Award-Winning Christchurch Newborn Photographer: What Our Latest APNPI Honours Mean for Your Maternity, Newborn + Family Portraits
- Kirsten Naomi Photography
- 12 minutes ago
- 6 min read
There are moments in every photographer's journey that mark more than just professional milestones—they’re affirmations that the hours spent perfecting a craft, calming crying babies, gently posing newborns, and drawing out those real, heart-stopping smiles were worth it.
Today, we are proud to share that Christchurch Newborn Photographer, Kirsten Naomi Photography, has been recognised on the international stage in the prestigious APNPI International Photography Awards.
We were honoured to receive:
2 Gold Awards
2 Silver Distinction Awards
4 Silver Awards
We would like to thank our clients for trusting us to capture these special family moments. It's an honour and a privilege, and we love every moment of it.
For those unfamiliar with the APNPI (Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International), this recognition might just sound like another industry accolade. But allow us to explain why this is not only meaningful for us, but incredibly relevant for you as a parent or parent-to-be.
Who Are the APNPI and Why Should You Care?
The APNPI is an international organisation that supports and accredits photographers specialising in newborn and maternity photography. Its mission is to uphold excellence, safety, education, and artistic growth within the genre.
What sets APNPI apart is their commitment to safety and professionalism. As a parent, you want to know your baby is in experienced, competent, and caring hands—and the APNPI is one of the very few international organisations that places infant safety at the heart of their standards.
Their image competition is judged by a panel of world-renowned photographers, each recognised at the highest levels of the portrait photography world. The judging process is rigorous, and the criteria strict—making it all the more rewarding to be acknowledged with multiple medals.
When you book with an APNPI accredited photographer, you’re not just getting someone with a camera. You’re booking artists who are dedicated to both beauty and safety, and who are committed to continuing education and improvement.
Why Awards Like This Matter to You as a Parent
Let’s be honest—there’s no shortage of photographers out there. So why does this recognition matter to you?
Because when you book a Christchurch Newborn Photographer, you’re not just after photos—you’re trusting someone to handle your tiny baby, capture their fleeting newborn-ness, and create images that will shape how you remember this moment for the rest of your life.
Awards like those from the APNPI aren’t just pretty medals. They’re proof of consistency, artistry, and technical skill. They show that our work holds up against the best in the world—and more importantly, that your family’s memories are in award-winning hands.
What Went Into These Winning Images?
Each image submitted was carefully selected to reflect the emotion, artistry, and timelessness we aim to bring to every session. Here is some insight into the stories we wanted to convey with these images:
Gold Award-Winning Images:
"The Hands That Guide Me" – A black and white portrait of a baby cradled securely in his father’s hands is a powerful tribute to protection, guidance, and the tender strength of parenthood. We wanted to tell the story of the hands that support the growth and development of a child, ready to cuddle or catch at any point.
"Serenity" – A striking maternity portrait featuring a mother-to-be in a black bodysuit with flowing chiffon sleeves evokes stillness, strength, and anticipation. Her contemplative pose and soft gaze reflect the emotional pause before everything changes—when anticipation mixes with calm, and daydreams about the future take quiet shape. We wanted to reflect that beautiful in-between where waiting becomes part of the story.
Silver Distinction Award-Winning Images:
"Simply Elegant" – A timeless maternity image showcasing a mum-to-be in a white couture gown with chiffon sleeves and draped fabric flowing around her belly and legs, it's classic, graceful, and effortlessly poised. We wanted this image to convey strength and resilience—the delicate power of a mother preparing to bring new life into the world.
"Miss Two" – Features a radiant two-year-old in a cream couture lace dress, looking directly into the lens, dimpled smile and all. Photographed against a soft cream background, this image captures the charm and confidence of early childhood. We kept the styling minimal to allow her personality to take centre stage.
Silver Award-Winning Images:
A joyful baby milestone session, overflowing with personality and set against a backdrop of delicate florals.
Three peaceful newborn portraits, each reflecting calm, trust, and beauty—including one magical moment where a sleeping baby breaks into a smile.
These weren’t over-styled, overly posed shots. They were moments of genuine connection, captured through careful lighting, thoughtful styling, and a patient approach. This is the essence of our work—capturing the quiet beauty of family life as it unfolds.
All the awarded portraits were created in our Christchurch photography studio, a calm and warm space designed to help you and your children relax. With controlled lighting, curated wardrobe options, and expert posing, we can create fine art portraits while making your session feel like a peaceful escape.
A Quiet Confidence for Busy Mums
If you’re a first-time mum, already juggling life with a toddler, or planning your return to work, we know your time and energy are stretched. That’s exactly why it’s important to choose a photographer you can trust—one who is experienced, organised, and capable of holding space for you and your family.
The families we work with include Mums who are:
planning their maternity photoshoot from the moment they learn they are pregnant, and Mums who have decided at the last minute that they don't want to miss this unrepeatable moment in time;
wanting to document that delicate, sleepy newborn phase;
keen to capture the developing personality of their older baby;
trying to catch up on missed milestones for their second (or third!) baby; or
finally finding a moment to update their family portraits now the kids are growing fast.
You don’t need to worry about props or poses—we’ll guide you through it all. We’re here to make the experience easy and enjoyable.
These years move quickly and what you capture now will become the visual legacy your children inherit.
Our Services: More Than Just Newborn Photography
Whether it’s your first baby or your last, whether you’re in the thick of toddlerhood or wanting to celebrate your older children, there is space for you in front of our lens.
We offer:
Maternity photography: elegant, glowing, and full of quiet connection.
Newborn photography: calm, posed or lifestyle sessions that focus on baby’s unique features and the love you already feel.
Baby milestone sessions: capturing tummy time, sitting, and standing stages with plenty of smiles.
Toddler portraits: wrangling included—expect movement, fun, and lots of personality.
Older child and sibling sessions: beautifully composed and emotionally rich.
Christchurch family photography: modern heirloom images that celebrate your growing unit.
Headshots and personal branding photography: a vital tool for building connections, establishing trust, and standing out in your industry.
Contemporary Portraits: lightly posed, capturing connection and personality.
Every session is designed to be stress-free and enjoyable. From wardrobe to wall art, we offer full service and expert guidance.
Ready to Book?
Awards are wonderful, but the real reward is getting to create timeless portraits for families like yours. These images will outlive trends. They’ll hang on walls and be held in albums for generations.
If you’re looking for an experienced, recognised, and caring photographer, we’d love to work with you.
➡️ Enquire now to book your session with an award-winning Christchurch Maternity Photographer, Christchurch Newborn Photographer, and Christchurch Family Photographer.
Whether you're in the early weeks of pregnancy or wrangling a rowdy toddler, now is the perfect time to honour your family story.
P.S. If you’d like to see more of our award-winning images, pop over to the awards page of our website to see a selection of our favourites.
Because your memories deserve more than phone snaps, they deserve to be artfully captured and remembered.
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