“Our Rainbow Baby is Finally Here,” Belle Verdiglione – Belle Verdiglione Photography, Australia, Overall Winner
There is nothing more special than the birth of a child. As loving parents bring new life into the world, many rely on professional birth photographers to immortalize this joyous day. To help celebrate the important work of these photographers, the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) hosts an annual photo competition.
With over 1,000 members in 51 countries, IAPBP is a vital resource for expectant parents to find skilled photographers and videographers that they can trust during this intimate experience. The winners of the 2019 IAPBP Image Competition all show sensitivity and artistry in their work. Spread across five categories—Labor, Delivery, Postpartum, Fresh 48, and Birth Details—the winning photographs show the wide range of emotions experienced by the entire family during these precious moments.
Australian photographer Belle Verdiglione took home to top prize for her stunning black and white photo Our Rainbow Baby is Here. In one image, Verdiglione captures the overwhelming rush of emotions the entire family experiences just after birth. For the family pictured, the moment is made all the sweeter after experiencing loss with their previous child. All the families pictured agree to allow their photos in the contest, and in opening themselves up to the public they are touching so many others who have gone through similar experiences.
In looking at the winners and honorable mentions, we see striking moments of siblings meeting for the first time, the bond between couples during labor, the sweet satisfaction of viewing a newborn, and so much more. Each year, as the association expands, the incredible talent displayed in the photo contest increases and demonstrates the vital role birth photographers play for these families.
The winning images from the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers contest show the vital role these professionals play during childbirth.
“My Love, My Hero,” Cindy Willems – Birth Day Geboortefotografie, Netherlands, Member’s Choice, Labor
“Birth Leaves Its Mark on Us All,” Sarah Widnyana – Life & Lens Photography, Honorable Mention, Birth Details
“A Father is Born,” Heather Nerheim – Wildheart Photography, United States, Honorable Mention, Postpartum
“Sweet Brothers Meeting,” Barbara Aviz – Barbara Aviz Photography, Brazil, Honorable Mention, Fresh 48
“Little Koala,” Dania Watson – Lauren + Douglas, Australia, Honorable Mention, Fresh 48
“This is Us,” Kimberly Kimble – Rushes & Waves, United States, Best in Category, Fresh 48
“They Said I Couldn’t Do It – VBAC Mama,” Brittany Fisher – Micah Lynn Birth Stories, United States, Member’s Choice, Delivery
“Her Rainbow is Here,” Bree Garcia – J&B Photography, United States. Honorable Mention, Postpartum
“The Emotions of a Big Brother to Be,” Bree Garcia – J&B Photography, United States. Honorable Mention, Birth Details
“Peek-A-Boo,” Heather Sears – Heather Sears Photography, Member’s Choice, Postpartum
“Wake Up,” Sarah Romero – Sarah Elizabeth Photography, United States, Honorable Mention, Fresh 48
“The Final Separation,” Lawren Snapka – Lawren Rose Photography, United States, Honorable Mention, Birth Details
“Water Birth in Sunset,” Dora Barens – Dora Barens Geboortefotografie, Netherlands, Best in Category, Labor
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” Deborah Elenter, Uruguay, Honorable Mention, Postpartum
“With Woman,” Amanda Ditzel – Raleigh Birth Photography, United States, Honorable Mention, Labor
“Enveloped,” Samantha Evans – Sevan Photography, Canada, Best in Category, Birth Details
“Many Hands,” Ashley Marston – Ashley Marston Photography, Canada, Best in Category, Delivery
“Sister in Arms,” Deborah Elenter, Uruguay, Honorable Mention, Fresh 48
“Needing Space,” Shea Long – Coastal Lifestyles Photography, Canada, Honorable Mention, Labor
“The Most Glorious Cleansing of All,” Jerusha Sutton – Jerusha Sutton Photography, Australia, Best in Category, Postpartum
IAPBP: Website | Facebook | Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by IAPBP.
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