Accreditation Stories and Testimonials
Accreditation Stories and Testimonials
Discover real accreditation stories and testimonials from newborn photographers who’ve successfully completed the APNPI Accreditation process. Learn how accreditation has helped them grow their skills, build trust with clients, and elevate their professional standing. These personal experiences offer insight and encouragement for anyone considering APNPI Accreditation.
Why was it important to you to apply for accreditation and/or what attracted you to the accreditation program?
As a lifelong learner, I value the feedback and growth opportunity that is a part of APNPI. Also, in an industry that is often unregulated, having a professional designation is very meaningful to me, to be able to show my clients and future clients that my work is assessed, approved, and that I am continuing on my journey to improve not only for myself, but also for them.
What attracted you to APNPI’s accreditation program?
I was attracted to the professionalism and feedback provided.
What did you learn about yourself through the process of accreditation?
I have learned to trust (even more) in my work and my creativity. Being in a saturated industry, imposter syndrome can be very real. The feedback given through APNPI reminds me that I have valuable work to offer, along with providing access to continued growth. Lifelong learning is key!
Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?
I am so thankful for the positive feedback from my own community of clients and fellow photographers from receiving my professional accreditation. I have experienced an increase in comments and bookings since my accreditation.
How do you display your Accreditation Badge?
I display my badges on my website and social media channels.
Tell us more about what’s next for you and your business now that you have achieved your accreditation?
I will definitely continue to experiment and learn as I move forwards in my business. I will be applying to other accreditations (and competitions!) to gain feedback and constructive criticism in my work.
What would you say to a member thinking about applying?
Go for it! The feedback is invaluable for your work and development, and you become a part of a pretty cool community of peers, with access to continued opportunity for growth.
Why was it important to you to apply for accreditation and/or what attracted you to the accreditation program?
I believe applying for accreditation is crucial for various reasons:
- Credibility: Accreditation showcases your professionalism and skill level, fostering client trust and distinguishing you from competitors.
- Quality Assurance: Accreditation signifies your expertise in delivering high-quality maternity photography services, assuring clients of a particular service and product standard.
- Recognition: Accredited elevates your industry status and establishes you as a reputable photographer, opening doors to collaborations and referrals.
- Continuous Improvement: The accreditation process offers assessments and feedback to pinpoint areas for growth, driving you to excel and develop your photography business.
- Client Confidence: Accreditation instills confidence in potential clients regarding your abilities and professionalism, serving as a mark of approval for their choice to hire you as their photographer.
What attracted you to APNPI’s accreditation program?
The APNPI provides me with valuable feedback to enhance my skills . I appreciate that all judges are legitimate professionals and impartial.
What did you learn about yourself through the process of accreditation?
The most valuable lesson I have learned with APNPI is to believe in myself and my skills. By having faith in myself, I discovered I could achieve anything I set my mind. Today, I am thrilled and comfortable sharing my art with my APNPI friends.
Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?
Absolutely! When I initially received my newborn accreditation, I shared it everywhere, and my clients, friends, and family were genuinely happy for me. With my new Maternity accreditation, I also plan to write a blog about it, hoping that the recognition will yield long-lasting results.
How do you display your Accreditation Badge?
I enjoy using the badges on my website and showcasing them on Instagram stories. I’m currently in the process of building a new studio, and I plan to have them printed to exhibit on a dedicated wall.
Tell us more about what’s next for you and your business now that you have achieved your accreditation?
I will work on the following accreditation, which will be a more significant challenge since I have dedicated most of my art to studio newborn and maternity photography. I am intrigued by the idea of capturing motherhood and Fresh 48 sessions. Nonetheless, my ultimate goal is always to work diligently to deliver the highest quality art possible.
What would you say to a member thinking about applying?
Try your best anJust do it! But keep your art your own; don’t be afraid to be yourself. I understand it can be difficult at times, but the key is to never give up on what you love to do, no matter what.d do be afraid to try.
Why was it important to you to apply for accreditation and/or what attracted you to the accreditation program?
I like to improved myself and just wan’t to evaluate my own skill in this industry.
What did you learn about yourself through the process of accreditation?
I learned the safety of some particular poses that i always done wrong before, and i know we need to keep improving.
Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?
Yes, it’s gain my clients’ confidence and trust when booking me.
How do you display your Accreditation Badge?
Will display it on my website.
Tell us more about what’s next for you and your business now that you have achieved your accreditation?
Will continue to provided the most safe & comfort service to my upcoming clients.
Why was it important to you to apply for accreditation and/or what attracted you to the accreditation program?
I applied to be accredited because accreditation shows clients that I have met certain standards of professionalism and proficiency in newborn and maternity photography. I feel like with vulnerable subjects, like newborns, it is important to have on going education and show our clients that we take this seriously. It adds credibility to my business and helps me stand out from the many other newborn photographers in my area.
What did you learn about yourself through the process of accreditation?
I have learned to strive to do my best. I have learned a lot about newborn safety through the QNP program and Safety course. I noticed that when I am shooting that I want to make sure my lighting is just right, baby is safe, and to make my image meaningful.
Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?
I just received my accreditation, but clients that have seen my press release have congratulated me and told me that they are put at ease when they hand over their baby to me knowing that I have become accredited.
How do you display your Accreditation Badge?
I have them on my website and I printed them for my studio.
Tell us more about what’s next for you and your business now that you have achieved your accreditation?
I plan on continuing to gain merits for designations. I plan on becoming a judge and helping other photographers with their craft. I am also looking forward to entering competitions and striving to perfect my own work.
Why was it important to you to apply for accreditation and/or what attracted you to the accreditation program?
I wanted to challenge myself to put forward my best work and have it evaluated by more experienced photographers who I look up to. I actually didn’t achieve accreditation during my first round which was humbling to say the least. But it turned out to be a great exercise in reflection and an opportunity to be more intentional with the images I created. I achieved accreditation in Studio Posed and In-Home Lifestyle this time, and I’m incredibly proud to show this off to my clients and potential clients! Accreditation provides my clients with the assurance that I take the quality of my craft and the safety of their precious new baby seriously. It also provides me an opportunity to educate potential clients about the difference between what I offer and what my competitors offer. I’m also excited about the opportunity for further growth and contributions I can make within the APNPI community.
What have you learned through the APNPI Accreditation Program?
I learned that the standards are actually quite high for Accreditation, which is a good thing. These credentials mean something! And I learned that I’m not as easily bruised by criticism as I thought I’d be. I think our industry needs more of this. A wider reach for the organization and a push to make QNP and Accreditations more requested by client families. We need to raise the bar for everyone involved with handling newborns.
How do you display your Accreditation Badge?
I have the badges on the main landing page of my website, but I also mention my credentials in my IG profile.
Tell us more about what’s next for you and your business now that you have achieved your accreditation?
This year has been slow (recession and all) but I’m still aiming to crack six figures. I’d love to serve as a judge for APNPI in the near future and possibly mentor too.
Why was it important to you to apply for accreditation and/or what attracted you to the accreditation program?
Receiving professional accreditation not only validates my everyday hard work as an artist, it also helps me to rise and to stand out among competition. It guarantees my professionalism as a business owner affirming to my clients how seriously I take both my work and their trust to capture and preserve their special moments.
What did you learn about yourself through the process of accreditation?
I decided to dedicated my life to photography many years ago and it only seemed natural to constantly strive for professional growth and excellency. I strongly feel that being acknowledged by true masters in this field gives me not only validation that I have chosen the right path, it also gives me the necessary boost to keep striving for more, realizing there is no limit in professional growth. On a side note I would like to mention that I was so grateful and appreciative of not only constructive criticism and advice provided by the judging panel but also for their kind and supportive overall tone when critiquing images and providing the feedback.
Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?
There has been nothing but positive comments the day I shared my recent accomplishment 🙂 I have received so many personal messages from both friends and clients congratulating me and encouraging me to keep going 🙂 Which I am definitely planning to do now 🙂
How do you display your Accreditation Badge?
I display my badge on my website (although right now it’s acting up and I will probably have to have it redone completely) and also I include my badges on all price lists and package supporting documents.
Tell us more about what’s next for you and your business now that you have achieved your accreditation?
I am looking forward to working towards further accreditations and feel like I am ready to submit my work in Newborn Posed category for consideration as my next step.
Why was it important to you to apply for accreditation and/or what attracted you to the accreditation program?
What did you learn about yourself through the process of accreditation?
I’ve learned that there will always be room to improve and that learning never ends. That some art is subjective and to be more aware of how someone else may interpret it.
What attracted you to APNPI’s accreditation program?
Receiving feedback, the quality and professionalism of judging, etc. I’ve been wanting to do the accreditation program for a year now was extremely happy that I finally did it. I’m currently working on my submission for the next around as well.
Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?
Absolutely! On top of family, friends and clients being happy for me, I feel that for someone who is based on referrals for 98% of my bookings, the title is definitely is more appealing to new clients looking for a photographer that specializes in newborns. I feel that it gives clients that extra boost of confidence that their baby is in the right hands.
What would you say to a member thinking about applying?
Do it! Don’t wait. You’d be surprised at what you’re capable of and even if you don’t succeed the first time, the feedback is extremely helpful moving forward.
Learn more about APNPI Certifications and Accreditations
Marcela Limon is a Certified Maternity and Newborn photographer servicing the San Francisco Bay Area from her beautiful studio in Alameda. She’s been specializing in motherhood images since 2015 and has won prestigious awards at international print competitions in the last few years, including APNPI, WPPI and PPA, where she recently earned her Master of Photography degree. She’s committed to newborn safety and that’s why she is Infant CPR trained and has had in person mentoring with renowned photographers from around the world. She’s always looking for education opportunities to make the industry better for both her colleagues and her clients.
