Image Competition – Fall 2024

Nov 19, 2024 | APNPI Community

APNPI International Image Competition Results!
Image Competition – Fall 2024

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 "Dreamy" by Fruzsina Jonas

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Newborn “A Vision of Unity” by Kayleigh Ashworth

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Newborn "Dreamland" by Tina Krafts

Maternity Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Maternity "Lady in Red" by Shailee Connolly

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Maternity "Sequins & Feathers" by Shailee Connolly

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Maternity "Woman Of The Amazon" by Tianna Jarrett-Williams

Milestones Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Milestones "Come fly with me!" by Shailee Connolly

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Milestones "Little Miss Bright Eyes" by Tina Krafts

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Milestones "Keepin" by Shailee Connolly

Child (ages 1 year and up) Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) "Daddy’s rollercoaster got real!" by Nelly Oroumchi

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) "The Purity" by Gisele Becker Dias Ramos da Costa

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) "The Travelers" by Alicia Barrett

Gold Awards – Scores: 90 to 94

Silver Distinction Award – Scores: 85 to 89

Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed - Alicia Barrett

Bright Eyes, Happy Toes - Jackie Orlando

Caught in the Act of Cuteness - Haley Thompson

Sunny Lovely Moon - Priscila Camara Gimenez

Daddy’s rollercoaster got real! - Nelly Oroumchi

Mom and Dad's Best Christmas Present - Tina Krafts

Woman Of The Amazon - Tianna Jarrett-Williams

Silver Award – Scores: 80 to 84

the Guardian of a new life - Lilly Hemmati

The Power of Motherwood - Priscila Camara Gimenez

Win the world with one kiss - Nelly Oroumchi

Laid Back and Loving It - Jackie Orlando

Step into the Spotlight - Amanda Capello

Wrapped In Innocence - Nellie Zamascikova

Sweet Smile to the Camera - Priscila Camara Gimenez

The Making Of You - Tianna Jarrett-Williams

An Ear-Resistible Smile - Jackie Orlando

Ambassador of the Month : Ali Alsatrawee

Oct 15, 2024 | Ambassador of the Month, APNPI Community

Located in Sitra, BH

Ambassador: Ali Alsatrawee

Photographer Studio: Alialsatrawee Photographe

# of years experience: 6

Taking your time can be rewarding - especially with the adorable smiles of babies

I advise to learn, practice, and accompany experts in this field, including the professionals at APNPI, in order to establish correct, sound, and safe ways to move forward in your career.

What is the most meaningful part to you in being an APNPI Ambassador?

We are extremely proud to represent APNPI in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which is the international organization specialized in photographing newborn babies, while supporting standards of excellence in the field of photography and appreciating this unique art of its kind at the level of photography.

What are your hopes for your audience and for your own business in your role as an APNPI Ambassador?

Spreading the culture of photographing newborn babies
Disseminate ways to prevent any harm to newborns.
Clear courses on how to deal safely with children
Participate in competitions with APNPI

Tell us about yourself. What do you love doing in your spare time? What inspired you to newborn photography and do you photograph other genre’s in your business?

I am Ali Al-Satrawi from the Kingdom of Bahrain, a newborn baby photographer since 2018.
What inspired me to photograph children was my wife, who led me to this type of photography, and from that time on, I loved this specialty and moved forward with it. I specialize in photographing newborn babies, birthdays, and family events. Because of my great passion for this type of photography, in my free time I go out

How would you describe your photography style? What inspires your work?

I am distinguished in my photographic style for children. I like to make the pictures different in each pose, some of which are by using suits and some by using draping, which makes the client choose many pictures that he likes.

Who has inspired you and how did you first come across their work?

One person whose work I admire is Anabrandt
She is one of the people I knew at the beginning of my journey.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting a newborn photography business?

I advise him to learn, practice, and accompany experts in this field, including the professionals at APNPI, in order to establish correct, sound, and safe ways to move forward in your career.
And do not spend a lot of equipment on sailing. Buy the necessities and upgrade your equipment over time. Invest in yourself first.

What camera do you use? What are your favourite lenses and what’s typically in your camera bag?

My camera is canon r
My favorite lens is 35mm
In my camera bag are basic equipment such as:
Extra battery for the camera
Batteries for the lighting transmitter
Additional storage card
A tissue for cleaning the lens
Battery charger
24-70 lens

What is your favorite place to hold sessions and why? Where do you photograph most of your sessions? (in studio? on location?)

My favorite place to shoot is in my studio
The reason is to provide an environment suitable for children – calm – there are no animals or birds – everything I need is in front of me – my equipment that makes me comfortable dealing with children during the session, such as the chair, the table, and the space that suits me.
Sometimes I go to photograph children in their homes, and each house is different from the other. There are those who are suitable for photography and there are those who are not suitable for photography.

What (if any) photography training, mentoring or workshops have you taken?

I have enrolled in many courses
The basics of photography in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Basics of using studio lighting
Editing pictures, playing with them, and turning them into comic strips
Basics of video shooting and production in Adobe Premiere
Newborn photography workshop with photographer Faiqa in Bahrain
Online newborn photography workshop with anabrandt
Newborn photography course with Sandra Dorney
There are many courses that I cannot remember now

Tell us about starting your business, and what played a key role in developing a profitable income.

Treating customers with respect and converting them into permanent customers
The agreement clearly concluded with what the customer will receive, the price and the extras
Never lie
Replenish your equipment
Develop your skills
Create a good reputation about yourself

Growing pains: tell us about some of your challenges you have faced in your business, and how you overcame them.

Challenges usually occur in children who have excessive movement and strength, which makes the position difficult for him or his large size

What should clients expect when working with you?

They expect good treatment and confidence in dealing with their child and an impressive result, as they saw me in the clips that I publish on my Instagram account.

When you master your work, you become creative at it, which makes your life happy

The diversity in your work indicates your love for what you do

When you are creative in your work, your life is happy

Session Spotlight: Golden Hour Nursing Session

Sep 25, 2024 | APNPI Community, Latest Trends, Session Spotlight

This is... hands down.... the most beautiful image I have ever taken.

The Story Behind This Session

This amazing session was this beautiful mom’s idea. I love when clients push me out of the box!!

This session was rescheduled 4 times because of weather! What a wet summer we had. It was totally worth the wait. From the beautiful fresh floral crowns to the epic light, this session will always be one of my favourites and one that I feel very proud of.

I am a STRONG supporter of breastfeeding and this session filled my heart and soul.

I love her little bum in this image <3

mamas perspective <3

snuggles

Session by: Azure Photography

I am a professional newborn photographer in Guelph, ON. I mainly focus on newborns but also enjoy photographing maternity, sitters and cake smash sessions!
I have had a camera in my hand since I was 18 years old. I learned a lot about exposure and colour working the lab at Black’s Photography in my home town and locally in Guelph.
Photographing newborns and babies and anything connected to those is my passion.

Find out more about this photographer at:

APNPI Profile

Website

Facebook

The Story Behind the Winning Images by Marcela Limon

Sep 18, 2024 | APNPI Community

1st Place Winner – Milestones – “Porcelain Doll” by Marcela Limon

2nd Place Winner – Child – “Pure Innocence” by Marcela Limon

The Story Behind the Winning Image

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes in some of these amazing images, particularly those that are competition winners?

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.

To see more of Marcela’s work: https://lemonshoots.com/

The Inside Scoop…

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

A: I deeply believe that submitting for competition makes your everyday work better, especially when you can get some feedback from the judges. The fact that APNPI records its judging and makes it available to the makers is a huge learning opportunity!

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

A: You learn about what you did right, so you can repeat it, and what you could’ve done better, so you look for those mistakes next time, and correct them before taking the photograph. It’s a never ending process of working, perfecting, submitting, learning, tweaking… and then it starts again. But it is so much fun!

Q: What attracted you to APNPI’s International Image Competition?

A: The feedback was definitely a big one for me. Competitions that don’t provide feedback are fun for the accolades, but they won’t teach you much. Feedback and hearing the judges discuss an image is what makes it worth it for me.

Q: Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?

A: Oh yes! Clients get so excited when they learn that their baby’s portrait did well at an image competition! They share that with their families and friends and that creates buzz around your brand. And personally, it has given me the confidence to charge properly for my work. I value it more -and my clients do too- by knowing I can create an award-worthy image from everyday sessions.

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

A: You look at all the elements that make an image outstanding: impact, story, subject matter, composition, color harmony, technical excellence… it all has to be there! When going through images, the one that makes you stop to look at it more, that’s the one that has potential.

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

A: I get it. It is scary. But if you never submit you’ll never know where you are in the process. Not knowing what you can improve won’t help you at all. Submit with the hopes of winning, yes, but most importantly, with the certainty that you will learn and become a better artist after you do. You need to enter with a humble heart and open ears. Don’t take feedback personally. Feedback is a gift and it is your choice if you want to use it to make you grow or not.

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Milestones “Porcelain Doll”

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) “Pure Innocence”

To learn more: APNPI Image Competition

Did you know…

All members receive one free entry – so go ahead try it out, you have nothing to lose!

Each image is up for an award, whether it’s in the top 3 or not. Every submission competes against itself to earn a Merit Award (score of 80 and above).

Merit Awards are prestigious accomplishments! They denote a level that stands out above the Accreditation level.

Competing is an excellent way for members to sharpen their skills and elevate their work.

Members learn a ton from entering their images and receiving feedback from the judges.

For more info and to enter, visit: www.apnpi.com/image-competition

What Do Image Competition Judges Look For?

Sep 17, 2024 | APNPI Community

What Do Image Competition Judges Look For? Hey, fellow shutterbugs and creative souls! Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes when your masterpiece hits the competition floor? Well, get ready to peek behind the curtain, because we’ve got the inside scoop straight from the judges themselves!

In this blog post, we’re exploring the age-old question: What in the world do those judges actually look for? We get to hear from the pros to uncover the real deal. No fluff, no fancy jargon—just honest insights from the folks who hold the power to make or break your entry!

But hey, that’s not all! We know that gearing up for image competitions can sometimes feel like stepping into the unknown. That’s why we’ve got your back with our exclusive APNPI member’s library complete with a whole section dedicated to Image Competition, stocked with everything you need to sharpen your skills and boost your confidence. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned competitor, there’s a great bundle of resources waiting just for you.

So grab your favourite drink and get ready to crack the code of competition judging. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to swing by our member’s library—it’s your ultimate destination for all things competition prep and beyond!

APNPI Image Competition Judges on What They’re Looking For

“First of all I’m looking for images with that wow factor. First impressions are so important! Likewise, technical expertise is essential for a highly scoring image in competition. I love a good story and creativity but sometimes simplicity can be powerful too. I can’t wait to see the submissions!”

Shailee Connolly

APNPI Judge

Shailee Connolly is an accomplished professional photographer who specializes in Newborn and Maternity Portrait photography. Based out of her commercial studio in San Jose in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, she has received awards and recognitions for her work. In 2020 and 2022, she was awarded first place in the APNPI competition in the newborn category, as well as a PPA silver photographer of the year award in 2017 and a bronze photographer of the year award in 2018. Additionally, she earned second place in the Children’s Portraits Category of the Professional Photographers of America’s Western District print competition in 2017. Shailee holds bachelor’s degrees in Fine Art and Education, with a major in painting. Her previous career as a high school Visual Arts teacher in her hometown of Brisbane, Australia, gave her a solid grounding and passion for creating art in a variety of disciplines. When she became a mother in 2011, she transitioned her skills to newborn and maternity portrait photography. She has been photographing bellies and babies since 2013 and has been a professional photographer for over 10 years after relocating to the US with her family from Australia. Shailee always aims to create stunning, timeless images that her clients will cherish for a lifetime. Her style blends fine art with a more natural, organic approach to photography, and she works closely with her clients to ensure that their vision is brought to life. Her clients receive heirloom quality, archival printed artwork that they can proudly display in their homes.

“Impact and a clear story are what initially grab my attention. Images that tell stories draw you into them more. Why? They illicit emotion from the viewer. And a great story creates great impact. Any image that can make you draw your breath in when you see it for the first time, is an image that captures the soul. Combine that with incredible technical ability, stunning lighting, color harmony and the “right” post-processing will do well every time.”

Julia Kelleher

APNPI Judge

Julia Kelleher is a Nikon Ambassador, WPPI and PPA Master, PPA Master Artist and APNPI Ambassador. In business 13 years she specializes in newborn, children and family portraits out of her retail studio in Bend, OR. She is a seasoned judge and print competitor, having won multiple prestigious awards from all over the world. She is a passionate educator, teaching creatives how to strategically run their businesses with profitability and efficiency, while at the same time helping them balance family and personal obligations. She is a marketing guru, having helped multiple studios grow from in-home start-ups to 6-figure retail companies with steady, loyal clients and systemized processes.

“When viewing your image competition submissions, I am looking for authentic connections, beautiful light and creativity.”

Irene Bibee

APNPI Judge

Irene Bibee ~ the award-winning photographer behind Vine and Branch Studio in Prospect, Kentucky. With over 10 years of experience, Irene specializes in capturing the essence of Motherhood, Family, and Branding. Her keen eye and artistic touch have earned her acclaim in the photography world. Through her lens, she transforms moments into timeless treasures, creating visual stories that resonate with warmth and authenticity. Join Irene on a journey of visual storytelling, where every click captures the beauty of life’s precious moments.

Wow factor has a tendency to trump all. Being intentional with your work and really applying an understanding of lighting, shadows, lights, colors etc to tell your story will bring impact is what I look for.

Autumn Skoczen

APNPI Judge

Autumn Skoczen’s passion for photography has awarded her several international accolades and recognition. Specializing in maternity, newborns, and composite editing, She loves challenging herself with lighting, AI technology and diving deep in the evolving world of photography. She teach lighting, editing and business classes regularly as Autumn also shares a passion of helping other entrepreneurs and artists being their vision to life. She lives in Cleveland Ohio with her four kids and 2 dogs.

“I am looking for an image that stops me in my tracks. Unique images. I love seeing contrast, the use of color and creativity.”

Claudia Aguilar

APNPI Judge

Claudia Aguilar is the founder of Captured by Claudia Photography. Her studio is based in Texas, where she photographs mothers- to- be and babies. Photography found her by accident almost 10 years ago when her husband bought her her first camera. Claudia has always liked to share her knowledge, she therefore offers mentoring to help photographers to succeed and make a living from their passion. Claudia is known to be the photographer that LOVES to use COLOR in her images. It simply makes her HAPPY!

Creativity and impact! These are strong elements for me.

Attention to details and care taken when creating art.

Uniqueness!

Creativity with lighting means the photographer demonstrates technical ability and skill in order to create their art.

Tianna Jarrett Williams

APNPI Judge

Tianna Jarrett-Williams – Tianna is a maternity and newborn photographer based in Birmingham, United Kingdom where she has a small studio near to the city centre. Her love for this speciality grew from her past career as a professional and registered nurse and midwife. Whilst photography began as a hobby after the birth of her first daughter, she quickly fell in love with the craft and soon became consumed by the desire to be creative. After navigating a few specialities, Tianna settled on the art of pregnancy, motherhood and newborn photography because these genres in coalescence with her passion for women becoming mothers and their journey through motherhood inspires her daily. Whilst the primary focus is on maternity and newborn photography, Tianna does enjoy creative and styled projects with a special interest in culture which often can be appreciated in her work. Tianna lives with her two young children Zara and Olivia; and long term partner Ashley, near Birmingham.

I am looking for images that have a wonderful story, great composition and excellent technical skill. Each image will receive equal attention and consideration.

Jennifer Gilbert

APNPI Judge

Jennifer Gilbert CPA is a Nationally Accredited Family and Portrait photographer, as well as Accredited Judge, with the Professional Photographers of Canada. She has been photographing families at all stages of their lives since 2008 and recently celebrated her 15th year in business. Jennifer is based in Tottenham, Ontario, and her images are classic and timeless. Her clients love to hang artwork in their home from their session. She prefers to photograph families outdoors at a location that is special to them. She ensures each client feels special and takes them through a consultation and image reveal meeting.

I like to see images that are in focus, cropped well, clean edits, and have good transitions in the background. I also look for images that have an interesting perspective, or level of creativity. I love to see images where color theory and harmonies are well executed.

Joanna Booth

APNPI Judge

Joanna has won several silver awards in the prestigious world-renowned image competition at WPPI and Portrait Masters. She has achieved her associate photographer accreditation for both and is working towards becoming a master photographer designation. Joanna has been featured over 20 times in Vogue Italia. Her work can also be seen in online magazines and articles such as Voyage Houston, ShoutOut Houston, and Houston Family magazine. In addition to these features, Joanna has taught on the Tomaiya Colvin Education platform, and has been interviewed by the Sue Bryce Portrait Podcast and Creative Collaborations.

Submissions should combine a stong composition with clean lighting as well as allow the view to be drawn into the subject and or feel the emotion of the moment.

Trayc Dudgeon

APNPI Judge

Trayc Dudgeon ~ Trayc is an APNPI Mentor, accredited in Maternity, Macro, Sitters and Newborn Posed categories, serves as a judge and is an avid contributor to the APNPI community. She creates stunning imagery having been educated as a photographer at Humber College with over twenty years of experience in the field. Trayc is safety trained and internationally recognized as a qualified newborn photographer with APNPI. She is also an award winning accredited portrait photographer with PPOC (Professional Photographers of Canada). She’s been passionate about art and photography her whole life and was inspired by her first photography class in high school where she fell in love with the art form. Tracy is wife to her best friend, super proud mama to 2 amazing young adults and 3 fur babies.

“For me, the people I photograph are always at the center of my art. I want to see how photographers beyond creating beautiful photographs but capturing people’s precious moments and stories in a beautiful light.”

Shan Fisher

APNPI Judge

Shan Fisher is an international photographer educator, motivational speaker and the owner and CEO of two successful companies –Shan Fisher Photography and Shan Fisher Education. She is specialized in the timeless white and emotional storytelling photography style. She built my 6 figure photography business from the ground up, while being the mum of two little boys. She is one of the most sought-after photographers on Isle of Man, British Isles and has received the Awards of Excellence Enterprise for 2 consecutive years (2018 & 2019). Her signature training and coaching programs, which give photographers a streamlined business framework, modern marketing techniques, and support to develop an entrepreneurial mindset for success. Her purpose is to empower photographers to follow their dreams, overcome their limiting beliefs, discover their true potential and self-worth, and build a profitable business with passion and compassion, so they can live the life they love!

“When I am presented with an image to judge, the first thing I’m subconsciously aware of is the obvious – the image’s initial impact.

It doesn’t stop there, but it’s where I start. That isn’t to say that a low-impact image would score low or that a high-impact image would score high. It’s just the starting point, and that gut reaction forms the baseline.

From there, it’s an investigative journey. It’s a more conscious exploration. I let the image guide my eyes as I observe elements such as subject matter, emotional impact, storytelling, composition, lighting and colour.

Depending on what I’m judging for (accreditation, image competition, etc.) and the guidelines for what is acceptable and the pre-defined standards, I add or subtract points, mentally, from the image.”

Bryan Caporicci

APNPI Judge

Bryan is an award-winning wedding and portrait photographer based out of Fonthill, Canada. In 2014, he was awarded his Masters of Photographic Arts (MPA) designation by the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC), making him one of the youngest Canadian photographers to receive this level of achievement. Bryan is the lead content creator at SproutingPhotographer.com and the host of the Sprouting Photographer Podcast. He teaches at workshops across North America, including industry-leading conventions and conferences such as WPPI, Shutterfest and Canada Photo Convention. Bryan is also the CEO and Founder of Sprout Studio.

“In the imagery, I am always looking for emotion. As photographers, we can all take beautiful images but without emotion it’s just an image. I need to feel the emotion. That’s what’s captivates and grabs my attention.”

Charmekia Bias

APNPI Judge

Charmekia is a maternity, newborn and family photographer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is a wife, mom to two beautiful children and takes pride in being an Air Force Veteran. She’s been a professional photographer for nearly 4 years and has always had a love for photography but quickly gravitated more towards newborns. It’s truly been an amazing journey perfecting her craft. Being a newborn photographer has brought her more joy than she thought she could ever have with a career.

“Images that catch my eye have a clear colour story as well as attention paid to technical details like cropping, temperature, and thoughtful use of light and shadows. When all of these elements are in harmony, they disappear into the background and I’m able to see and appreciate what the photographer intended to convey in the image.”

Jessica Nip

APNPI Judge

Jessica specializes in creating maternity, newborn, and family portraits that are soft, natural, and that capture authentic emotion and connection. Her relaxed lifestyle approach and fine attention to detail ensure clients are photographed in a manner that is comfortable while producing images that are flattering and timeless. Whether in her cozy Toronto studio or on location, her full service approach helps her clients feel completely taken care of from the moment they book their session to the moment their art is in their hands or on their walls.

First and foremost, I am looking for impactful images that evoke emotion and tell a story. This of course must be backed up with excellent technical skills and a pleasing composition.

Shailee Connolly

APNPI Judge

Shailee Connolly specializes in Newborn and Maternity Portrait photography. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, she has received awards and recognitions for her work. In 2020 and 2022, she was awarded first place in the APNPI competition in the newborn category, as well as a PPA silver photographer of the year award in 2017 and a bronze photographer of the year award in 2018. Additionally, she earned second place in the Children’s Portraits Category of the Professional Photographers of America’s Western District print competition in 2017. Shailee holds Bachelors degrees in Fine Art and Education, with a major in painting. This, along with her previous career as a high school Visual Arts teacher in her hometown of Brisbane, Australia, gave her a solid grounding in and passion for creating art in a variety of disciplines. When she became a mother in 2011, she transitioned her skills to newborn and maternity portrait photography. She has been a professional photographer for over 8 years after relocating to the US with her family from Australia. Shailee always aims to create stunning, timeless images that her clients will cherish for a lifetime. Her style blends fine art with a more natural, organic approach to photography, and she works closely with her clients to ensure that their vision is brought to life. She specializes in heirloom quality, archival printed artwork that her clients proudly display in their homes.

“The most important elements of a quality portrait is the ability of the photograph to communicate with the viewer. It should have good composition, lighting, and most importantly an in-focus subject matter.”

Angelica Lawson - Sam

APNPI Judge

Angelica Lawson – Sam is a published portrait artist specializing in Newborn, Maternity and Baby’s First Year portraiture in in Houston, Tx. She owns and operates A Little Taste of Heaven Photography, a full-service portrait studio. In addition to operating her studio full time, she is a educator and mentor. Sharing her knowledge of newborn safety, photography and business is her passion, and she feels extremely blessed to help encourage growth and education in the industry. She appreciates the people met, the stories told, the hours kept, and the capturing of some of life’s greatest milestones.

“What grabs my attention first – the overall image. I study light and the correct use of it as well as the posing of the client/newborn. When viewing a maternity image I regard posing, use of light and emotion the image leaves the viewer. Newborn posing should encompass safety and not overwhelming the image with the use of props. Remember, simplicity is always timeless.”

Alli Peck

APNPI Judge

Alli Peck is a Canadian photographer who specializes in newborn and maternity photography. Her specialty is the expecting mother and the showcasing the natural beauty of pregnancy through photography, Alli has travelled the world teaching other photographers how to capture this precious time by the use of lighting, posing and editing photography techniques. Alli is a proud Ambassador for APNPI.

“I look for creativity, lighting techniques, composition and visually interesting images. One of the most important things I look for is focus, focus, focus!!!! And I love to see originality, special touches and small details that help tell the story and/or show your personality and style as an artist.”

Caralee Case

APNPI Judge

Caralee Case is a professional photographer based out of Idaho Falls, Idaho and is easily recognized for her use of vibrant, rich color, her attention to detail, and her ability to capture the essence and purity of new life. She is a part-time photographer and a part-time educator! Caralee has two amazing children, and a wonderful, supportive husband who are the joy and inspiration of my life and my business. She is a lover of family, food, fun and photography. Her enthusiasm for photography started with the birth of her first child. Caralee started her photography business in 2008 and it has been such a wonderful journey!!! She loves to meet new people, make children laugh, capture the beauty of new life, and share her passion for photography with others.

“For photography, the most important aspect for me is connection. Whether it be between the photographer and the subject(s) or between the subjects. I want to feel something. I want to think about how the people in the photographs will feel about those photos in 25 years. Photographs are our one and only true time capsule, all the details matter.”

Angie Knutson

APNPI Judge

Angie Knutson found herself entering the photography industry when she was 20 after receiving an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts. Angie takes a really relaxed approach to her sessions, allowing the babies to determine every step of the way. Angie is also well known for her hospital Fresh 48 sessions. That genuine adoration in the faces of her clients is what she lives for. While posed newborn sessions are her bread and butter, there’s something about Fresh 48 sessions that can’t be touched. When Angie looks back at photos of her childhood, it’s the photos with the messy backgrounds, unplanned outfits and interaction that are her favorites.

The Story Behind the Winning Images – Sarah Lake

Sep 16, 2024 | APNPI Community

2nd Place Winner – Milestones – “Funny Girl” by Sarah Lake

The Story Behind the Winning Image

Evoto

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes in some of these amazing images, particularly those that are competition winners?

Sarah has been a hobby photographer since childhood, but like many mothers, started her professional photography journey after having her two children. A military wife of 20 years, She’s now started (and moved!) her business in 3 different states, and is currently enjoying serving families in San Antonio, TX. Formerly a teacher and early education consultant, she’s also passionate about teaching aspiring newborn photographers what she’s learned over her decade of photographing babies and families.

To see more of Sarah’s work: Sarah Lake Photography, LLC

The Inside Scoop…

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

A: When I first ever submitted an image for competition, I was at the stage in my photography journey that I wondered if I my images were “good enough” to be considered excellent and I wanted to take the chance to see. I figured if they were, it’d be really validating and encouraging! And if they weren’t, through the judges critique and comments I would learn WHY. Now, I am far more confident in my ability to create strong portraits, but competition still serves to challenge me so that I’m always learning and still continuing to improve and look for different perspectives everyday!

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

A: I have learned that I’m tough enough to put myself “out there” even when it’s scary to do so. And I’ve also learned that I’m tough enough to take criticism and use it the way it’s meant to be used- to challenge oneself and continuously improve! And if I’m fortunate enough to receive praise or for one of my images to win or place, it reinforces a belief that is so true in life: You might win, you might not. But you’ll never win if you don’t try.

Q: What attracted you to APNPI’s International Image Competition?

A: I like the idea of being critiqued by artists who were drawn to the same genre that I was- artists who love newborns, babies, and family portraiture. I also appreciate the hugely beneficial feedback from some pretty incredible artists and business owners!

Q: Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?

A: I think being able to share some of my winning images on my website is pretty powerful in terms of showing that I’m an expert in my field- especially for the region where I live. Not only that, I think it gives a pretty strong air of professionalism that only a few artists have- and I think that’s one reason many of my clients choose me!

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

A: I usually use a pretty simple method- as I’m creating a gallery and I see an image that makes me audibly gasp or choke up, then I know it’s something pretty special! I always first gravitate toward an image that first makes me FEEL really strongly- no matter the emotion. Then I look for images that are very striking compositionally, and that are also lit beautifully. I don’t think I’ve ever submitted anything that doesn’t have these 3 characteristics!

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

A: Just do it! It’s validating just to present your work to another professional- for them to observe it though their own eyes/experience and to share how they perceive it! And if you’re scared (like I was for so long!) it feels incredible to challenge yourself to just do it anyway! Because regardless of whether you have a winning image, you will ALWAYS learn something invaluable- either what you’re doing really well, or what you can improve. Never turn down education from an experienced peer! 🙂

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – “Funny Girl” by Sarah Lake