ALBERTA, March 23, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Celebrating excellence in photography since 2014, the award continues to recognize the world's most talented artists.

This season's winners represent an impressive global reach, featuring photographers from 17 countries:

Turkey, France, Canada, Russia, USA, Belgium, Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Brazil, Japan, Italy, Cyprus, Ukraine, Germany, Switzerland, Dominican Republic, and Iran.

The Outstanding Maternity Award accepts a wide range of photography under the theme of family, showcasing diverse styles and perspectives. To learn more, visit the official website: Outstanding Maternity Award.

Professional Growth and Global Community
Eliane Pellegrini, a photographer based in Canada, has followed the Outstanding Maternity Award closely since its inception. She notes the profound impact the award has on the industry:

"It is a joy to witness the professional growth of these photographers. Beyond attracting clients who seek high-end, comprehensive photography, many winners are recruited as speakers for major international congresses. The award brings together photographers from every corner of the globe, encouraging them to remain among the elite professionals in family photography."

Season 39 Judges:

Chiho Majima
Japan

Chiho Majima specializes in elegant and artistic newborn, baby, and family photography. After graduating from university, she spent 25 years working at an advertising agency, primarily in television and radio media. In 2018, she began her career in newborn photography and has since become widely recognized for creating refined, beautiful posing while placing the highest priority on newborn safety.

Her work is defined by timeless, luxurious imagery that preserves precious moments—photographs that continue to evoke warmth and emotion even many years later. Appointed as a Safety Ambassador of the Japan Newborn Photography Safety Association, she is deeply committed to safe, ethical, and responsible newborn photography. Her work is highly regarded for its balance of artistic beauty, strict safety standards, and gentle, baby-led posing techniques.

Since 2022, she has also been active in education, leading newborn and baby photography workshops and running a professional training program for newborn photographers. These workshops and courses are consistently fully booked, with ongoing demand from photographers both in Japan and internationally.

Luiza Avetisyan
Ukraine

Luiza Avetisyan is a professional studio photographer specializing in elegant, emotional portraiture with a refined, light-focused aesthetic. Her work combines artistic direction with deep technical expertise, helping clients feel confident, comfortable, and beautifully seen in front of the camera.

With years of experience working with women and families, Luiza creates timeless imagery that highlights connection, softness, and authenticity. She has built an international teaching practice, delivering photography workshops and masterclasses in multiple countries, including the United States and Canada, and mentoring photographers on lighting, communication, and creative direction.

Luiza is the creator of the educational project ProArt and is currently writing a book focused on developing a structured system for understanding and mastering light in studio photography. She also runs her own creative showroom, where unique custom looks and outfits are developed specifically for her photoshoots, adding a distinctive signature style to her work.

Cover images by: Mio Azumi, Olga Schulz, Krystynka Fulawka, Davide Mellone, Neven Ivanov, Kristina Stankic, Ayumi Asai, Sandra Moncyte.

Outstanding Maternity Award - Outstanding Photo 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 is a means for photographers to stand out, receive proper recognition for their art, increase their visibility, and reach new audiences.

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