“Road to Delivery,” First Place Winner. Image via Jaydene Freund – Cradled Creations.
Childbirth is one of the most poignant experiences we can have as humans. The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers works to capture these magical moments during the birthing process for families.
The association is comprised of more than 1,200 photographers in 42 countries and they recently announced the winners of their annual Birth Photography Competition. Birth photographers competed in four categories—labor, delivery, birth details, and postpartum.
This special group of photographers, selected to shoot these highly intimate moments, focus on capturing the emotion of the birthing process. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and babies are skillfully photographed in a wide range of situations that show the beautiful range of childbirth possibilities.
Aside from the individual category winners, 21 photographers were awarded honorable mentions for their impressive work. “Birth photography is a highly specialized field and the choice to have the experience documented is an intensely personal decision,” IAPBP shares in a statement. “It involves the birth process, environment, the parents and those in attendance. Birth photography encompasses the tears of joy, the wonder of bringing a new life into the world and celebrates family. The photographers who specialize in the field use their art to tell the story of birth.”
The winners of the 2017 Birth Photography Competition highlight the beautiful emotions surrounding childbirth.
“Straight from Heaven,” Best in Category: Postpartum. Image via Natasha Hance – Birth Unscripted.
“With A Splash,” Best in Category: Delivery. Image via Elizabeth Farnsworth Photography
“Determination,” Best in Category: Labor. Image via Katie Mathis Photography.
“She holds her daughter’s fingers in awe and wonder,” Honorable mention. Image via The He{ART} of Motherhood.
“Three’s Not A Crowd,” Honorable mention. Image via Snap Life Photography.
“Honoring the Temple,” Honorable mention. Image via Elliana Gilbert Photography.
“Joyful Finale,” Honorable mention. Image via Elise Hurst Photography.
“As she rose from the depths into the hands of love,” Honorable mention. Image via Tree of Life Doula Photography.
“Hello Before Goodbye,” Honorable mention. Image via Sarah Boccolucci Photography + Birth Services.
“A Sister Is Born,” Honorable mention. Image via Rebecca Coursey Photographer + Doula.