The Outstanding Maternity Award, established in 2014, continues to be the most sought-after international honor in maternity photography, with Season 38 drawing submissions from numerous countries. The award recognizes photographers for their artistic excellence and provides a significant milestone in their careers, increasing professional visibility and adding a prestigious distinction to their portfolios.
Winners from Season 38 include photographers from Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, India, Italy, Luxembourg, Russia, Spain, Ukraine, the USA, the United Kingdom, and Cyprus. The award's judging panel for this season featured JaNa Photography (Canada) and Neidy Parra (USA), whose expertise and artistic vision continue to inspire the global maternity photography community.
JaNa Photography, the artistic duo of Jafar and Nasim from Vancouver, Canada, brings a unique perspective to the judging panel. Originally from Persia, Iran, they began their photography journey in 2009, specializing in newborn and maternity portraits. Their work has been exhibited in over 100 international exhibitions across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Notably, Jafar and Nasim traveled the world by bicycle for two years, organizing photo exhibitions and planting 100 trees as symbols of peace and environmental care. Today, those trees stand tall, more than a decade old. After returning, they made Vancouver their home and relaunched JaNa Photography, quickly establishing themselves among the top three maternity and newborn photographers in the region. Jafar is known for his delicate newborn portraits, while Nasim shines in maternity photography.
Neidy Parra, founder of Neidy Parra Photography and the Neidy Parra Collection, specializes in luxury maternity and lifestyle photography. Her work blends fine art, fashion, and storytelling, transforming once-in-a-lifetime moments into timeless works of art. With over 146,000 followers and nearly 1 million monthly views on Instagram, she has built an international platform that celebrates women, motherhood, and family experiences. Beyond photography, Neidy is an entrepreneur and motivator, passionate about empowering women to embrace confidence, self-expression, and legacy. As a judge, she brings both her artistic eye and business expertise, focusing on storytelling, cultural relevance, and the lasting impact of visual art.
The Outstanding Maternity Award was established to celebrate the art of maternity and family photography, bringing together talented photographers from around the world. It serves as a means for photographers to stand out, receive proper recognition for their art, and reach new audiences. The award's seasons provide valuable opportunities for development and learning, with participants gaining a more critical and refined eye with each submission. For those who are not awarded in a season, the journey continues, encouraging dedication and artistic intention.
Looking ahead, Season 39 is highly anticipated for the beginning of every year. Photographers can join and participate in this international community dedicated to the art of maternity photography. More information about the award and how to submit can be found at Outstanding Maternity Award.
