Image Competition – Spring 2024

Image Competition – Spring 2024

APNPI International Image Competition Results!
Image Competition – Spring 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 "A Familiar Cocoon" by Jackie Orlando

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Newborn "Cradled in Light" by Jackie Orlando

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Newborn "LITTLE MIRACLE" by Jennifer Robyn

Maternity Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Maternity "Hope In The Light" by Tianna Jarrett-Williams

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Maternity "Empowered" by Tianna Jarrett-Williams

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Maternity "Sunkissed" by Tianna Jarrett-Williams

Milestones Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Milestones "Sweet Like Candy" by Tianna Jarrett-Williams

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Milestones "Funny Girl" by SARAH LAKE

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Milestones "Teddy Bear" by Tianna Jarrett-Williams

Child (ages 1 year and up) Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) "Teddy Bear Stroll" by Alicia Barrett

APNPI Competition 2nd Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) "Graceful Glow" by Trayc Dudgeon

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Child (ages 1 year and up) "A Child" by Trayc Dudgeon

Creative Category Winners

APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Creative "Venus Rebirth" by samayra falcon

Silver Award – Scores: 80 to 84

Winner Feature – Marggie Duncan

Winner Feature – Marggie Duncan

Celebrating Creativity: Meet the 3rd Place Winner of the APNPI Image Competition Child Category

We’re thrilled to show off our 3rd place winner in the 2023 Autumn APNPI Image Competition for the Child Category.

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

3rd Place Winner Newborn Category: Marggie Duncan

Business Name: BennyAni Photography

Located in: Lakeville, MN, USA

APNPI Competition 3rd Place Winner – Child Category | “Little But Fierce” by Marggie Duncan

 

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

I love to challenge myself. This competition is a great way to see how my work stands against other in my industry.

 

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

I learned to be super open to critique. It only helps to grow and become better at my skill. I learned not to take it personally.

 

What attracted you to APNPI’s International Image Competition? 

I love the feedback they give, the opportunity to watch the judging as it takes place, the professionalism of the judges and their honesty as well as APNPI as an organization.

 

Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?

Of course! My clients love to see things like this and assures them that they are hiring someone who is skilled in the industry.

 

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

My best work! I looked at my lighting, focus, angles, positions. Mostly though, I looked at if the image spoke to me in anyway, if the image had an artistic voice.

 

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

Absolutely do it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Even if you don’t score high, it gives you an excellent starting point of where you are at compared to where you’d like to be. Don’t take the criticism to heart, take it and use it for growth. If it’s your first time, I also highly recommend in investing in the feedback component from the judges.

 

 

 

“I love the feedback APNPI gives, the opportunity to watch the judging as it takes place, the professionalism of the judges and their honesty as well as APNPI as an organization.”

~ Marggie xo

The Story Behind the Winning Images – Trayc Dudgeon

The Story Behind the Winning Images – Trayc Dudgeon

APNPI Competition 1st and 3rd Place Winner

1st place Child Category – “Simply Fascinating” by Trayc Dudgeon

3rd place Child Category – “Show Me Your Muscles” by Trayc Dudgeon

 

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?

Come enjoy a peek inside the behind the scenes of these two images in another great video by Trayc Dudgeon… (then don’t forget to scroll all the way down to SEE the winning images!)

To see more of Trayc’s work:

https://blueroosterstudio.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/blueroosterstudio/

3rd place Child Category

3rd place Child Category – “Show Me Your Muscles” by Trayc Dudgeon


Trayc Dudgeon - APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner1st Place Child Category – “Simply Fascinating” by Trayc Dudgeon

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

Image Competition – Spring 2024

APNPI Competition Winner Feature – Jackie Orlando

Celebrating Creativity: Meet the Winner 

We’re thrilled to show off our 1st place winner in the 2023 Autumn APNPI Image Competition for the Newborn Category.

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

1st Place Winner Newborn Category: Jackie Orlando

Business Name: Jackie O Photos

Located in: Stoney Creek, ON Canada

 

 

1st place apnpi competition winning image Jackie Orlando APNPI Competition 1st Place Winner – Newborn Category | “A Gift from Above” by Jackie Orlando

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

I wanted to feel more like a part of the newborn photography community, see if I could learn anything from potential feedback given on my images, and if my images were worthy of a silver distinction award, I wanted to proudly display that on my website and social media as a reminder of how far I’ve come in my photography journey.

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

I learned that I’m more talented than I realize. I never expected to place in the top three, let alone first place. Winning first place as well as another silver distinction was very validating, and made me feel like all of my hard work, passion, and dedication has been worth it. There have been plenty of times that I’ve felt like giving up, but I’ve kept working at a steady pace and tried my best to overcome the self-doubt. Finding my style was a bit of a journey. I admire so many photographers with different styles and I experimented for a while with retro vibes and pretty florals. In the end, I realized my talent shines best through simplicity. I lean towards an understated, classic vibe, it feels authentically me, and I’m so honored to be recognized for that.

What attracted you to APNPI’s International Image Competition? 

I was attracted to the image competition because I love the idea of learning from a community of other talented photographers, especially when there are so many that I admire or have learned from in this organization. I was hoping to receive some feedback on my images, especially the winning one, but I know for next time to request a critique if I’d like to learn more about what the judges like and dislike about the images.

Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?

My family and friend circle are incredibly proud and I’ve received so many compliments on my talent, dedication, and hard work. To see my clients, friends, and family proudly sharing my images on social media with loving, supportive comments makes me so happy and gives me all the motivation I could ever need to continue to learn and grow.

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

I was looking for images that looked a little bit unique to many of the images I’ve seen submitted in past competitions. I have a little bit of a different style compared to traditional, posed newborn photography, and I wasn’t sure how it would place in this competition. I personally love to capture unposed images as well as poses that are artistic, unique, and representative of the baby’s traits and personality. Babies are definitely born with a personality!

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

There is no harm in submitting, even if you start small with one or two images. At the very least, you will find out if your images are worthy of silver distinction, whether you need to improve or practice longer, or if you’re much better than you realize! Having recognition in this community is so meaningful, and I’m so glad I submitted images.

Simplify and Succeed: Navigating SEO for Photographers!

Simplify and Succeed: Navigating SEO for Photographers!

 

Simplify and Succeed: Navigating SEO for Photographers!

Calling all photographers! Are you feeling overwhelmed by the daunting world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)? You’re not alone! We understand that mastering SEO can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’d rather be behind the lens capturing beautiful moments. Not to worry, this is your chance to get a hold on navigating SEO for photographers!

In this interview, we’re joined by SEO Expert Melissa Arlena, who specializes in simplifying SEO for photographers just like you. Together, we’ll demystify the complexities of SEO and provide practical strategies that won’t require endless hours of your precious time.

From easy-to-implement tips for optimizing your website to time-saving hacks for boosting your online visibility, Melissa is here to guide you every step of the way. Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to success as we uncover the secrets to SEO success tailored specifically for photographers.

So kick back, relax, and get ready to simplify your SEO journey. With our expert guidance, you’ll be on your way to unlocking the full potential of your photography business in no time!

We’ll be live in our Facebook group, where you’re welcome to ask any questions you might have. 

Don’t worry if you can’t make it, a replay will be posted for your convenience.

We’re really looking forward to having you with us! Catch you there!

Meet Melissa 

Melissa Arlena is an SEO expert and educator, specializing in helping photographers get discovered on Google.  As a former IT nerd, Melissa has a knack for taking technical things and making them simple and relatable. She’s using that superpower for good and helping photographers learn how to run profitable businesses and get booked by their ideal clients!  With 15 years of experience as a photographer and small business owner, she’s used SEO to transform her own business, going from zero inquiries to booking 5+ sessions per month and raising her rates. When she isn’t behind the computer or her camera, you can find her hanging out with her family and two dogs on their sailboat cruising the Chesapeake Bay.