Featuring the work of APNPI Ambassador Jackie Orlando of Jackie O Photos.

Finding Your Voice in Newborn Photography: The Art of Gentle Guidance

There is something truly magical about photographing newborns. The quiet hush of the studio, the soft rhythm of tiny breaths, and the profound privilege of being trusted with a family’s earliest memories create an experience that is unlike any other genre of photography. But behind the beautiful images we see online, there is a skillset rooted in patience, observation, and a deep respect for the little humans we photograph.

One of the most valuable lessons you can learn is that newborn photography isn’t about forcing a pose. It is about guiding one.

Safety Is the Foundation

No image is worth compromising a baby’s safety. Professional newborn photographers are trained to:
• Support the head and neck at all times
• Use spotters or composites when needed
• Prioritize temperature, cleanliness, and comfort
• Make slow, thoughtful adjustments

Safety protects the baby and builds trust with the family. Trust is what brings clients back again and again.

Keep Learning, Keep Growing

Newborn photography is an evolving craft. There is always a new technique, a fresh approach, or a subtle skill waiting to be discovered. The more we learn, the more confident we become, and the more relaxed and enjoyable our sessions feel.

At APNPI, we believe in continuous growth, shared knowledge, and supporting one another in our art.
When one photographer grows, the whole community becomes stronger.

We look forward to seeing what you create next.

Be on the look out for an all new course by Jackie Orlando with the APNPI Academy in the new year!

We know you’re going to love it!

Learn More About Becoming an APNPI Member

Airing Now!

It’s time to celebrate the incredible talent within our community! 

Join us for the APNPI Image Competition Judging Event—now live with the official judging results video! Watch as this season’s award-winning images are revealed and gain valuable insight into what makes each photograph truly stand out.

In this feature, you’ll also meet our distinguished panel of judges—renowned experts in newborn and maternity photography—who share their unique perspectives, judging styles, and the criteria that shaped this season’s results.

A heartfelt congratulations to all of our talented makers who entered this round of competition! Your artistry, courage, and dedication continue to inspire the photography community worldwide. We hope the judges’ feedback supports you in refining your craft and growing in your creative journey.

Are you an accredited APNPI member interested in joining our Judge Training Program?
We’d love to hear from you! Email us at info@apnpi.com 

Featuring the work of APNPI Ambassador Amanda Capello of Acapello Photography

Beanbag posing can feel intimidating at first — so many tiny details, angles, and adjustments! But once you learn how to control the flow and fine-tune each pose, it becomes second nature.

As you begin to recognize baby cues and find your rhythm, the beanbag becomes your creative playground — a place to sculpt light, softness, and connection.

Below, Amanda shares her go-to poses and how to actually make them work:

Bum Up Pose

The classic. Everyone loves it — and for good reason. When done right, it beautifully highlights baby’s delicate features and natural curves.

Pro Tips:

• Wait until baby is in a deep sleep — this pose requires total relaxation.
• Keep one knee tucked under and one extended for that natural, asymmetrical flow.
• Gently pull the elbow forward so you can see those sweet fingers resting near the cheek.
• Use a small rolled cloth under baby’s wrist or knee to subtly lift and round out the shape.

Lighting Tip: Position your light above and slightly toward baby’s face. It creates that perfect, soft contour that makes this pose shine.

Detail Shots

Don’t skip the little things. Detail shots add heart and storytelling to every gallery.

Capture the Magic:

• Use a macro lens or zoom in close to capture lashes, lips, toes, and fuzzy shoulders.

   

• Shoot from above with a wide aperture (f/2–f/2.8) for dreamy, creamy blur.

   

• Convert a few to black and white to add timeless depth and emotion.

   

Every baby teaches you something new. The real secret to beanbag posing isn’t a perfect pose list — it’s learning how to read baby cues, adapt on the fly, and let patience guide your creativity.

Because the truth is, beanbag posing is less about perfection and more about patience, intention, and connection.

About Amanda:

Amanda is an APNPI Ambassador, is accredited in maternity with APNPI, is an APNPI educator, an incredible contributor to the APNPI community, and she creates some of the most stunning imagery in Maternity Photography we’ve seen!

This former high school math teacher turned professional maternity and newborn photographer describes her style as minimalist, elegant, monochromatic, editorial and timeless.

She has built her business over the last decade and has been honoured to be featured on the cover of both shutter up magazine, and shutter scene magazine. Amanda has also been the featured photographer in many online magazines and has won awards including top local photographer in a local 85086 magazine, as well as top photographer from expertise.

If you’re not already familiar with Amanda and her work, you’re going to enjoy getting to know her.

See more of Amanda’s work at: Amanda Capello Photography

Learn More About Becoming an APNPI Member

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.

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

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

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.