Outstanding Maternity Award Celebrates 34th Season with International Reach and Esteemed Judges

The Outstanding Maternity Award celebrated its 34th season in December 2024, marking another milestone for the prestigious competition dedicated to maternity and family photography. Founded in 2014, this global platform has consistently provided photographers with recognition opportunities while showcasing their ability to transform fleeting moments into enduring artistic expressions. The latest season distinguished itself through its international scope and the participation of two highly acclaimed photographers serving as judges: Nastya Gia and Donatella Nicolini.

Nastya Gia brought over six years of specialized maternity photography experience to the judging panel, known for her elegant style inspired by editorial photography. Her global influence extends through international photo sessions, masterclasses, and online courses that have educated more than 1,000 students worldwide. Gia's work has received significant media attention, appearing in numerous magazines and on book covers, establishing her as a leading voice in the field.

Donatella Nicolini contributed her unique blend of classic elegance and bold creativity to the judging process. Her distinguished career includes being named Maternity Photographer of the Year in 2020 and Family Photographer of the Year in 2021 by the Society of Photographers in London. Nicolini made history as the first maternity photographer to achieve Canon EMEA Ambassador status. Her impressive portfolio features publications in Vanity Fair, Elle, Marie Claire, and Rolling Stone, with Forbes recognizing her talent by including her in the 2023 100 Successful Women list.

The judging process, overseen by Gia and Nicolini, maintained rigorous standards focused on selecting photographs that demonstrated both technical excellence and the ability to capture the essence of motherhood and family relationships. Their combined expertise ensured the award continued to uphold its reputation for celebrating truly outstanding work in maternity and family photography. Eliane Pellegrini, Co-Founder of the Outstanding Maternity Award, emphasized the significance of maternity photography in capturing the emotional and transformative aspects of motherhood, noting photographers' unique ability to portray love, connection, and timeless beauty that resonates across cultures and generations.

The impact of the Outstanding Maternity Award extends beyond individual recognition, serving as a catalyst for bringing people together while inspiring new perspectives on family and motherhood. The contest's global reach demonstrates photography's power to transcend language and cultural barriers, creating shared appreciation for artistic expressions of universal human experiences. As the award looks toward future seasons, it continues playing a vital role in the photography community by providing a platform for talented artists to showcase their work, thereby elevating the entire field of maternity and family photography. Photographers and enthusiasts can view the winning entries from the 34th season by visiting https://www.outstandingmaternityaward.com/winners, where the gallery showcases diverse and captivating work that earned recognition in this year's competition.