Photographers Capture The Raw Beauty Of Birth In Award-Winning Photos

The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers' annual competition honors the best birth photographs from around the world. These intimate photos highlight the unfiltered beauty of labor, delivery, and the postpartum period — even in the midst of an ongoing pandemic.

“We are incredibly proud of the entrants of this year’s competition because in spite of all we endured in our community in recent months, this contest represents the resistance birth photographers have to overcome unforeseen challenges.,” said Liz Cook, director of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP).

Be sure to check the full 2021 Image Competition online.

First Place Overall

An intimate photo of a father and his daughters by Ashley Marston of Ashley Marston Birth Photography took the competition's First-Place Award overall. Appropriately, the black-and-white photo is titled "Daddy's Girls".

Best In Delivery

A portrait of a mother cradling her newborn titled, “The Greatest Love In The World” taken by Anne Lucy Silva Barbosa of Anne Lucy Fotografia was awarded first place in the Delivery Category by the competition's judges.

Best In Fresh 48

Jami Edgar of Touch of Hart Photography won in the Fresh 48 category with this photo of a mother feeding her newborn. The photo is titled, "Nourish".

Members' Choice: Best In Delivery

[Danny Merz | danny merz

In addition to the juried competition, members of the IAPBP also vote for the Members' Choice Awards.

Danny Merz of danny merz | geburtsreportage was awarded the Members' Choice Award in the Delivery category for this photo of a mother and her newborn taken following a water birth.

Members' Choice: Best In Fresh 48

"Nursing A Newborn" by Carey Lippert of Carey Lauren Photos & Film won the Members' Choice Award in the Fresh 48 category.

Honorable Mention: "Welcome Little Woman"

A mother meets her newborn daughter in this photo by Kate Kennedy of Kate Kennedy Birth Photography.

Honorable Mention: "This Moment 2020"

Kandyce Wagar of Songbird and Oak Photography captures a mother's joy as she holds her newborn for the first time following an outdoor water birth.

Competition Entry: "The Perfect Rainbow"

A colorful photo to mark the arrival of a rainbow baby by Empowered Pathways Doula And Photography was submitted to the Postpartum category.

Competition Entry: "Surrounded By Love"

A new mom's tired smile is the centerpiece of this photo submitted to the Delivery category by Erin Beth Birth.

Competition Entry: "Connection"

Erika Pearce of Erika Pearce Photography, LLC showcases a big sister meeting her new sibling in this black-and-white family portrait.

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