Show Your Best Work. See How It Stands.
Elevate Your Work. Gain Recognition. Grow as a Photographer.
Enter the APNPI International Image Competition and have your work reviewed by experienced newborn photography judges who understand the artistry, technique, and safety behind professional newborn photography.
Earn Merit Awards, professional feedback, and global recognition while pushing your craft to the next level.
Your first entry is FREE.
Ready to Enter?
Your first entry is FREE, so you can try the judging process without risk.
Most photographers start by entering one image they’re proud of from a recent session.
Step 1: Non-members, register for your free Competition Participant Access
Step 2: Upload your image
Step 3: See how your work scores
Many photographers start by entering just one image.
Award-Winning Work from APNPI Competitions
Photographers from around the world enter the APNPI Image Competition to challenge themselves, refine their craft, and gain recognition for exceptional work.
These are examples of images that have earned Merit Awards and category placements in previous APNPI competitions.
New to APNPI? You’re Welcome Here.
You do not need to be an APNPI member to enter the Image Competition.
Photographers from around the world enter to challenge themselves, gain feedback from experienced judges, and earn recognition for exceptional work.
If this is your first time entering a photography competition, you’re in good company. Many photographers begin their competition journey right here.
Simply register with our FREE Competition Participant Access Membership to enter.
More Than a Competition — A Way to Grow
The APNPI Image Competition is designed to help photographers improve their craft, gain recognition, and celebrate exceptional work within the newborn photography industry.
When you enter, you gain:
• Professional judging by experienced newborn photographers
• Constructive feedback to help you improve your work
• Merit Awards for images scoring 80+
• Recognition within the international newborn photography community
• Progress toward APNPI Master Designations
• Inspiration from seeing the work of photographers around the world
Whether you’re entering your first competition or refining your portfolio, every entry is an opportunity to grow.
Your Image Competes Against the Standard — Not Against Other Photographers
Any image scoring 80 or higher earns a Merit Award.
Multiple photographers can win.
Your success isn’t limited by someone else’s entry.
This means every image has the opportunity to be recognized for its own merit.
What Merit-Award Images Look Like
Images scoring 80 or higher earn a Merit Award.
Here are examples of Recent Merit Award Images that received Merit recognition in past competitions.
Not just winners.
Not just top placements.
Real Merit images.
What Judges Look For
Each image is evaluated by experienced judges who consider:
• Composition and technical execution
• Lighting and posing
• Emotional connection and storytelling
• Creativity and originality
Images scoring 80+ receive a Merit Award, which contributes toward APNPI Master Designations.
Free Course – Prepping For Image Competition
Success Stories
“Even if you don’t win, when you compete, you always get better.”
— Chanda
“I love APNPI’s competition because of the professional level maintained throughout the process. The feedback is honest, encouraging, and incredibly valuable.”
— Anita Windsor
“Entering competition makes me a stronger and more creative photographer. It’s incredibly inspiring to see the work of others.”
— Kristin Merck
“I chose to submit my images to the APNPI International Image Competition because I trust the expertise and integrity behind the judging.”
— Kayleigh Ashworth
Entering Your First Competition?
If you’ve never entered an image competition before, the APNPI competition is a supportive place to start.
Many photographers say that entering competitions helped them:
• See their work more objectively
• Push themselves creatively
• Build confidence in their photography
• Earn recognition for images they were proud of
Your first entry is free, so you can experience the process without pressure.
Not Sure Which Image to Enter?
Start simple.
Most photographers begin by submitting one image they’re proud of from a recent session.
Look for an image that shows:
• strong connection or emotion
• clean lighting and composition
• thoughtful posing or storytelling
You don’t need a “perfect” image to start. Many photographers enter just to see how their work scores.
Your first entry is free, so it’s the perfect opportunity to try it.
Many photographers enter their first competition with just one image.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Early Bird Entry Uploads Open: February 3, 2026
Early Bird Deadline: April 14, 2026
Final Entry Deadline: April 21, 2026
Competition Categories:
The APNPI Image Competition categories are:
- Maternity
- Newborn
- Milestones – (ages 2 to 12 months)
- Child – (ages 1 year and up)
- Creative
Entry Fees (USD)
Early Bird Rates
One Entry — $35
Two Entries — $30 each
Five Entries — $25 each
Regular Rates
One Entry — $45
Two Entries — $40 each
Five Entries — $35 each
APNPI Members receive one complimentary entry using the code:
LIGHT2026
Safety Guidelines
Images featuring newborns in Froggy Pose or Potato Pose are not accepted.
Please review the full Rules & Guidelines before submitting your images.
Ready to Enter?
Challenge yourself. Gain recognition. Elevate your work.
Your first entry is FREE.
Helpful Links
Prepping for Image Competition — Academy Course
Curious about what goes into creating award-winning images?
Join Autumn Skoczen in the APNPI Masterclass:
In this course, Autumn walks through the full creative process behind one of her award-winning images — from concept and planning to shooting and editing.
Encouragement from the Judges
We asked our judges to share why photographers should consider entering the APNPI Image Competition.
Their advice and encouragement highlight the value of participating — from gaining recognition to growing your skills and confidence.
Hear directly from the judges.
Your first entry is FREE.
