Join the Leading Community for Professional Newborn Photographers
APNPI was created by newborn photographers, specifically for newborn photographers.
Looking to earn your newborn photographer certification? APNPI offers a trusted certification and accreditation process designed specifically for professional newborn and maternity photographers. Through membership, you’ll gain access to the tools, resources, and community support you need to grow your skills, build credibility, and stand out in a competitive industry.
Our members range from new emerging newborn and maternity photographers, to the well established, and most advanced proficient mentors and teachers in the industry. We have an exciting and vibrant community where young and experienced come to together in their passion.
Why the Best Newborn Photographers Choose APNPI
Join the community where excellence is expected, supported, and celebrated
When you’re passionate about capturing the earliest moments of life with skill, artistry, and heart, you don’t just want a membership—you want a movement. APNPI is where the best newborn photographers come together to grow their craft, gain recognition, and build meaningful careers. From accreditation opportunities to mentorship and community support, APNPI gives you the tools to elevate your work—and your confidence.
What Makes APNPI the Trusted Choice
Credentialing & Recognition – Stand out with professional credentials and newborn photography certifications that are trusted by parents and recognized internationally.
Exclusive Competitions – Showcase your skills and gain exposure through our bi-annual image competitions.
Business Resources & Education – Access exclusive resources, tools, and training designed to grow your business and enhance your craft.
Networking & Community – Join a supportive, like-minded network of professional newborn photographers committed to safety, excellence, and growth.
Ethical Standards – Align your business with the highest ethical standards, including a strong emphasis on newborn safety.
Get Listed in Our Qualified Directory – Increase your visibility by being featured in our trusted directory, where parents seek skilled, accredited newborn photographers.
Mentor Matching – Pair with an experienced mentor who will support and guide you every step of the way as you pursue your professional credentials.
APNPI Academy – Access a curated collection of courses and resources designed to guide your journey. From artistic development to mastering marketing, business strategies, and personal growth, the APNPI Academy covers all aspects of running a successful newborn photography business. Whether you’re refining your technique or building your brand, this is your go-to resource for continuous growth and success. Explore the Academy today.
"Joining the APNPI community has been a game-changer for my career. In just a few short years, I’ve grown from being a qualified newborn photographer to becoming an ambassador and educator within this incredible organization. The support, encouragement, and connection I’ve received from APNPI have truly elevated my craft and my confidence—not only as an artist but also as a business owner.
As solo entrepreneurs, we often face challenges alone, but being part of this community reminds me that we don’t have to. APNPI has provided me with the resources, mentorship, and camaraderie I didn’t even realize I was missing. If you’re looking to grow, connect, and thrive, this is your community."
Choose the Membership That Fits Your Goals
APNPI Membership
Earn your Credentials
$27 USD/mo
Platinum Membership
Credentials + Academy
$47 USD/mo
Best Value
Academy Membership
Academy Access
$37 USD/mo
You bring visions to life…
You’re a passionate about newborn and maternity photography—dedicated to capturing life’s first moments with care and artistry.
But let’s be real: it’s not easy. You’re juggling safety concerns, pricing doubts, and the pressure to stand out in a crowded field. You crave recognition, support, and a clear path to grow professionally.
At APNPI, we believe it’s easier when we do it together.
Join a global community that values safety, professionalism, and helping you thrive.
Inspire trust. Earn recognition. Grow with purpose.
“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.” – Ashley R.
Grow Your Craft. Fuel Your Passion.
Here’s how It Works
Simple Steps to Get Started:
1. Pick Your Membership
Choose what works best for you—Aspire, Platinum, or Academy. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up, we’ve got you covered.
2. Apply Online
Quick and hassle-free. Just fill out the form and hit submit!
What Happens After You Enroll:
Once you enroll, you’ll gain immediate access to the Member Area, including our essential Newborn Safety Education course.
Most members like to start with their journey with the following…
-
Complete the Newborn Safety Course
-
Submit for your Qualified Newborn Photographer Certification
-
Become Eligible to Apply for Accreditation
- Platinum member? Dive right into the Academy and start learning right away!
Once certified, you can proudly represent yourself as an APNPI member in good standing—and you’ll be able to use the official APNPI logo and badges to showcase your professional commitment.
Enjoy All the Perks
Once you’re approved, you’re in! Join competitions, connect with the community, and unlock exclusive content made just for members.
Being an APNPI member has truly been a transformative part of my journey as a photographer. From the moment I joined, I felt welcomed into a community that genuinely cares about growth, education, and excellence in our craft. The resources provided—whether it’s the workshops, webinars, or mentorship opportunities—are thoughtfully curated and incredibly valuable. They’ve helped me refine not just my technical abilities, but also my storytelling and client experience.
What stands out most to me is the emphasis on safety and professionalism, especially in the newborn photography space. Becoming accredited through APNPI has not only boosted my confidence, but it has also given my clients reassurance that their little ones are in the safest hands. That trust is everything.
Beyond the professional development, it’s the people that make APNPI so special. I’ve met peers and mentors who inspire me every day, and the support within the community is unlike anything else. There’s a real sense of camaraderie—cheering each other on, sharing insights, and lifting one another up. Being part of APNPI isn’t just about elevating your work—it’s about finding your people. I’m incredibly proud to be a member and excited for all that’s still to come.
Join APNPI today!
By joining us today, you’re not just becoming a member—you’re becoming part of something bigger.
Inside the Academy
Professional video courses led by industry leaders
Practical tools for running a profitable, sustainable studio
Confidence-boosting business training, from marketing to money mindset
A growing, supportive community that gets it
A Space to Grow, Learn, and Connect
APNPI Academy is a dedicated learning hub created to support newborn photographers at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re just starting out or working to refine and elevate your skills, the Academy offers access to thoughtfully curated resources designed with your unique path in mind.
From expert-led trainings and business tools to inspiring stories and practical guidance, everything inside the Academy is built to help you grow as both an artist and a business owner. It’s more than just education—it’s a supportive space where photographers can learn, connect, and feel truly understood.
If you’re looking for professional development that speaks directly to your craft and community, the Academy is a meaningful part of what APNPI offers.
Created for Real Life
Learn at your own pace, whenever it fits your schedule.
You’re a busy person - perhaps hustling between sessions or building your business during nap time.
The Academy is here when you need it most.
What Members Are Saying
“I finally feel like I have direction. The Academy gave me confidence, structure, and a clear path forward. Then earning my certification has made all the difference in helping me to build trust with my clients.”
– Tasha, Academy Member
“The Academy helped me go from overwhelmed to in control. I now have a clear plan, real systems, and the confidence to charge what I’m worth.”
– Sophia L., Platinum Member
Included in Your Platinum Membership
Access to the APNPI Academy is included with Platinum Membership. If you’re ready to invest in yourself, your art, and your business—we’re ready for you.
To apply you must:
- Be earning a full or part-time income with Newborn Photography, OR working toward that goal.
- Have a professional web presence.
How to Join:
- Click HERE to register
- Complete your Safety Course – once passed, your name will be listed in our Directory Listing, for potential clients to see that you are currently working on your QNP Certification. You will achieve your “Member in Good Standing” status once you have passed your QNP Certification, at which point you will be able to make use of the APNPI logo and your badges to represent yourself as an APNPI member.
In addition to our supportive community, you’ll also gain access to exclusive resources that will help you grow your business.
Next steps to your professional credentials:
- Earn your Qualified Newborn Photographer Certification – once complete, your full profile and gallery will be visible in our Directory Listing, and you will receive your Safety and QNP Certified Badges. You may now use your badges to represent yourself as an APNPI member in good standing!
- Earn Accreditations.
- Earn your Master’s Designation.
“I’m so thankful for this organization and the opportunities it provides to push me to be better. Hearing the comments by the judges on my images and then having educational tools to guide my growth has been invaluable. Thank you!” – Chelsey M.
“I love being a member of APNPI because I feel like this certification really helps my clients choose a photographer who has knowledge and experience with newborns. They understand I’ve completed training and have their best interests at heart.” – Ashley McClintock Photography
Start earning your professional credentials today!
Join today to gain full access to APNPI’s educational resources, membership perks, and professional credentials!
Show the world why you’re worth it!
Membership Investment
(see pricing table for details)
Basic Membership: $247/year USD
- Monthly payment options: $27/month USD
PLATINUM Membership: $497/year USD
- Monthly payment options are available at $47/month USD
- Includes full APNPI Membership PLUS access to the APNPI Academy of Newborn Photography (www.apnpiacademy.com)
ACADEMY Membership: $397/year USD
- Monthly payment options are available at $37/month USD
- Includes access to the APNPI Academy of Newborn Photography (www.apnpiacademy.com)
- Does not include access to the credentialing program in the Core Membership.
Student Annual Membership (Full time proof required): $147
Military Discounts: 30% off membership for military families.
*Note: all payments are in USD currency.
Getting started is simple. Once you join APNPI, you’ll have access to the accreditation application, image submission guidelines, and support to help you succeed. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your craft, our certification process is designed to meet you where you are and help you grow.
Join APNPI today and take the first step toward earning your newborn photographer certification.
“By joining APNPI I hope to find support and guidance for my professional development. At the same time, I am also hoping to help in building a stronger community of newborn photographers that seeks better standards. I think with the rapid growth of our industry and the number of incidents involving safety and ethical concerns, we need to have an organization that provides credential and accreditation to ensure we create a stronger community of photographers. As a newborn photographer and teacher, I take so much pride and importance to the work I do and I want clients to have more respect and appreciation towards our industry and that can only be done if we work together by bringing up the standards-in all levels.”
FAQ’s
What is APNPI certification?
APNPI certification is a professional recognition awarded to newborn and maternity photographers who demonstrate technical skill, safety awareness, and artistic excellence. It’s designed to validate your expertise and build trust with clients seeking a certified newborn photographer.
How do I become a certified newborn photographer?
To become a certified newborn photographer with APNPI, start by joining as a member. Once you’ve joined, you’ll gain access to the certification program, where you can submit a portfolio for review. Our experienced panel evaluates your work based on specific criteria, and successful applicants earn formal APNPI certification.
What are the requirements for APNPI accreditation?
To apply for APNPI accreditation, you must be an active member, successfully hold your Qualified Newborn Photographer certification along with a completion of the Safety Awareness course. You are then eligible to submit a curated selection of images that meet our technical and creative standards, to be evaluated by a panel of judges. The images are evaluated for lighting, posing, safety, and overall professionalism. Full guidelines are available in the member portal.
Do I need experience to apply for certification?
While experience helps, APNPI welcomes photographers at various stages in their journey, and we offer a complimentary mentor matching service to help you navigate the process. Our certification program is designed to support your growth — whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your skills and gain recognition for your work.
How long does the certification process take?
Once your submission is received, the review process typically takes 2–4 weeks. You’ll be notified of your results via email, and if successful, you’ll receive your APNPI certification badge and listing in our Certified Photographer Directory.
Ready to grow with us?
Join APNPI today and connect with a supportive community of photographers who are here to help you thrive. We can’t wait to welcome you!
