Image Competition – Spring 2025

Image Competition – Spring 2025

APNPI International Image Competition Results!
Image Competition – Spring 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 "The Heart of it All" by Kayleigh Ashworth

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Newborn "Lavender Lashes" by Alicia Barrett

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Newborn "Heartfull" by Michelle Dominey

Maternity Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Maternity "ethereal" by Amanda Capello

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Maternity "Pretty In Pink" by Kayla Butler

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Maternity "Divine Radiance" by Vesta macintosh

Milestones Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Milestones "Mohawks and Chubby Cheeks" by Alicea Tomshine

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Milestones "Curiosity in Motion" by Jenice García

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Milestones "Somebunny" by Jackie Orlando

Child (ages 1 year and up) Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) "Unbreakable Brother Bond" by Trayc Dudgeon

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) "Picking Grandma" by Anita Windsor

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) "Smooches in Style" by Jackie Orlando

Creative Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Creative "The greatest love" by Beryl Bernos

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Creative "Parenthood in Perfect Balance" by Jennifer McNeil

Gold Awards – Scores: 90 to 94

Silver Distinction Award – Scores: 85 to 89

Silver Award – Scores: 80 to 84

Watch the Competition Judging Results and Meet Our Sponsors

Watch the Competition Judging Results and Meet Our Sponsors

Airing June 17!

Curious about the winners of our latest photography competition? Join us to watch the APNPI Image Competition Judging Event! We’re thrilled to share the official judging results video, where you can watch each award-winning image unfold and gain insight into what makes each piece stand out. In this post, you’ll also meet our panel of distinguished judges, who bring decades of expertise in newborn and maternity photography. Learn about their backgrounds, unique judging styles, and the criteria they used to evaluate this year’s impressive submissions. We hope you enjoy and are inspired by the artistry that continues to shape the photography community!

A warm congratulations to all of our makers for bravely entering this round of competition! We hope you’ll find the judges’ feedback helpful in the advancement of your journey as maternity, newborn or baby photographers and thank you all for your submissions.

 

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

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

Welcoming India’s first APNPI Ambassador: Amrit Ammu

Welcoming India’s first APNPI Ambassador: Amrit Ammu

Welcoming India’s First APNPI Ambassador: Amrit Ammu

Welcoming Amrit Ammu – APNPI’s First Ambassador in India!

We are overjoyed to introduce and welcome Amrit Ammu, a certified newborn photographer in India and the newest member of our Ambassador family — and she is our very first APNPI Ambassador from India! Based in the vibrant city of Mumbai, Amrit brings a deep wealth of talent and heart to the world of newborn and family photography.

With over a decade of experience and a home studio rooted in warmth and soul, Amrit is more than a photographer — she’s a storyteller, a mentor, a mother, and a visionary who transforms moments into lasting legacies.

“Photography has always been my way back home — to myself, to hope, and to others.”

Business name:

Amrit Ammu Photography

Location:

Mumbai, India

Photography as a Path to Healing

Amrit’s journey into photography is deeply personal. Inspired by her late father — a passionate, self-taught photographer — she found solace behind the lens after his passing in 2014. What began as a tribute to his legacy has blossomed into a purpose-led business: Amrit Ammu Photography.

Her work is a powerful blend of artistry and intention, combining baby safety training (through APNPI and Ana Brandt Education) with emotional storytelling that speaks directly to the heart. Every frame she creates honors the beauty of motherhood, family, and the quiet power of love.

A Photographer, Mentor, and Creative Force

Amrit specializes in newborn, maternity, family, and motherhood portraits, capturing the sacred, fleeting moments that define a family’s early chapters. Beyond the lens, she is a mentor, facilitates healing through journaling, and is pursuing a PhD – all guided by her belief in creativity as a path to transformation.

Through her expressive work and community mentoring, she helps photographers and mothers alike feel seen, celebrated, and strong. Her favorite part of newborn photography? That tender, sacred energy — and the chance to preserve memories that parents will treasure forever.

Representing India on the Global APNPI Stage

As the first APNPI Ambassador in India, Amrit is opening new doors and inspiring a new generation of photographers across South Asia. She joins a global network of professionals who share a commitment to excellence, baby safety, and heartfelt connection.

“This isn’t just a title — it’s a full-circle moment. I’m excited to connect, give back, and lead with heart, just like the artists who once inspired me.”

We are thrilled to see the impact she will continue to make — not just through her camera lens, but through her mentorship, advocacy, and creative leadership.

Tell us a bit about yourself:

Hi! I’m Amrit Kaur (aka Amrit Ammu), an award-winning photographer with over 10 years of experience, specialising in newborn, maternity, baby, family and motherhood portraits through my cozy home studio in Mumbai, India. I am a qualified and baby safety trained newborn photographer with APNPI, and certified in Baby Safety by Ana Brandt Education and for me, both artistry and baby safety go hand in hand. Inspired by my father’s love for photography and shaped by the loss of both my parents, my work is rooted in legacy, healing, and emotion. What began as a tribute to my dad’s passion became my soul’s calling. Today, I create heartfelt portraits, mentor photographers, and hold space for families and new mothers to feel seen, celebrated, and connected – through every frame and every story we capture together.

Beyond the camera, I’m a mom, a research scholar, journal therapy and expressive arts coach, and an advocate for healing through creativity. Photography has always been my way back home – to myself, to hope, and to others. In every image I create and every student I mentor, I lead with heart, compassion, and purpose. My greatest joy is helping new mothers feel seen, celebrated, and strong – because every woman deserves to feel radiant in her becoming.

What inspired you to become a photographer?

My love for photography began in childhood, watching my father – a passionate, self-taught photographer – capture our family’s happiest moments with so much love and care. We’d often bond over cameras and marvel at the work of legends like Anne Geddes, dreaming of creating something magical together. After my father passed away in 2014, those photographs became my most cherished treasures. They held memories, emotions, and a piece of him I could still feel — and that changed everything for me.

Photography, once a shared hobby, became a lifeline. It became a way to hold onto love, to heal, and to honour my father’s legacy. That’s how Amrit Ammu Photography was born — not just a brand, but a heart-led mission rooted in love, emotion, and legacy.

Over the years, I’ve been deeply inspired by artists like Anne Geddes, Ana Brandt, Kelly Brown, Jade Gao, Kath V., and Sujata Setia – learning from each one of these artists helped me evolve through my work. Photography, for me, is not just about taking pictures — it’s about creating legacy, holding space, and capturing love in its purest form.

What do you love most about working with newborns and families?

I love the calm, tender energy newborns bring — it’s such a sacred time. Capturing those tiny details and raw emotions between families feels like freezing love in time. For me, it’s not just about photos, it’s about creating memories that parents will hold onto forever. It’s an honour to be part of their story.

What are you most excited about with being part of the APNPI ambassador community?

Being chosen as an APNPI Ambassador – and the first from India – is an incredible honour. I’ve admired APNPI for years for its commitment to professionalism, safety, and heartfelt photography. This role feels like a beautiful full-circle moment — a chance to represent a craft I love so deeply, and a community I truly believe in. I’m excited to connect with fellow photographers, share my journey, and support others as they grow. This isn’t just a title for me – it’s a platform to give back, inspire, and lead with heart, just like the artists who once inspired me.

5 Fun Facts About Amrit Ammu

1. I was once known as RJ Amrit.
At 16, I got an opportunity to be one of the youngest RJs on Chandigarh AIR FM, hosting a show named Hi-Five. Talking into the mic, scripting my shows taught me how to connect with my audience – and those learnings flows through my work even today.

2. “Ammu” was my childhood nickname.
My mom and dad lovingly called me Ammu, and years later it became Amrit Ammu Photography. My full name is Amrit Kaur—but Ammu carries my roots and my story 🙂

3. I launched my photography career in Ludhiana, 2013.
One of the few female photographers in my city back then, I started with big dreams and bold steps, one at a time with faith in my heart. Meeting Anne Geddes in New York in 2019 was a dream come true and a full-circle moment that reaffirmed my calling.

4. My first newborn photography studio? A corner of our Mumbai living room.
I turned a tiny space of our home into a cozy newborn setup – because dreams don’t wait for perfect conditions, just faith and passion in the heart are enough to be stepping stones to drive all your desires.

5. I’m an MBA-turned-photographer and PhD scholar.
Through my lens, my coaching, and my research, I’m here to empower women to feel seen, strong, and celebrated—in their motherhood, creativity, and leadership. Capturing stories and uplifting others isn’t just my work; it’s my way of honouring them.
My life shifted the day I began my PhD journey – it was also the very day I lost my mother. Her last words were filled with pride, and that heartbreak became the fire that fuels my purpose. Every step forward is a tribute to her, and to every woman rising in her own way.

Welcome to the Team, Amrit!

Please join us in celebrating Amrit Ammu, a shining new face in our ambassador family and a powerful voice for motherhood, memory, and mentorship. Welcome to APNPI, Amrit — we’re honored to walk beside you!

Connect with Amrit

Follow Amrit’s work and journey at:
Amrit Ammu Photography

Instagram 

Pinterest

Youtube

It’s our Birthday Sale!

It’s our Birthday Sale!

It’s Our Birthday – You Get the Gift!

We’re celebrating another incredible year at APNPI – Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International – and what better way to mark the occasion than with a 25% off sale on all memberships!

Whether you’re a new photographer building your portfolio or a seasoned pro ready to level up, now is the perfect time to join our global community of passionate newborn photographers.

We’re celebrating another year—and we’re doing it with our biggest offer of the season.

Use code: BIRTHDAY25 at checkout and unlock your discount today!

Why Thousands of Photographers Choose APNPI

Joining APNPI means more than just a title. It means growth, credibility, and connection. With our newborn photography membership discount, you’ll gain access to:

Accreditation & Certification Programs
Stand out with our Qualified Newborn Photographer (QNP) designation and advanced accreditations that reflect your professionalism.

APNPI Academy – Exclusive Member Access
Learn from industry leaders with our growing library of expert-led classes, video tutorials, and downloadable resources.

International Image Competitions
Get recognized for your artistry. Submit your best work, win awards, and elevate your visibility in the photography world.

Supportive Photographer Community
Connect, collaborate, and thrive with fellow newborn photographers who truly get what you do.

Client Directory Listing
Help parents find you faster! Show up in searches for certified newborn photographers in your area.

Ongoing Professional Development
Stay sharp with workshops, safety education, business coaching, and more.

What Our Members Are Saying

“Joining APNPI was one of the best decisions I made for my business. The education, support, and credibility I’ve gained have been invaluable.”
Jess M., Accredited Member

“The certification helped me gain trust from clients and stand out in a competitive market.”
Lena T., QNP Photographer


Don’t Miss Out — Sale Ends Soon!

Our birthday membership sale is only here for a limited time! Take advantage of this exclusive newborn photography membership discount and invest in your growth as a professional.

The Ultimate Prop Posing Workflow

The Ultimate Prop Posing Workflow

“In this class, I’ll show you how I create those breathtaking images that parents fall in love with—while keeping my sessions short and sweet. You’ll see exactly how I style, set up, and pose each look, smoothly transition between props, and get the most variety from a single session. Plus, I’ll share a few fun and creative ways to use your heart prop for even more adorable results.” – Fru

In this course, you’ll learn:

Swaddled session workflow: A smooth posing flow that transitions naturally from prop to prop while maximizing variety in a short time frame.

Adjusted workflow for tricky babies: Practical strategies for working with awake, fussy, or unsettled babies to still achieve a full, beautiful gallery.

Styling and coordinating setups: Tips for choosing props, colors, and accessories that suit your clients while saving time and effort during the session.

Heartbowl variations: Four creative ways to use your heart-shaped prop for different looks and added variety.

Posing transitions and flow posing tips: Techniques to transition between poses gently and efficiently, keeping the baby comfortable and the session running smoothly.

Props covered in this course:

Safe Potato Wrap on a Flokati

Safe Potato Wrap in a Bed

Heart Bowl Variations

Chin on Hands in a Bucket

Chin on Hands in a Basket

Dog Bed

With Fru’s warm and practical teaching style, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to use props creatively and efficiently—capturing newborns in a way that feels natural, artistic, and full of heart.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or refining your workflow, this course will help you streamline your sessions and elevate the quality of your newborn photography.

Streaming now!

Platinum and Academy Members, you will find this course Streaming in your Academy Portal ready to view!

Not an Academy Member and wish to own this Thrive Series Course?
You can buy it now at a special rate this month only!
Just $37

We Want To Hear From YOU!

What are your struggles? Where do you need help? What courses would you like us to create? Send your requests to clientsupport@apnpi.com