Outstanding Maternity Award
Established in 2014, the Outstanding Maternity Award celebrates the art of maternity and family photography, bringing together talented photographers from across the globe.
The award serves as a platform for photographers to showcase their work, gain well-deserved recognition for their art, amplify their notoriety, and reach new audiences.
Submit your photos for Season 36!
JUDGES
Elif Es
Germany
Elif holds a Master's degree in International Photography, focusing on newborn photography.
Her work reflects a refined aesthetic and her deep commitment to safety and care in every session.
She applies her training in baby massage and first aid to create a calm and secure environment where families feel at ease and newborns receive the utmost care.
With a sharp eye for detail and a genuine sense of empathy, she photographs expectant mothers, newborns, and couples — always capturing moments that feel honest and full of emotion. In 2021, Elif served as a judge for the Outstanding Maternity Award. The invitation reflected the recognition and respect she had already earned in the field by that time.
With Elif's extensive experience in newborn, baby, and wedding photography, each session is planned with patience and care, drawing on a deep understanding of the emotions tied to these meaningful moments. She captures the atmosphere and feeling of each experience, creating images that are both timeless and deeply personal.
With a professional approach and artistic sensitivity, Elif preserves each memory in a way that families will cherish for a lifetime.
Mariana Bontempo
Brazil
Mariana Bontempo is a renowned professional artist and photographer with over 10 years of experience, specializing in artistic portraits and children's and family photography.
Born in Brazil, Mariana has been immersed in the arts since childhood, excelling in painting, drawing, classical ballet, and piano.
In 2008, she enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in Fashion and Photography in São Paulo, deepening her expertise in the field. Her work has been exhibited internationally, with notable showcases at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris and Venice.
The photograph displayed at the Louvre was one of the award-winning pieces recognized by the Outstanding Maternity Award, a significant accolade for her excellence in family photography.
Renowned for her outstanding work, Mariana has received numerous international awards for her photography.
Mariana also co-founded the Brazilian Association of Newborn Photographers (ABFRN) to promote safety, education, and professionalism. Through her leadership, she has played a key role in driving the growth and standardization of newborn photography in Brazil.
In addition to her artistic career, Mariana is a renowned educator, leading workshops and lectures in Brazil and abroad.
Among her educational contributions, she has participated in prestigious photography events such as FHOX ON THE ROAD and the FOTOGRAFAR Congress.
