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 12 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!

Alicia Barrett

“When reviewing accreditation submissions, I’m looking for strong technical execution, consistent style, and thoughtful storytelling that reflects the category. Each image should demonstrate a clear understanding of lighting, composition, and posing where applicable. I love to see creativity balanced with professionalism—images that evoke emotion while maintaining high technical standards. Most importantly, ensure your work represents your best and shows your unique artistic voice.“

Alicia Barrett is an award-winning and internationally accredited photographer based in Clarenville, Newfoundland. Specializing in newborn, family, and wildlife photography, she brings a creative and heartfelt approach to every image she captures. Alicia operates a full-service portrait studio and is known for her whimsical storytelling, technical expertise, and dedication to safety and excellence in her craft.

Trayc Dudgeon

“I studied ON FILM!! I know, I know… admitting this totally reveals my age. But hey, you’re probably thinking, “Damn, she looks amazing for someone who actually knows how to develop film in a darkroom!” (And if you have no idea what a darkroom is—bless your digital heart.) The short of it is. 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 recognized as a qualified Newborn photographer with the APNPI, an international photography association. I have received several accreditations, awards and have become on of their mentoring & educating photographers.”

Trayc Dudgeon of Blue Rooster Studio

“When judging, I’m looking for proper exposure, focus, and sharpness Clean editing with no over-processing or distracting artifacts Excellent use of lighting (natural or artificial) Good color balance and tonal range Composition and Creativity.”

I am looking for EMOTION captured ( are the fingers a little off but you caught that SMIILE?!)

Light placement ( only if baby seemed to be cooperative, because sometimes we only have a split second to get a photo with no chance to correct anything- and thats okay!) So know just when Im judging, it’s based on the way it ‘looks’ though I know there are realities that happen during these sessions! Wrapping- I want to see a clean and neat wrap! These small details make or break the image ( again, UNLESS you caught a smile- because emotion trumps all!!)

Editing- I love a polished yet natural edit, though I also love gorgeous artistically enhanced images! I appreciate all styles and art forms. Posing- I will be checking the poses to ensure they are done safely & correctly! Angles- oh this matters so much!! The smallest movement of your camera will change the entire outcome of the image!

When it comes to our art and work, I KNOW it comes from our HEARTS this is why receiving critique can be so hard sometimes, just know that I want to see you succeed! Our work is 100000 tiny details to create the final piece- I am wanting to share some of those tiny details with you to help you in achieving YOUR vision!

Another small thing to remember, just because you received feedback, does NOT mean your image isn’t amazing! It’s just a little nugget to help you evolve, which is a continuous thing in photography!

Know that you aren’t doing anything ‘wrong’ you are growing and changing as an artist. Don’t be hard on yourself, enjoy the ride and know I am genuinely here to HELP YOU!!!

Kayleigh Ashworth

Kayleigh Ashworth 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. www.kayleighashworthphotography.com

If you’ve ever wondered why your website isn’t bringing in the right inquiries… it’s probably not your work.

It’s visibility.

SEO has changed. Parents are still searching, but not just on Google anymore. And the photographers who understand how they search now?
They’re the ones getting booked.

Here’s what actually matters in 2026, and how to make it work for your newborn photography business.

Why SEO Isn’t About Traffic Anymore

For years, the goal was simple: get more website visitors.

But that’s changed.

Today:

• People get answers faster
• Fewer people click through to websites
• The ones who do click are more ready to book

So while traffic might go down… the quality of inquiries goes up.

Less traffic. Better clients.

That’s the shift.

What Gets You Found (The 3 Essentials)

Even with all these changes, the foundation of SEO is the same, just a little stricter.

1. Clarity

Be very clear about:

• what you do (newborn photography)
• where you do it (your city/location)

This should be obvious on your homepage and throughout your site.

2. Relevance

Answer the questions parents are already asking:

• When should I book newborn photos?
• Is newborn photography safe?
• What if my baby doesn’t sleep?

This kind of content helps you show up and builds trust before they even contact you.

3. Trust

Parents are choosing someone to handle their brand new baby.

Your website should reflect:

• consistency
• professionalism
• real experience

This includes your images, your messaging, and your overall presence online.

4. Show up outside your website (just a little)

You don’t need to master every platform.

But even one step helps:

• turn a blog post into a short video
• share your work consistently

This supports how search now happens across platforms.

The Biggest Mistake Newborn Photographers Are Making

Most photographers think SEO is about getting more traffic.

So they try to:

• post more
• blog more
• rank higher

But more traffic doesn’t always mean more bookings.

Right now, many photographers are getting fewer visitors—but better inquiries.

Because parents are doing more research before they ever click your site.

What to focus on instead

Shift from:

“How do I get more clicks?”
to
“How do I become the obvious choice?”

That means:

• clearly stating what you do and where
• answering real questions
• building trust before the inquiry

SEO Foundations for Newborn Photographers

As photographers, we spend so much time refining our images that it’s easy to overlook something just as important: how our work is found.

This month inside APNPI, we’re placing intentional focus on SEO foundations. Not trends. Not hacks. Just the core building blocks that help the right clients find you, understand what you offer, and feel confident reaching out.

Strong SEO doesn’t start with keywords or content calendars.
It starts with clarity.

Introducing the Essential SEO Foundations Checklist

As part of this month’s focus, we’ve released a new Essential SEO Foundations Checklist, designed specifically for newborn photographers.

This printable guide walks you through the most important on-page and meta-level elements of SEO, helping you strengthen your website without overwhelm or technical complexity.

The checklist supports photographers at any stage of business, whether:

• You’re refining an existing website

• You’re feeling unsure if your SEO is set up correctly

• Or you’re giving your site a thoughtful refresh for the year ahead

Each step is practical, intentional, and grounded in long-term best practices.

Working Through SEO Together, One Week at a Time

Rather than tackling everything at once, we’re working through these SEO foundations together over the course of four weeks inside APNPI.

Each week focuses on a specific area of SEO clarity, giving members the space to:

• Understand what matters and why

• Make small, meaningful improvements

• Build confidence without feeling rushed or overwhelmed

This paced approach allows photographers to apply what they’re learning thoughtfully, knowing they’re building something solid step by step.

A Thoughtful, Supportive Approach to SEO

This focus is not about chasing algorithms or trying to “game” search engines.

Instead, we’re concentrating on:

• Website clarity and structure

• Meta information that accurately reflects your work

• Pages that are easy to understand for both clients and search engines

Small improvements in these areas can make a meaningful difference over time.

Inside APNPI, this work is supported with guidance and context so members understand why each step matters, not just what to change.

Available Now Inside APNPI

The Essential SEO Foundations Checklist and supporting guidance are available now as part of our January SEO Foundations focus inside the APNPI member portal.

This work is designed to feel supportive, manageable, and confidence-building. You don’t need to do everything at once. One clear step at a time is enough.

SEO is not about perfection.
It’s about alignment, clarity, and building a foundation that supports the business you’re growing.

Not a Member Yet?

The January SEO Foundations focus, including the Essential SEO Foundations Checklist and guided weekly support, is available inside APNPI.

If you’re a newborn photographer looking for structured education, supportive guidance, and a clear path forward, APNPI membership gives you access to ongoing learning designed to help you grow with confidence.

Learn more about joining APNPI 

Refresh · Refocus · Rise into 2026 with Confidence

If last year felt like a blur of editing, sessions, and late-night emails — you’re not alone. The start of a new year is the perfect time to pause, take a breath, and rebuild your studio on your terms.

Whether you’re aiming for a healthier work-life balance, more consistent bookings, better pricing — or simply want to feel grounded and clear about where you’re headed — this Business Reset Kit is here to help.

Read through, pick your action items, and get ready for a year where clarity, creativity and success go hand in hand.

Bonus: Scroll down for short video tips from APNPI educators and judges to guide you through different parts of the checklist.

What This Kit Will Do for You

• Give you a fresh, organized start — clear systems, reset workflows, tidy finances

• Help you honour what you loved last year — and let go of what drained you

• Empower you to set sustainable business and income goals without burnout

• Help you update pricing, contracts, and studio-policies confidently

• Support you in getting back in control of your schedule, stress, and creative joy

Your Newborn Photographer’s Reset Checklist

1. Clean Slate: Organize & Refresh

• Update website year (homepage, footer, anywhere outdated)

• Refresh Lightroom metadata presets to the correct year

• Create / update physical folders for receipts, invoices, client paperwork

• Set up digital filing for images, financials, bookkeeping — and archive last year’s files

• Get a new calendar (monthly planning, blog schedule, session planning, holidays, etc.)

• Update client welcome packets, contracts, templates, policies (terms, deposit info, price lists)

• Inventory your gear: list serial numbers, track what needs repair or upgrade — good for insurance too

• Choose or build a task-management system (project management, scheduling, deadlines) to streamline workflow

2. Legal & Financial Health Check

• Review all contracts and agreements — ensure legality, up-to-date language, clear client expectations

• Confirm business license / registration and any required local permits (if applicable in your region)

• Verify your business insurance is valid (liability, equipment, studio)

• Gather last year’s financials (income and expenses) — ready for taxes or bookkeeping

• Set up quarterly reminders now so finances stay manageable (avoid last-minute scramble)

• If you don’t yet have a business bank account or credit card — open one now for easier tracking

• Track any mileage or business-related expenses (e.g. travel for sessions, props, studio costs)

3. Get your bookkeeping in order:

Collect last year’s tax information to get ready for this year.  Before tax season arrives, go through and organize your expenses, receipts, and payments.  Have everything ready to go for your accountant and avoid stress in the spring.

• Plan time to keep financial and tax records up to date this year.  Schedule in time to tend to these items each quarter.  Keeping on top it will not only decrease your workload next year, but will also help you keep on track with your financial goals.
• Check on your bank accounts – if you don’t already have a business bank account and credit card, get one now.
• Expense and mileage tracking – take a photo of your car odometer to start the new year!

Bonus tip from Jennifer McNeil: Track everything all the time. (Lifesaver when tax time comes!)

7. Review & Update Your Pricing + Client Materials

• Evaluate last year’s prices against your time, skill, expenses, and desired income — is it time to raise rates?

• Update your website, price lists, contracts, and printed materials to reflect any changes

• If hiking prices, consider a soft rollout: make it effective Feb 1 or March 1, announce ahead, maybe offer “last-chance” pricing for existing clients

• Communicate changes clearly and confidently to clients — you’re valuing your artistry and time

8. Revisit Your Business Plan & Ideal Client Profile

• Who’s your ideal client in 2026? Have your target market or audience preferences shifted?

• Where did you excel last year — and where did clients feel friction? Map out what client experience felt smooth, and what needs refinement

• Outline marketing strategies for the year: social media, referral campaigns, seasonal sessions, promotions, or workshops

• Consider systems and workflows: bookings, communication, session prep, editing, delivery — streamline what you can

What’s Next — Go Deeper with APNPI

Need more than a checklist? Inside APNPI and the APNPI Academy, you’ll find:

• Detailed courses on pricing, marketing, and business-building skills in the APNPI Academy of Newborn Photography

• Mentorship, community support, and safe-posing education for newborn photographers in APNPI

• Guidance on credentials, accreditations, and professional development to help you stand out and gain trust with APNPI

If you’re ready to go beyond the checklist — build a business you’re proud of, with clarity, safety, and creative freedom — APNPI has your back.