Austin Newborn Photography Owner Named Top 16 Maternity & Newborn Portrait Artist at International Photography Competition
Austin Newborn Photography is proud to share that owner and lead photographer Valerie Steinkoenig has earned a Silver Medal and Top 16 placement in the Maternity and Newborn category at the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) 2026 International Photographic Competition.
For families searching for an Austin newborn photographer, this recognition reflects the level of care, experience, and artistry that goes into every studio newborn session.
Her award-winning image, “Divine Expectations,” advanced into the final Round of 16 during live judging at Imaging USA in Nashville, Tennessee. Out of more than 2,000 professional image submissions, only 128 images nationwide earned Silver Medal recognition.
This achievement places Austin Newborn Photography among the top professional newborn portrait studios in the country.
What This Award Means for Austin Newborn Photography Families
International photography awards reflect technical excellence, artistry, and professional standards. For families choosing Austin Newborn Photography, this recognition reinforces a commitment to:
- Safe newborn posing practices
- Studio-controlled lighting environments
- High-end professional retouching
- Consistent image quality
- Ongoing professional education
Valerie Steinkoenig is APNPI Newborn Safety Certified and a Registered Qualified Newborn Photographer, ensuring every newborn session is conducted with baby safety as the top priority.
About the International Photographic Competition
The PPA International Photographic Competition is one of the most respected professional photography competitions in the world. Judges evaluate entries based on:
- Lighting and exposure
- Technical precision
- Composition
- Artistic impact
- Emotional storytelling
Only a small percentage of submitted images earn Silver Medal distinction, with fewer advancing into the final Round of 16.
Award-Winning Newborn Photography in North Austin
Austin Newborn Photography operates from a fully equipped North Austin studio designed specifically for newborn portrait sessions.
Each session includes:
- Temperature-controlled studio environment
- Professional newborn posing equipment
- Studio wardrobe and wraps
- Multiple styled setups
- Optional family and sibling portraits
- A calm, baby-led workflow
This Silver Medal recognition reflects the same care, patience, and artistry delivered to every newborn session.
Serving Austin and Surrounding Communities Since 2012
Valerie Steinkoenig has specialized in newborn and portrait photography in Central Texas since opening her studio in 2012. Her North Austin studio serves families throughout:
- Austin
- Round Rock
- Cedar Park
- Georgetown
- Pflugerville
- Leander
Professional Recognition Beyond 2026
Valerie Steinkoenig’s professional recognition spans multiple years at the national level. In 2019, she earned a Top 10 placement at PPA’s International Photographic Competition (IPC) and was named a GIA (Grand Imaging Awards) Finalist in the General Portrait category, reinforcing her consistent dedication to high-level artistry across multiple portrait disciplines.
Book an Award-Winning Newborn Photography Experience
If you are searching for an award-winning newborn photographer in Austin or North Austin, Austin Newborn Photography offers a professional, full-service studio experience focused on safety, artistry, and timeless imagery.
