The Outstanding Maternity Award and Outstanding Photo Award have concluded their 41st season, recognizing photographers from 14 countries for their exceptional work in maternity and family photography. Since its founding in 2014, the award has grown into a global benchmark, dedicated to telling deep and unforgettable stories through photography. This season's winners hail from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Germany, Latvia, Luxembourg, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Turkey, the United States, and Uruguay, underscoring the award's international scope.
The impact of winning an award extends beyond the poetic resonance of a captured image; it brings renewed enthusiasm to photographers and confirms they are on the right track. For photographers, international recognition amplifies the reach of their work. When potential clients review a portfolio, the seal from the Outstanding Maternity Award | Outstanding Photo Award serves as a mark of trust and artistic credibility, helping photographers stand out in a competitive market.
This season's judging panel featured two distinguished photographers: Yvonne C. Krystovsky from Germany and Wellington Fugisse from Brazil. Krystovsky, an internationally acclaimed photographer based near Stuttgart, specializes in maternity, newborn, family, and fine art portraiture. Her academic background in Interior Design and Architecture has shaped a unique visual language marked by minimalism and emotional depth. Her work has been featured in global outlets such as The Times and My Modern Met, and she has won top honors at the Black & White Minimalist Photography Prize. As a speaker, educator, and co-founder of the Luminar Elite Akademie and the Luminar Award, Krystovsky looks for originality, striking visual composition, technical excellence, and the ability to evoke genuine connection in submitted images.
Wellington Fugisse, with over 15 years of experience and a portfolio of more than a thousand covered events, is a prominent name in Brazilian and international photography. Known for his sensitivity and creativity, his work spans weddings, family sessions, and maternity shoots, always focusing on capturing real emotions. Beyond his field work, Fugisse mentors new talents through workshops and lectures and serves as an ambassador for major industry brands, holding hundreds of international awards. His judging criteria emphasize emotional impact and technical mastery.
The Outstanding Maternity Award | Outstanding Photo Award remains committed to its mission: to shine a light on life's most beautiful narratives, promoting artistic excellence, and bringing the global photography community together each season. As the 41st season closes, photographers are invited to submit their work for Season 42. Interested photographers can enter via the official submission page: Outstanding Maternity Award submission.
