02 Oct September 2026 Inspired Magazine: Featuring the 2026 International Competition Winners!
The September 2026 issue of NAPCP Inspired is all about celebrating creativity, connection, and the incredible work being created within the NAPCP community.
This month, we’re showcasing the winning images from the 2026 NAPCP International Image Competition, sharing highlights from our recent NAPCP Getaway in Asheville, North Carolina, and featuring beautiful work inspired by our Nature theme. We’re also looking ahead to upcoming education, certification opportunities, and ways for NAPCP members to get involved.
Celebrating the 2026 International Image Competition Winners
One of the highlights of this issue is our celebration of the photographers recognized in the 2026 NAPCP International Image Competition.
Each year, NAPCP members have the opportunity to submit their work for recognition across multiple photography categories. First, second, and third place awards are presented, along with Merit Recognition for the top five percent of highest-scoring entries.
But this issue goes beyond simply showing the winning photographs.
Throughout the magazine, you’ll hear directly from the photographers behind the images as they share the inspiration, challenges, creative decisions, and personal stories that shaped their work. From photographing unpredictable toddlers to creating meaningful maternity portraits, documenting childhood, and experimenting with studio lighting, these conversations offer a deeper look at what goes into creating award-winning photography.
It’s a reminder that a strong image is rarely just about technical perfection. It can also come from patience, storytelling, experimentation, emotion, and a willingness to keep pushing creatively.
A Look Back at the NAPCP Getaway in Asheville
We’re also taking you behind the scenes of our September NAPCP Getaway in Asheville, North Carolina, hosted by Valerie Eidson.
From September 14–17, NAPCP members gathered in the Blue Ridge Mountains for several days of photography, education, creativity, community service, and connection.
One of the most meaningful parts of the getaway was a service project at the Asheville Botanical Gardens at UNCA, where attendees photographed local families who had been impacted by Hurricane Helene. For families who had lost homes, treasured belongings, and photographs, the sessions offered something tangible to hold onto as they moved forward.
The group also spent time photographing at the Biltmore Estate, where Valerie styled both a senior model and a family for creative shootouts. Photographers experimented with composition, movement, light, crystals, reflections, and other techniques designed to encourage them to step outside their usual approach and play creatively.
The recap is a beautiful look at what makes NAPCP Getaways so special: learning from one another, creating new work, serving together, and building relationships that extend far beyond the event itself.
Inspired by Nature
This month’s magazine also features work submitted around our Nature theme.
We love seeing how differently members interpret the same idea, and these featured images are another example of the range of creativity within the NAPCP community. Whether nature becomes the backdrop, the subject, or an integral part of the story, each photographer brings a unique perspective to the theme.
And while you’re enjoying this month’s features, we hope they inspire you to start thinking about what you might create next.
Our Next Theme: Light
The next Inspired theme is Light, and we want to see how you interpret it.
That could mean dramatic studio lighting, golden-hour portraits, window light, shadows, backlighting, or something completely unexpected. There is no single way to approach the theme—we want to see what light looks like through your creative lens. Submissions are due December 1. Click here to submit.
What’s Coming Up at NAPCP
There’s plenty happening in the months ahead.
Master Photographer Certification in Fine Art opens November 9, so now is a great time to start reviewing your portfolio and preparing the images you’d like to submit.
Our next NAPCP Social takes place October 14 with Valerie Eidson, who will be teaching photographers how to use off-camera flash outdoors with confidence—helping you create intentional light without having to wait for perfect conditions.
And don’t forget about NAPCP Office Hours, our monthly opportunity to ask questions, talk through your business, and connect with other photographers who understand the challenges and opportunities of building a photography career.
Read the September Issue of Inspired
This issue is filled with beautiful photography, thoughtful artist perspectives, creative inspiration, and a glimpse into what’s happening throughout the NAPCP community.
Whether you’re looking for ideas to push your own work forward, curious about what goes into an award-winning image, or simply want to celebrate the incredible photographers within NAPCP, we hope you’ll spend some time exploring the September 2026 issue of Inspired.
Read the latest issue, get inspired, and then start creating something of your own.
From Feature to Forever
If you were featured in this issue, this moment deserves more than a quick scroll. As photographers, we spend your careers capturing meaningful milestones for everyone else—yet so often, our own achievements go undocumented. This is one of those milestones worth keeping. Years from now, you’ll be glad you ordered the issue that featured your work. Seeing your work in print is a powerful reminder of how far you’ve come, while giving you something tangible to share with clients, display in your studio, and keep as part of your brand story. Don’t let this accomplishment live only on a screen. Order your copy of the magazine and celebrate your feature in a way that lasts. These issues also make a meaningful gift for the clients who supported your journey or who are featured in your images—something they’ll treasure for years to come.
Don’t forget to tag #NAPCP on social media. We can celebrate your feature together. The NAPCP team can’t wait to see your posts!
