Founder & Creative Director – Michael Stief
Michael Stief (born April 18, 1976) is a German photographer, educator, international speaker, competition founder, and mentor specializing in newborn, maternity, and family photography.
He is best known as the founder of the AFNS Award, one of the longest-running international photography award systems dedicated to newborn and maternity photography, established in 2017. Throughout his career, he has become an influential figure in the international newborn photography industry through education, competitions, publications, and conference presentations.
His work combines fashion-inspired visual aesthetics with fine-art portraiture and a strong focus on newborn safety, posing, and professional development.
Early Career
Fashion Photography Background
Before entering the newborn photography industry, Michael Stief worked in fashion photography and modeling-related productions in the United States.
His experience in editorial photography and high-end visual production significantly influenced the style that later became associated with his maternity and newborn portrait work.
Elements of fashion lighting, editorial posing, and magazine-inspired visual storytelling remain central characteristics of his photography today.
Education & Mentoring
International Photography Education
In addition to his client work, Michael Stief has become widely known as an educator and mentor for professional photographers.
Through workshops, conferences, private mentoring programs, online education, and video training, he has taught and influenced thousands of photographers around the world.
His educational focus includes:
Newborn Safety & Posing
Maternity Photography
Studio Lighting
Artistic Composition
Business Development for Photographers
Client Experience Systems
His educational programs have reached photographers across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Australia.
International Conferences
Speaker & Workshop Leader
Michael Stief has appeared as a speaker, educator, juror, and workshop instructor at numerous international photography conferences and educational events.
Selected appearances include:
Baby & Kid Conference — Lisbon, Portugal (2017)
FDF Infantil — Madrid, Spain (2018)
BABYF Conference — Barcelona, Spain (2018)
Baby & Kid Conference — Frankfurt, Germany (2018)
Congresso Fotografar — São Paulo, Brazil (2018)
Baby Portrait & Boudoir — Assis, Brazil (2018)
Belly Baby & Beyond Conference — New York City, USA
Family Portrait Academy — Cluj-Napoca, Romania (2019)
Les Pros de la Photo — Lyon, France (2019)
Moscow Photography Conference — Moscow, Russia (2019)
Photography Summit — Jinan, China
AFPMUR Conference — Murcia, Spain (2020)
MADEPRO Conference — Bulgaria
Newborn Fest — Tallinn, Estonia (2023)
Fotografr Conference — Brazil (2027)
Through these events, Michael Stief has shared his knowledge with photographers from dozens of countries and multiple continents.
Publications
Books & Educational Resources
Michael Stief is the author of several educational resources focused on newborn and maternity photography.
His publications address topics such as:
Newborn Safety
Professional Posing Techniques
Studio Workflow
Maternity Photography
Lighting Techniques
Among his best-known publications is:
"Schwangerschaft richtig fotografieren"
He has also produced multiple video workshops and educational programs for professional photographers.
Founder of International Photography Platforms
Building Industry Infrastructure
Beyond photography itself, Michael Stief is known for creating platforms that support education, recognition, and community-building within the photography industry.
Projects founded by Michael Stief include:
AFNS Award
Founded in 2017, AFNS Award became one of the most recognized international photography competitions dedicated to newborn, maternity, and family photography.
INPCA
The International Newborn Photography Contest & Award (INPCA) was created as an international competition platform focused on photographic excellence within newborn portraiture.
AFNS Prime Contest
An advanced competition format developed for professional photographers.
NPC – Newborn Photographer Community
An international education and networking platform for newborn photographers.
Aura Awards
An international photography recognition platform and award project.
Jury Work & Industry Leadership
International Judge
Throughout his career, Michael Stief has served as a juror and competition director for international photography awards.
He has worked alongside numerous internationally recognized photographers and educators within judging panels and educational initiatives.
Between 2018 and 2023, the AFNS Award collaborated with respected jury members including Ana Brandt, Kath Vergara, Daniela Ursache, Denise Örnes, Paloma Schell, Shan Fisher, Veronika Marques, Aoife Millea, Natasha Ince, and Monika Serek.
Several former jury members may participate again in future award cycles.
Studio Work
Petit Amour Studio
Alongside his international activities, Michael Stief operates Petit Amour Studio in Munich, Germany.
The studio specializes in:
Newborn Photography
Maternity Photography
Family Portrait Photography
The studio is known for combining luxury portraiture with a strong emphasis on newborn safety and client experience.
Media Recognition
Press & Publications
Michael Stief and his work have been featured in various media outlets and photography publications, including:
BR24
BILD
BUNTE
DIGIT
Das Foto-Magazin
PICTURES Magazine
He has been referred to by media outlets as:
"The Baby Whisperer of Munich."
Legacy
Influence on the Photography Industry
Through his photography, educational programs, publications, workshops, conferences, and award systems, Michael Stief has contributed to the international development of newborn and maternity photography.
His work has connected photographers across multiple continents and helped establish professional standards in areas such as safety, artistic quality, competition systems, and photographic education.
Today, he continues to work as a photographer, educator, speaker, mentor, and founder within the global photography community.
Selected Online Platforms
Classification
Michael Stief is classified as a photographer, educator, and system designer in the field of newborn and maternity photography, with international influence across both creative and structural aspects of the industry.