Valerie Kay Photography Named Top 16 Maternity Portrait Artist at International Photography Competition
Valerie Kay Photography is proud to announce that studio owner and lead photographer Valerie Steinkoenig, an Austin maternity photographer, has been named a Silver Medalist and Top 16 Maternity and Newborn Portrait Artist at the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) 2026 International Photographic Competition.
Her award-winning image, “Divine Expectations,” advanced into the final Round of 16 during live judging at Imaging USA in Nashville, Tennessee. Imaging USA is the photography industry’s premier international conference and competition event.
Out of more than 2,000 professional images submitted worldwide, only 128 images earned Silver Medal distinction, placing this achievement among the highest honors in professional photography.
A National Honor for a Round Rock Maternity Photographer
As a maternity photographer serving Round Rock, North Austin, Georgetown, Cedar Park, and surrounding Central Texas communities, Valerie’s recognition reflects years of dedication to artistic excellence, professional education, and creating meaningful portrait experiences for mothers and growing families.
The International Photographic Competition is judged by an elite panel of industry leaders who evaluate images based on:
- Technical excellence
- Lighting and composition
- Artistic vision
- Emotional impact
- Storytelling
Being named among the Top 16 maternity and newborn portrait artists worldwide places Valerie Kay Photography at the highest professional standard in the portrait industry.
About the Award-Winning Image: Divine Expectations
“Divine Expectations” was created as part of Valerie’s signature maternity portrait work, blending fine art styling, intentional lighting, and emotional storytelling.
Each maternity session at Valerie Kay Photography is designed to celebrate motherhood with:
- Professional studio lighting
- Guided posing and styling
- Access to the studio’s curated maternity wardrobe
- A relaxed, personalized experience
- Museum-quality finished artwork
This award represents the same level of care and craftsmanship delivered to every client who steps into the VKP studio.
Why Professional Recognition Matters for Clients
Choosing an award-winning maternity photographer ensures more than beautiful images. It means working with a photographer who has demonstrated mastery in:
- Lighting and skin tone accuracy
- Artistic composition
- Consistent professional quality
- Safety and comfort during sessions
- High-end print and product standards
At Valerie Kay Photography, this recognition reinforces a long-standing commitment to providing heirloom-quality portrait artwork that families will treasure for generations.
Serving Central Texas Mothers Since 2012
Valerie Steinkoenig has specialized in maternity and portrait photography since opening her studio in 2012. Over the years, her work has been recognized at both the state and national levels and continues to evolve through professional education and competition.
Her North Austin studio serves clients from:
- Round Rock
- Austin
- Georgetown
- Cedar Park
- Pflugerville
- Leander
This is not the first time Valerie Steinkoenig’s work has received national recognition. In 2019, she was named a Top 10 Finalist in PPA’s International Photographic Competition (IPC) and was also selected as a GIA (Grand Imaging Awards) Finalist in the General Portrait category. These honors, combined with her recent Top 16 Silver Medal placement, reflect Valerie’s long-standing commitment to artistic excellence and continued professional growth.
Schedule Your Maternity Session with Valerie Kay Photography
If you are searching for an award-winning maternity photographer in Round Rock or North Austin, Valerie Kay Photography offers a full-service studio experience designed to celebrate this season of life with timeless artwork.