APNPI Image Competition – Acapello Photography

Hey mamas and fellow creatives I’m penning this with the largest smile on my face—and a coronary heart that’s nonetheless doing little pleased dances—as a result of Acapello Photography was simply awarded 1st Place within the Maternity Category of the 2025 Spring APNPI Image Competition! 

Honestly, I’m nonetheless pinching myself.

I’ve at all times believed within the energy of maternity images to inform a narrative—to have a good time the energy, magnificence, and emotion of motherhood. And this win? It’s not only a trophy on the shelf. It’s proof that the tales I get to inform by way of my lens matter. That your journey, your physique, your transformation into motherhood… is price honoring.

Why I Entered within the First Place 

I virtually didn’t do it.

Entering a images competitors felt susceptible—what if my work didn’t “measure up”? What if it wasn’t “perfect”? But deep down, I knew that progress doesn’t occur after we play it secure. I needed to problem myself, study, and see my work by way of recent eyes.

And greater than that, I needed to honor the ladies I {photograph} day-after-day—mums who’re fierce, swish, and full of affection. Mamas who should see themselves as artwork.

What the Judging Process Taught Me 

One of the largest takeaways? I realized to have a look at my work a bit in another way.

As a maternity photographer, I’m emotionally hooked up to each picture. I bear in mind the connection, the story behind it, the belief that was shared in that second. But stepping again and seeing my photos by way of the eyes of skilled judges helped me sharpen my craft.

I realised that suggestions isn’t one thing to concern—it’s one thing to develop from. And surprisingly, it really made me fall in love with my work much more.

How It’s Impacted My Business (and My Confidence!) 

Since the win, I’ve had so many new shoppers attain out saying they noticed the announcement and felt much more assured reserving me to {photograph} their being pregnant. It’s such an honor to be trusted with these once-in-a-lifetime reminiscences, and this recognition has helped reinforce that belief.

But the most effective half? The candy messages from previous shoppers who noticed “their” picture featured and felt proud. These wins are by no means simply mine—they belong to each mama who’s stepped in entrance of my digicam with braveness and style.

For Any Photographer Thinking About Entering… Do It 

Seriously. Even if it feels scary. Even when you’re undecided your work is “good enough.”

The APNPI competitors isn’t nearly awards. It’s about reflection, suggestions, and progress. It’s about seeing your work by way of new eyes and moving into your subsequent degree as an artist.

Whether you win or not, the expertise itself is so price it.

To each mama who’s let me {photograph} your journey—to each shopper who’s trusted me with their story—thanks. You encourage me day-after-day.

And to my fellow photographers: that is your reminder to have a good time your wins (massive or small), to share your work, and to maintain exhibiting up—even when it’s scary. You by no means know who you’ll encourage alongside the best way.

⸻

If you wish to learn the official function on APNPI’s web site, you’ll be able to test it out right here: Winner Feature: Amanda Capello – APNPI Maternity Category

And when you’re an expectant mama trying to ebook your personal maternity session, I’d like to create one thing stunning collectively. 

Learn extra about my maternity periods right here:
acapellophotography.com/maternity

Here’s to progress, to braveness, and to capturing the great thing about motherhood—one picture at a time.

~ Amanda xo