The Outstanding Photo Award has announced the winners of its 42nd season, celebrating exceptional family and maternity photography. Released on October 20, the winning collection features work from photographers across 11 countries: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United States. The announcement underscores the award's growing international reach and its role in setting a high standard for maternity and family photography.
Entries were judged by a distinguished panel featuring industry leaders Sam Sacramento and Elizabeth Alemán. Sacramento, a photographer with over 200 awards and ranked among the top five globally by organizations including the SWPP, WPE, WPI, and WPC, returned to the panel after first serving in 2018. His signature style blends refined editorial aesthetics with candid documentary storytelling, and his 18-year career spanning 31 countries has established him as one of the industry's most influential luxury wedding photographers. Alemán, a maternity photographer, educator, and speaker, brings eight years of experience and a distinct creative voice that attracts international clients. She has mentored photographers across Mexico, the United States, and Latin America, and has been a featured exhibitor at WPPI for over six years. Their combined expertise ensures that the winning images represent the highest standards in the field.
At its heart, the award is built on community, bringing photographers together across borders to share ideas and perspectives. Eliane Pellegrini, who founded the organization in 2014, reflects on what makes each season special: "It is always moving to see the final winning images come together. The selected work clearly showcases the highest standard in maternity and family photography today, capturing authentic personal stories." This emphasis on authentic storytelling and cross-cultural exchange highlights why the award matters: it not only recognizes individual talent but also fosters a global network of photographers dedicated to elevating their craft.
The full collection of Season 42 winning photographs is now live on the Outstanding Photo Award website. Submissions for Season 43 are officially open for photographers looking to enter the upcoming round. Established in 2014, the award celebrates the art of maternity and family photography, bringing together talented photographers from across the globe. It serves as a means for photographers to stand out, receive proper recognition for their art, increase their visibility, and reach new audiences. As the award continues to grow, its implications for the photography industry are clear: it provides a platform for artists to gain international exposure and validates the importance of maternity and family photography as a vital genre.
