25 Feb NAPCP Announces Our 2025 Photographer of the Year: Julie Hamlin of Sacred Sage Photography
The National Association of Portrait & Child Photographers (NAPCP) is overjoyed to celebrate our 2025 Photographer of the Year—Julie Hamlin of Sacred Sage Photography.
Julie is the kind of artist whose work stops you mid-scroll… and the kind of human who makes you feel instantly seen. She’s spent years pouring into this community with a rare blend of excellence, warmth, and quiet leadership—and we’re honored to recognize her with NAPCP’s highest award.
This year, we got to celebrate her in the most meaningful way: we surprised Julie with the announcement in person during Camp Inspired last month. The room was bursting with emotion—pure joy, happy tears, and the kind of “this is what community feels like” moment we’ll never forget. Everyone in attendance was sworn to secrecy, holding the surprise close for weeks because we wanted Julie to experience it surrounded by the people who know her heart and have watched her pour into others again and again.
Then, to make the celebration even sweeter, Julie traveled to New York City with her family to see her announcement featured on a billboard in Times Square—a once-in-a-lifetime moment, made even more special with the people she loves most by her side.
“Julie Hamlin of Sacred Sage Photography is one of those people who just is NAPCP—she’s the heart, the joy, the steady encouragement, the ‘come sit with us’ kind of friend—and I could not be more excited to celebrate her as our 2025 NAPCP Photographer of the Year. Kyu and I have known Julie for over five years, and watching her show up for this community has been one of the sweetest gifts. She’s been an active member for so long, and truly one of our most dedicated Ambassadors—always serving, always connecting people, always cheering others on. Julie also hosted our very first NAPCP Adventure at White Sands, and it was so her—beautiful, intentional, welcoming, and filled with the kind of connection that reminds you why this work matters. I love Julie’s heart for photography, for teaching, for caring for her clients so deeply, and for giving back to the community around her. She leads with so much talent and so much humility, and she is a shining example of the kind of photographer (and human) we’re proud to stand behind. We love her so much, and I’m honestly just thrilled that the whole world gets to celebrate her with us.” – Alice & Kyu Park, Founders of NAPCP
Why Julie Was Chosen as NAPCP Photographer of the Year
Julie is being recognized not only for her talent behind the camera, but for the way she shows up in the world of photography—with intention, integrity, and heart. Julie embodies what this award represents through:
- A singular creative vision that inspires and elevates the NAPCP community
- Professional integrity and a deep respect for the craft and the client experience
- Consistently strong, technically robust work with emotional impact and artistic excellence
- Meaningful community involvement through service, encouragement, and leadership
- A true, all-encompassing representation of NAPCP
A Community Builder Through and Through
If you’ve ever attended an NAPCP event, participated in our community spaces, or watched an Ambassador bring people together locally—you know how much it matters to have leaders who make the room feel lighter and safer and more connected.
That’s Julie.
She has been one of our most dedicated Ambassadors for years—always the one cheering people on, welcoming the new faces, and reminding photographers that they belong here. And when Julie hosted our very first NAPCP Adventure at White Sands, it set the tone for what these experiences could be: beautiful, intentional, and deeply connected. It was the kind of gathering that reminds you why we do this work in the first place.
About the NAPCP Image Competitions
With interest and participation continuing to grow each year, the NAPCP competitions draw thousands of image submissions across a wide range of portrait genres—including babies & toddlers, children, family, maternity, newborn, senior, siblings, and studio portraiture.
A panel of respected photography experts critiques submissions for impact, technical merit, composition, storytelling, and creativity. Winners are recognized with medallions, directory distinction, features across NAPCP platforms, and points toward membership achievements and honors.
Julie’s Photographer of the Year Prize Package
As NAPCP Photographer of the Year, Julie’s prize package includes:
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- $1,500 Cash Prize
- Lifetime Membership to NAPCP
- Winning Image displayed in New York Times Square
- Official Press Release
- Feature in Inspired Magazine
- Features across NAPCP social media
- Prestigious Winning Seal of Distinction
Congratulations, Julie Hamlin!
Julie joins an extraordinary group of artists who have earned this title—and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate her. Her work is breathtaking. Her presence is grounding. Her leadership is generous. And her impact on this community is real.
Congratulations, Julie Hamlin of Sacred Sage Photography—NAPCP’s 2025 Photographer of the Year!
Interested in joining NAPCP and start getting recognized? Start here!
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