The Outstanding Photo Award has officially announced the winners of its 42nd season, celebrating exceptional family and maternity photography. Released on October 20, this season's 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 footprint and its role in elevating maternity and family photography as a recognized art form.
Entries were judged by a distinguished panel featuring industry leaders Sam Sacramento and Elizabeth Alemán. Sacramento, known for his strong craftsmanship, brings together every key element of fine art photography to create compelling imagery. A photographer with over 200 awards, he has been ranked among the top five globally by respected organizations including the SWPP, WPE, WPI, and WPC. After first serving on the panel in 2018, he returned this season to lend his expertise once again. His signature style blends refined editorial aesthetics with candid documentary storytelling. Over an 18-year career spanning 31 countries, Sacramento has photographed high-profile events and celebrities, establishing himself as one of the industry's most influential luxury wedding photographers.
Elizabeth Alemán, with eight years of experience behind the lens, has built a strong reputation as a maternity photographer, educator, and speaker. Her work combines elegance, meticulous attention to detail, and a distinct creative voice that attracts international clients. Her background behind the camera naturally transitioned into teaching, leading her to mentor photographers across Mexico, the United States, and Latin America. Alemán has been a featured exhibitor at WPPI for over six years, delivered keynotes at the Expo Photo Master Class in Mexico and the WPPI Latin Summit, and serves as an ambassador for Baby Dreams Backdrops. Her goal is to capture the beauty of pregnancy and elevate maternity photography into art.
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."
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 Outstanding Photo Award celebrates the art of maternity and family photography, bringing together talented photographers from across the globe. The award is a means for photographers to stand out, receive proper recognition for their art, increase their visibility, and reach new audiences.
For the photography industry, the announcement signals the continued globalization of niche genres and the value of peer-reviewed recognition. Photographers who earn such accolades can leverage them to attract clients and build credibility. The involvement of high-profile judges like Sacramento and Alemán adds prestige to the award, potentially drawing more entries and attention to the maternity and family photography market. As the award opens Season 43 submissions, it offers photographers worldwide a platform to gain international exposure and connect with a community that spans continents.
