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
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!
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.
View this post on Instagram
Styling a Sitter Session on a Budget – with Rebecca Danzenbaker
Written by: Rebecca Danzenbaker
Although I shoot mostly newborns, i really do love shooting and styling sitter sessions. Because of this, I was elated to learn I won first place in both the Spring and Autumn 2019 APNPI Image Competitions in the Sitters category! 😀
I’m a low volume photography studio – limiting myself to only 8-10 sessions a month. This schedule allows me to devote a lot of time to retouching my images (I spend 8-10 hours editing each session), and to keep up with the business and social media/marketing that needs to be done as well.
Most of my sessions are newborns and families, and at least 75% of my family sessions are returning clients. I don’t offer a baby package because my schedule fills up very quickly (usually booked for the year by March), so I usually don’t have holes in my schedule that I can fill. I also can’t afford to discount sessions when I need every bit of the income I get from such a limited number of clients.
So, all of that said, I usually only do around 8-10 sitter sessions in a year. It simply doesn’t make financial sense for me to purchase a whole bunch of adorable sitter outfits and props exclusively for clients I don’t see very often… so I don’t. 😀
Instead of purchasing a bunch of sitter props, I usually repurpose my newborn props for sitter sessions. This is a newborn bed that I love using with sitters. Not only does it have a low-profile, making it safer so that baby can keep her feet on the floor, the headboard and footboard are easy for baby to grab onto to support themselves.
This is another prop, a wooden box, that I use all the time for sitters. It’s low profile is so ideal for their short legs, and it’s easy to dress up by adding a simple scarf. I add a lot of scarves and wraps to my sitter sessions to fill the frame a little more and add some softness, but those are also items I purchased for newborns.
It is super helpful to have toys handy to grab the baby’s attention. I’ve invested in simple neutral-colored stuffed animals and wooden toys that don’t take away from or draw too much attention if they end up staying in the photos.
When styling sitter sessions, I also use a lot of silk flowers to dress up my photos. There are always great sales on flowers and coupons at Michael’s. These are versatile accessories that can be used for any studio portraits from newborns to senior portraits and maternity.
While I don’t purchase any sitter outfits, I do have a couple dozen hats for babies 3-9 months old. Sitters have so many wonderful baby rolls so it’s great to get some photos without clothing to show those off!
Sitters still love playing on their backs and tummy time as well! Use your studio’s sheepskins/flokatis to capture those cute moments.
Incorporate the props that the parents bring when you’re styling sitter sessions! This little guy’s nursery has a Sesame Street theme, so mom brought along some of his favorite toys. These photos will be more meaningful since they incorporate props that he plays with everyday instead of ones I select from my studio.
Finally, remember that simple is beautiful, too! Sometimes my favorite images are the ones with only the baby in them.
Likewise, a lot of sitters can also stand with support! I have a few of these benches that are just the right height to allow them to stay in a standing position, but double as stools for children to stand or sit on. Make sure you select stools that have a wider base that the top so that they’re less-likely to topple over. I always keep a parent within reach of their baby and then edit them out of the photo.
Balloons are a fun and inexpensive addition to baby’s first birthday session. Walmart sells helium tanks and balloons in many colors. I always send the balloons home with the parents after their session for a fun parting gift.
Thinking of joining APNPI? Learn more about our membership options.
APNPI Competition Winner Feature – Amanda Acapello
Celebrating Creativity: Meet the Maternity Category Winner of the APNPI Image Competition
We’re thrilled to show off our 2nd place winner in the 2023 Autumn APNPI Image Competition for the Maternity Category, aaaaand, having scored so well consistently in both rounds of competition, Amanda has also won the Photographer of the Year award!
Read on below to learn more about what inspired Amanda to enter and about her experience.
2nd Place Winner Maternity Category: Amanda Capello
Business Name: Acapello photography
Located in: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
APNPI Competition 2nd place winner – Maternity Category | “Simplicity” by Amanda Capello
Why did you decide to submit to the APNPI International Image Competition?
I love pushing myself out of my comfy zone and love that APNPI offers this opportunity!
What, if anything, did you learn about yourself through the process of image competition judging?
I loved to hear the judges comments and critique! It is so interesting to see how others view things 🙂
What attracted you to APNPI’s International Image Competition? (e.g. feedback provided, quality of the judging staff, professionalism, etc.)
I love that it is professionally judged and that it is international. I love that they have a fair judging.
Have there been any positive outcomes from your achievement?
I’ve been recognized by clients and potential clients when I shared it on my social media.
What were you looking for when selecting images to submit to the image competition?
When selecting images to enter I wanted to make sure I had my strongest image in lighting, composition, expression, pose.
What would you say to a member thinking about submitting imagery?
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain! Entering is a no brainer 🙂
APNPI Photographer of the Year 2024 – Amanda Capello
We are thrilled to present this prestigious award to
Amanda Capello
Amanda is an APNPI Ambassador, is accredited in maternity with APNPI, is an APNPI educator, an incredible contributor to the APNPI community, and she creates some of the most stunning imagery in Maternity Photography we’ve seen!
This former high school math teacher turned professional maternity and newborn photographer describes her style as minimalist, elegant, monochromatic, editorial and timeless.
She has built her business over the last decade and has been honoured to be featured on the cover of both shutter up magazine, and shutter scene magazine. Amanda has also been the featured photographer in many online magazines and has won awards including top local photographer in a local 85086 magazine, as well as top photographer from expertise.
If you’re not already familiar with Amanda and her work, you’re going to enjoy getting to know her.
See more of Amanda’s work at: Amanda Capello Photography
Amanda’s Top Winning Images
APNPI Photographer Of The Year
To win the APNPI Newborn Photographer of the Year award, the entrant must achieve a minimum of three Merit Images among both the First and Final Image Competition Rounds, and must have achieved a minimum of one Accreditation in any category. The entrant who has the highest average score among their top three winning images from any category, will be awarded the APNPI Newborn Photographer of the Year. In the case of a tie, the judges will do a final round of judging to determine the prize winner.