Image Competition – Fall 2025

Image Competition – Fall 2025

 

APNPI International Image Competition Results!
Image Competition – Fall 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 "Siblings" by Fruzsina Jonas

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Newborn "Sleeping bunny" by rui wu

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Newborn "Twinning" by sally salerno

Maternity Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Maternity "The Precious Gem" by Lily Norris

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Maternity "Peaceful Journey" by Amanda Capello

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Maternity "Fierce" by Amanda Capello

Milestones Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Milestones "The Simple Things" by Anita Windsor

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Milestones "In the Secret Garden" by Anita Windsor

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Milestones "My Blossom" by Brenden Boggs

Child (ages 1 year and up) Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) "Who is She Talking To?" by Michelle Wurban

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) "Whispers Of Innocence" by Michelle Wurban

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) "Among the Wildflowers" by Anita Windsor

Creative Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Creative "From her womb to her world" by Beryl Bernos

Watch the Competition Judging Results and Meet Our Sponsors

Watch the Competition Judging Results and Meet Our Sponsors

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 

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.

Quick Tips to Mastering Beanbag Posing

Quick Tips to Mastering Beanbag Posing

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.

Side-Lying Pose

Soft, serene, and tender — this pose melts hearts every time.

How to Set It Up:

  • Roll baby gently onto their side, knees curled toward the belly.
  • Nestle their hands together under the cheek for a cozy, natural look.
  • Tilt the head slightly toward the camera to elongate the profile.

The secret is roundness and softness. Avoid harsh angles, and let the pose flow naturally. This one transitions beautifully into wrapped or parent poses for a seamless session flow.

Swaddled Pose

When baby says “no” to naked posing, it’s time for the swaddle save. This setup brings instant calm and comfort.

Make It Work:

  • Use a stretchy wrap and keep the fabric tension even for a polished finish.
  • If possible, position the hands near the chin — it feels intentional and editorial.
  • Layer in textured wraps or add a bonnet or hat to elevate the look.

Perfect for alert or fussy babies, the swaddled pose can reset the tone of your session and give you beautiful, gallery-worthy images.

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.

 

Continue Learning with Amanda

Ready to turn your creativity and client experience into a consistent source of income?

We have not just one, but two incredible resources to help you grow your photography business:

 

Whether you want to maximize your seasonal sessions or elevate every session you shoot, Amanda’s courses give you the tools and strategies to increase revenue and client satisfaction.

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

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

Bienvenida a Nuestra Nueva Embajadora de APNPI – Lily Norris

Bienvenida a Nuestra Nueva Embajadora de APNPI – Lily Norris

Bienvenida a Nuestra Nueva Embajadora de APNPI – Lily Norris

Welcome Our Newest APNPI Ambassador – Lily Norris!

¡Estamos encantados de presentarles a fotógrafa especializada en recién nacidos Lily Norris de Lily Norris Photography, radicada en Zapata, Texas, USA, como una de nuestras nuevas Embajadoras de APNPI!

Sobre Lily / About Lily

Soy Lily Norris, fotógrafa especializada y acreditada en recién nacidos, bebés, múltiples, maternidad, milestone y cake smash. Desde 2016 he creado hermosos recuerdos para las familias. Licenciada en Diseño Gráfico, me encantan las artes, la naturaleza y crear mis propios props, lo que aporta un toque artístico único a cada sesión.

Soy Mexicana y radico en USA desde hace 15 años. He vivido en diferentes lugares como Las Vegas y Miami, y ahora en Texas. Me encanta viajar, conocer lugares nuevos, e inspirar a otros a través de la mentoría. Desde 2018 imparto workshops de Newborn, compartiendo mi experiencia con otros fotógrafos.

*****

Lily is a specialized and accredited newborn photographer who has been creating beautiful memories for families since 2016. With a background in graphic design, a love for the arts and nature, and a passion for crafting her own photography props, Lily brings a unique artistic touch to every session.

Originally from Mexico, Lily has lived in the United States for over 15 years, spending time in Las Vegas and Miami before settling in Texas. Beyond photography, she loves traveling, exploring new places, and inspiring others through mentorship. Since 2018, she has also been teaching newborn workshops, sharing her expertise with other photographers.

Lo que inspiró a Lily / What Inspired Lily

Desde siempre me ha gustado la fotografía. ¡Yo era una niña que compraba cámaras desechables para tomar fotos en todos lados! Cada lugar que visito me gusta retratarlo, y los elementos de la naturaleza siempre son una fuente de inspiración. El nacimiento de mi segunda hija fue mi principal motivo para continuar con mi gusto por la fotografía.

*****

Photography has been part of Lily’s life since childhood—she was the kid always buying disposable cameras to capture special moments. Her passion deepened with the birth of her second daughter, which motivated her to pursue photography more seriously and professionally.

Por qué ama la fotografía de recién nacidos / Why She Loves Newborn Photography

Me encanta conocer cada familia y disfruto muchísimo el momento de la sesión. Proponer nuevas ideas me motiva, y soy feliz de saber que las imágenes que capture serán un legado que las familias conservarán por generaciones.

*****

For Lily, each session is a joyful experience. She loves meeting new families, bringing fresh ideas into her sessions, and knowing that the images she creates will become a treasured legacy for generations to come.

Lo que significa ser Embajadora de APNPI / Excitement as an APNPI Ambassador

“¡Ser embajadora de APNPI es para mí un honor! Es gratificante poder compartir mis experiencias, así como algunos tips e ideas que puedan inspirar a nuevos fotógrafos a crecer. Ser parte de una comunidad reconocida y poder contribuir también con la comunidad Hispana ¡es algo fabuloso!”

*****

“Being an APNPI Ambassador is an honor! I’m grateful to be able to share my experiences, tips, and ideas to inspire other photographers to grow. Being part of a recognized community and contributing to the Hispanic community as well is something fabulous!”

Datos curiosos / Fun Facts

  • Algo fascinante en mi trayectoria es que he tenido el privilegio de retratar dos familias de quíntuples, tres pares de trillizos, y varios gemelos. ¡Me encantan y espero seguir!

  • Soy apasionada de crear, por eso me verás siempre haciendo algo para las sesiones. Elaboro mis propios props (gorritos tejidos, vestiditos, outfits, muñequitos de fieltro, headbands, adornos, etc.), lo que hace que casi todas mis sesiones sean únicas.

*****

  • Lily has had the incredible opportunity to photograph multiples, including two families of quintuplets, three sets of triplets, and many twins!

  • She’s a passionate creator, handcrafting many of her newborn props—everything from knitted bonnets and outfits to felted dolls and headbands—making each of her sessions truly unique.

 

Conecta con Lily / Connect with Lily

Estamos honrados de dar la bienvenida a Lily Norris a nuestro equipo de Embajadores APNPI.
Su dedicación tanto al arte como al corazón de la fotografía de recién nacidos la convierte en la persona ideal para nuestra misión en APNPI.

No podemos esperar a ver cómo su liderazgo inspira a otros y contribuye al crecimiento de nuestra red mundial.

¡Únete a nosotros para celebrar y dar la bienvenida a Lily Norris de Lily Norris Photography, orgullosa fotógrafa de Zapata, Texas, y una increíble fuerza positiva en nuestra comunidad!

*****

We’re honored to welcome Lily Norris to our APNPI Ambassador team.
Her commitment to both the art and heart of newborn photography makes her a perfect fit for our mission at APNPI.

We can’t wait to see how her leadership inspires others and contributes to the growth of our worldwide network.

Please join us in celebrating and welcoming Lily Norris of Lily Norris Photography, a proud Zapata, Texas newborn photographer and an incredible force for good in our community!

Business name:

Lily Norris Fine Art Photography

Location:

South Texas, USA

Winner Feature Maternity Award – Amanda Capello

Winner Feature Maternity Award – Amanda Capello

Celebrating Creativity: Meet the 1st Place Winner of the APNPI Image Competition Maternity Category

We’re thrilled to show off our 1st place winner in the 2025 Spring APNPI Image Competition for the Maternity Category.

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

1st Place Winner Maternity Category: Amanda Capello

Business Name: Acapello Photography

Located in: Pheonix, AZ, USA

 

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

As a maternity photographer, I believe in the power of storytelling through imagery—capturing the strength, beauty, and emotion that define the journey to motherhood. Submitting to the APNPI International Image Competition was an opportunity for me to challenge myself creatively, elevate my craft, and gain valuable feedback from respected industry professionals.
I deeply value the standards that APNPI upholds and the supportive community it fosters. Entering this competition wasn’t just about recognition; it was about growth—pushing my artistic boundaries, refining my technical skills, and connecting with a wider network of passionate newborn and maternity photographers who share the same commitment to excellence.
Each session I shoot is meaningful to me, and sharing my work on an international platform felt like the natural next step in my professional journey.

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

Going through the image competition judging process taught me to view my work more objectively. As a maternity photographer, I’m emotionally connected to the stories I capture, but stepping back and seeing my images through the eyes of a judge helped me better understand the technical and artistic elements that elevate an image beyond personal meaning.

I learned that I’m more resilient and open to critique than I realized. Rather than feeling discouraged by feedback, I found it incredibly motivating—it pushed me to look at areas where I can grow and refine my skills further. It also reminded me why I started: to create meaningful, timeless portraits that celebrate the beauty and emotion of motherhood.

Overall, the process deepened my appreciation for the craft and reinforced my commitment to continuous learning and growth as an artist.

 

What attracted you to APNPI’s International Image Competition? 

What drew me to APNPI’s International Image Competition was the organization’s commitment to professionalism and education within the newborn and maternity photography community. I was particularly impressed by the quality and experience of the judging panel—knowing that my work would be reviewed by respected, qualified photographers gave the competition real value and credibility.

The detailed, constructive feedback offered was also a major factor. I wasn’t just looking for recognition; I wanted to grow. The opportunity to receive thoughtful critique from industry experts felt like an investment in my development, both technically and artistically.

Above all, I appreciated that the competition was designed to uplift and support photographers at all stages of their journey. It felt like a safe yet challenging space to push myself and honor the work I pour so much heart into.

 

Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?

Absolutely. Since receiving recognition through the APNPI International Image Competition, I’ve noticed a meaningful boost in my business and client engagement. Many expecting parents have mentioned seeing my award-winning work and feeling even more confident in choosing me to capture such a special time in their lives.

The recognition has also helped build trust and credibility with new clients—it reassures them that I’m not only passionate about what I do, but also committed to excellence. Additionally, I’ve received kind words from past clients who were proud to see images from their sessions celebrated on a professional level.

Beyond client interest, the achievement has opened up networking opportunities within the photography community and has been a personal motivator to keep pushing myself creatively.

 

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

When selecting images to submit, I was looking for photographs that not only showcased strong technical execution—like lighting, composition, and editing—but also conveyed genuine emotion and storytelling. As a maternity photographer, my goal is always to highlight the beauty, strength, and intimacy of this unique chapter in a woman’s life, so I wanted to choose images that reflected that intention.

I asked myself which images made me feel something, even after seeing them countless times. I looked for moments that felt timeless, where connection and emotion came through naturally, and where the artistic elements supported the story rather than overshadowed it.

Ultimately, I chose images that I felt represented both my creative voice and the heart of my work.

 

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

I would absolutely encourage you to go for it. Submitting your work to the APNPI Image Competition is more than just putting your images out there—it’s an opportunity for real growth. The feedback you receive is thoughtful, professional, and incredibly valuable, no matter where you are in your photography journey.

It can feel intimidating at first, but stepping outside your comfort zone is where the most meaningful progress happens. The process helped me see my work from a new perspective, celebrate my strengths, and identify areas to grow—all within a supportive and respectful environment.

Even just preparing your images for submission sharpens your eye and helps you evaluate your work more critically. It’s not just about awards; it’s about pushing yourself, learning, and honoring the passion you bring to your craft.

You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.

 

“Submitting your work to the APNPI Image Competition is more than just putting your images out there—it’s an opportunity for real growth. The feedback you receive is thoughtful, professional, and incredibly valuable, no matter where you are in your photography journey.”

~ Amanda xo

Ready to put your work in the spotlight? Our upcoming Image Competition is the perfect chance to showcase your artistry, gain valuable feedback, and connect with a worldwide community of photographers. Don’t miss out—entries are open now!

Click here to enter the Image Competition