Amanda Capello

“I am looking for a well composed and thought out image that shows the maker has a strong knowledge of lighting and composition. An image that evokes emotion or stands out from the rest is always encouraged!”

Amanda Capello of Acapello Photography is an accomplished photographer and APNPI judge, known for her expertise in maternity, newborn, and family photography. As the founder of ACAPELLO Photography, Amanda has spent over a decade honing her craft, transitioning from wedding and event photography to specialize in capturing the tender moments of motherhood and childhood.

A multi-award-winning photographer – including being named APNPI Photography of the Year – Amanda is dedicated to excellence in her field and serves as an APNPI ambassador, educator, and judge, where she shares her extensive knowledge and passion with fellow photographers. Her commitment to empowering others through photography is evident in her work and mentorship. With a deep understanding of the fleeting nature of childhood, Amanda’s images celebrate the beauty of every stage of life, making her a respected voice in the photography community.

Katie Lintern

“When reviewing submissions, I’m looking for images that showcase thoughtful composition, consistent lighting, and (for newborn photography submissions) a clear mastery of safe baby posing techniques. I’m drawn to work that feels intentional and timeless, whether it’s a studio image with tasteful styling or an emotive and authentic lifestyle photo. I encourage participants to consider how their use of light, colour, and perspective enhances the emotional impact of their image and tells a story that resonates with the viewer. Above all, I’m excited to see work that reflects your unique voice and style as an artist.”

Hi, I’m Katie Lintern from Katie Lintern Photography, and I’m so excited to be part of this year’s APNPI judging panel. As a newborn, maternity, and family photographer based in Collingwood, Ontario, I’ve had the privilege of capturing some of the most meaningful moments in my clients’ lives over the past five years. Since opening my studio in 2019, I’ve worked with over 125 newborns and earned accreditation in both Studio Posed Newborn and In-Home Lifestyle Newborn categories. I’m currently Collingwood’s only registered, fully insured, Accredited and Qualified Newborn Photographer (QNP)—a distinction I’m proud to bring to my local community. Alongside my photography work, I serve as an APNPI Ambassador, and I’m honoured to contribute to this incredible organization in a judging capacity. Photography, for me, is always a balance between aesthetics and storytelling. In my studio, I gravitate toward warm, neutral tones and timeless, uncluttered backdrops that allow the baby to truly shine. I believe in creating images that will feel just as special decades from now as they do today. When I’m photographing families on location, my style shifts toward an emotive, documentary approach. I love capturing movement, connection, and those little in-between moments that tell a family’s unique story. Like many of you, I’ve built my business from scratch, learning through trial, error, and plenty of carb-fueled late nights. Along the way, I’ve discovered how important it is to develop and trust my own style while continuing to push myself creatively. I’m constantly inspired by the work of other photographers in our community and feel privileged to offer feedback that I hope will encourage and empower you on your own creative journey. Outside of photography, I’m a wife and a mom to three busy kids. Like many of you, I juggle running a business while raising a family, and I have a lot of respect for all of you trying to make it all work while building and sustaining your dream business. I’m looking forward to celebrating the creativity and dedication that this APNPI event brings to light. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, I know it takes courage to submit your work for critique, and I want you to know how much I respect that. I’ll be offering feedback with honesty and care, keeping in mind the heart and hard work behind every image. Thank you for trusting us with your art—I can’t wait to see the beautiful work you’ve created!

Sarah Lake

I’ve been a hobby photographer since childhood, but like many mothers, started my professional photography journey after having my two children. A military wife of 20 years, I’ve now started (and moved!) my business in 3 different states, and am currently enjoying serving families in San Antonio, TX. Formerly a teacher and early education consultant, I’m also passionate about teaching aspiring newborn photographers what I’ve learned over my decade of photographing babies and families.

To see more of Sarah’s work, visit: Sarah Lake Photography

Meet the APNPI Judges!

Our Image Competition is quickly approaching and we’d like to introduce you to our APNPI Judges! Judges have completed the APNPI Judges Training and are respected members of the industry spanning various styles and genres of maternity, newborn and baby photography.

Submissions are now open for all categories of our Image Competition. Want some support and feedback on which images would be good to submit? Consider participating in our membership community group on Facebook to ask for feedback and critique! This is a great way to make sure your submission is ready and a wonderful way to experience image critiques before our image competition deadline dates.

We look forward to reviewing your submissions with our amazing judging panel!

Submission Deadline: Sep 24th, 2024

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

Shailee Connolly is an accomplished professional photographer who specializes in Newborn and Maternity Portrait photography. Based out of her commercial studio in San Jose in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, she has received awards and recognitions for her work. In 2020 and 2022, she was awarded first place in the APNPI competition in the newborn category, as well as a PPA silver photographer of the year award in 2017 and a bronze photographer of the year award in 2018. Additionally, she earned second place in the Children’s Portraits Category of the Professional Photographers of America’s Western District print competition in 2017. Shailee holds bachelor’s degrees in Fine Art and Education, with a major in painting. Her previous career as a high school Visual Arts teacher in her hometown of Brisbane, Australia, gave her a solid grounding and passion for creating art in a variety of disciplines. When she became a mother in 2011, she transitioned her skills to newborn and maternity portrait photography. She has been photographing bellies and babies since 2013 and has been a professional photographer for over 10 years after relocating to the US with her family from Australia. Shailee always aims to create stunning, timeless images that her clients will cherish for a lifetime. Her style blends fine art with a more natural, organic approach to photography, and she works closely with her clients to ensure that their vision is brought to life. Her clients receive heirloom quality, archival printed artwork that they can proudly display in their homes.

Tara Graham:
I am mom to one wildly creative and stong-headed little boy. I started photography long before he came along though, having gone to college for Creative Photography, and then working in various studios doing portrait, commercial/editorial, and wedding work. One day I decided to tell my husband we were moving so I could have a home studio, and that really allowed me to grow my newborn business, having a dedicated space for it. I also love to photograph families! I love the interactions and being able to get those photos that parents say really captures their child’s essence or personality.

Trayc Dudgeon: I’ve been passionate about art my whole life and after taking my first photography class in High School I fell in love. I furthered my photography education at Humber Collage and 20 years later I am still just as passionate as the day I began. I’ve since become an award winning Accredited portrait photographer with PPOC (Professional Photographers of Canada) specializing in Maternity, Newborn, Children, Family as well as Corporate portraits and Weddings. I am also newborn safety trained and Internationally recognised as a qualified Newborn photographer with the APNPI, an international photography association. I have recieved several accreditations, awards and have become on of their mentoring photographers.

Tamarind Spender:
Tamarind’s passion for photography ignited at the age of 17 when she began working at Black’s Photography, where she fell in love with capturing the world through her lens. This passion led her to turn her hobby into a profession after the birth of her daughter in 2013, founding Azure Photography to show her daughter that following your dreams is possible. Starting from her home, Tamarind poured her heart into every shot, eventually expanding to a grand studio in downtown Guelph. Here, her vision of creating unforgettable photography experiences for her clients has truly flourished. For Tamarind, photography is more than a profession—it’s a way to freeze time and encapsulate the beauty of life’s moments. She specializes in capturing the authentic emotions of pregnancy, newborn sessions, cake smashes, and family portraits, believing that each stage of life deserves to be treasured and celebrated. Tamarind’s goal is to create a comfortable and genuine connection with her clients, crafting images that speak volumes and touch hearts. Whether you’re celebrating pregnancy, welcoming a new baby, or capturing family memories, Tamarind is dedicated to creating cherished moments that will last for generations.

Meet the APNPI Judges!

Our Image Competition is quickly approaching and we’d like to introduce you to our APNPI Judges! Judges have completed the APNPI Judges Training and are respected members of the industry spanning various styles and genres of maternity, newborn and baby photography.

Submissions are now open for all categories of our Image Competition. Want some support and feedback on which images would be good to submit? Consider participating in our membership community group on Facebook to ask for feedback and critique! This is a great way to make sure your submission is ready and a wonderful way to experience image critiques before our image competition deadline dates.

We look forward to reviewing your submissions with our amazing judging panel!

Submission Deadline: Apr 23rd, 2024

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

Tianna Jarrett-Williams – Tianna is a maternity and newborn photographer based in Birmingham, United Kingdom where she has a small studio near to the city centre. Her love for this speciality grew from her past career as a professional and registered nurse and midwife. Whilst photography began as a hobby after the birth of her first daughter, she quickly fell in love with the craft and soon became consumed by the desire to be creative. After navigating a few specialities, Tianna settled on the art of pregnancy, motherhood and newborn photography because these genres in coalescence with her passion for women becoming mothers and their journey through motherhood inspires her daily. Whilst the primary focus is on maternity and newborn photography, Tianna does enjoy creative and styled projects with a special interest in culture which often can be appreciated in her work. Tianna lives with her two young children Zara and Olivia; and long term partner Ashley, near Birmingham.

The proud founder of Shan Fisher Photography and Shan Fisher Education. Shan is based on the beautiful British Isles called the Isle of Man, where she lives a beautiful life with her wonderful husband and their delightful boys. Shan’s exceptional artistry has not only captured hearts locally but has also been acknowledged on an international stage, with her work being featured in world-renowned magazines and associations. Over the last 16 years, Shan has grown a successful photography business from the ground up and established a brand. Her company has received many prestigious awards as an enterprise with excellence. Today her expertise extends beyond the lens. She is a passionate educator and speaker, dedicated to inspiring and empowering photographers and entrepreneurs. Shan guides them to pursue their dreams, master their craft, and build thriving businesses centred around their passions, all while living life to its fullest potential. Shan’s commitment also shines in her role as a positive psychology coach. She is devoted to guiding individuals on their path to growth, helping them cultivate a mindset geared towards success and fulfilment, enabling them to thrive in business and life.

I am a newborn and maternity photographer that specializes in IPS. I have been a photographer for the last 18 years, previously working for magazines in Los Angeles. I love having my studio babies now and making their sessions look just like an editorial spread. My goal is to always produce wall art for my clients so it will be cherished for generations to come.
Sunny Melon Newborn Photography

Kayleigh Ashworth – Kayleigh is an APNPI accredited, multi-award winning artist, recognized as one the best Maternity and Newborn Photographers in the Inland Empire; and operates a successful portrait studio located within the heart of Downtown Murrieta, in Southern California. Established in 2015, Kayleigh Ashworth Photography has helped countless women hone in on their artists skills, foster confidence in working with newborns, emphasizing safety above all, and maximize business goals. Kayleigh and her work have been featured on the comedy series ‘The Try Guys’, featured on CBS8 San Diego News, and has had a televised interview with Intuit Quickbooks featured as an inspirational story for other businesses. After years of experience serving families from all walks of life, and furthering her education with industry leaders, Kayleigh now offers 1:1 Mentoring, as well as online tutorials and Adobe Photoshop actions for those wanting to expand their knowledge. It is Kayleigh’s mission to raise the standard of Newborn Photography – in safety, quality, and performance – and empower women to thrive within their business by sharing her knowledge and experiences learned throughout her career.

Meet the APNPI Judges!

Our next round of Accreditation is quickly approaching and we’d like to introduce you to our APNPI Judges! Judges have completed the APNPI Judges Training and are respected members of the industry spanning various styles and genres of maternity, newborn and baby photography.

Applications are now open for our QNP Certified members to apply for accreditation in one of our 10 categories. Want some support and feedback on which images would be good to submit? Consider participating in our Feedback Friday sessions where our judges critique image submissions from within our membership community group on Facebook. This is a great way to make sure your submission is ready and a wonderful way to experience image critiques before our accreditation deadline dates. Pay attention in the FB group for more information.

We look forward to reviewing your submissions with our amazing judging panel!

Submission Deadline: Feb 6th, 2024

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

Lisa Digeso ~ Photographer at Milk & Honey Photography, co-owner of the Milky Way a photographer’s resource, Host & producer of the online Retreat series, Podcast host of the Art & Soul Show, wannabe yogi, avid book buyer, and education junkie. She is a curious cat, always exploring and researching something. Lisa has never been a colour inside the lines kind of girl. She look at the world with a sense of humour, and have never taken off my rose-coloured glasses. This is the kind of art she creates. Thats the kind of businesses she runs. Business run with intention, integrity and heart and soul. She is a mama bear proud of her students, and gets lit up by their transformations and confidence and belief in themselves. Her purpose is to create, empower, educate and entertain, and she is the happiest when all of those blend together.

Irene Bible ~ the award-winning photographer behind Vine and Branch Studio in Prospect, Kentucky. With over 10 years of experience, Irene specializes in capturing the essence of Motherhood, Family, and Branding. Her keen eye and artistic touch have earned her acclaim in the photography world. Through her lens, she transforms moments into timeless treasures, creating visual stories that resonate with warmth and authenticity. Join Irene on a journey of visual storytelling, where every click captures the beauty of life’s precious moments.

Alicia Barrett ~ Is an award winning and accredited Professional Photographer with a specialty on Newborn Photography. However, living up to her name, “A2Z,” she captures moments spanning a wide spectrum – from Maternity and Newborns to Pets, Children, Families, and Weddings, among others. Currently, Alicia runs a Portrait Studio in Clarenville, Newfoundland, and she finds great joy in capturing the magic of Destination Weddings, combining her passion with the opportunity to explore the world. Through hard work and dedication, Alicia has achieved accreditation in children and infant portraits with the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) in addition to accreditation in Newborn Posed and Little Sitters through APNPI. Photography is not just her profession; it’s her greatest passion in life. It’s an immense honor to create timeless photographs that will resonate through generations. This passion has been ingrained in me since childhood and is reignited with each opportunity she has to capture moments through her lens. The explosion of this passion reflects in her images, ensuring her clients have cherished memories that last a lifetime. Beyond capturing beautiful moments with people, Alicia finds immense pleasure in venturing into nature to photograph wildlife as well.

Katie Jane McCormick ~ As a multi-award-winning photographer, she is proud to have been named ‘studio photographer of the year 2023’ by The British Institute of Professional Photographers. Her speciality lies in portraits, where her passion lies in crafting visually striking images that beautifully reflect the personalities and individuality of her subjects. Collaborating with her participants, Katie brings her creative vision to life by incorporating their unique input, resulting in imagery that radiates with beauty and authenticity. Based in a small rural village in North Wales, Katie Jane McCormick is a photographer who specialises in newborn, child, and portrait photography. Her passion for capturing precious moments stemmed from her love for her children and was further ignited when she obtained a BA Hons Photography and Film degree, sparking a flame of creativity within her.