2nd Place Winner – Milestones – “Funny Girl” by Sarah Lake
The Story Behind the Winning Image
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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:Â 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?Â
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
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:Â 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?Â
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:Â 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:Â 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