The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) just announced its 2020 Image Contest winners and YOU GUYS…the talent displayed in these images is BREATHTAKING. Over 700 entries were made from 22 countries in 6 categories including: overall winner, birth details, delivery, labor, fresh 48, and postpartum. Winners were chosen on a point system and judged on technique, lighting, composition, emotional impact, creativity and storytelling. I proudly entered 5 of my own images:
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Unfortunately I didn’t win, but to even have my work be considered among so many talented photographers is truly an honor. Some might find not winning to be deflating, but I have had the exact opposite reaction. Seeing these gorgeous images has given me motivation, inspiration, and aspiration…all the -ations!…for the coming year. I’m going to post the winners below, and if you want to see all the entries, you can visit here.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!!!
“ I just have to say that this was the single most beautiful collection of birth images I’ve ever had the privilege of judging. You ALL should be very proud!!!”
I nearly couldn’t handle these photos! I recorded my first child being born and still can’t handle watching it. IDK just not my thing, but giving birth is for sure some sort of miracle. I gave birth to three babies, and gosh …. it’s the hardest most rewarding experience I’ve ever had.
I get it! It’s such a personal experience, so of course the decision to capture it in photos would be personal as well!
I admit that before finding your blog and seeing your photos, not being a mother, I had no idea what the birth really was and you sent me all the emotions of this magical moment.
Thanks Cristina! It’s a powerful, magical moment indeed!
Seriously amazing photographs for sure and loved each and every one Denial may be one of my faves….. but definitely enjoyed the post and this amazing collection of gorgeous photos 🙂
Aww, I know…isn’t that the sweetest?? Thank you for your kind words.
I’ll admit. I am a woman who’s never had birth and these pictures made me a little uncomfortable…but not because of how they were graphic or anything,but because it felt like such an intimate moment I felt like I was intruding on them or something. There is beauty in every one of these photos. I certainly won’t forget about them any time soon.
Thank you so much for reading Cathy! I know it can feel like you’re intruding, but each of these mamas were excited to have people share in their moment and see the beauty in their birth. They are so strong and brave!
Wow, birth photography is mesmerising. I find documenting a birth so important, for the mother, father, and for the photographer too as you are telling a story.
I couldn’t agree more!
Wow! These are such raw and powerful images. Congrats to all the winners!
I agree! Thank you for reading!
My son just watched his baby girl being born. It was a very touching and miraculous time for them all. I remember it well with my 4 children.
Awww, congrats to your son and to you on your new granddaughter!! <3
Wow, these really are well-captured moments in time. You have such a good attitude about being inspired vs. deflated. Hopefully we’ll see one of your images recognized next year!
xoxo
Lisa | @occasionallyluxe
https://www.occasionallyluxe.com
Thank you so much Lisa! Fingers crossed for next year. 🙂
Oh wow, these are some incredible shots! All are beautiful and a miracle too!
I couldn’t agree more!
Wow those pictures are so beautiful and capture birth is such an amazing way. Love them, what a great collection
Right!? So inspiring!
I am speechless!!! The pictures are absolutely gorgeous!!! Very intimate and telling…wow…Just wow…
Thanks Chad!
Wow!! These are amazing!! The layers of birth is an absolutely incredible photograph – one that I can see winning in ANY completion. The layers and depth…. just incredible!
And that baby girl curled up in the newborn bed just about melted my heart into a puddle!!
Thank you for sharing these Nicole!!
Awww, I know…that’s my fave too! So sweet.
Wow these are some incredible photos. I was taken aback at first because I was not expecting to see such a real and unfiltered look at the birthgiving process. Truly shows the bravery of every mother.
Thank you for being brave enough to keep reading! 😉
These photos are so powerful. It definitely captured the stages of childbirth. The strength of women seems to shout out from the photos! Thanks for sharing the winning photos and congratulations to the winners!
I agree! The photographers really did an amazing job at capturing what these moms went through.
What a raw, breathtaking look into the process…giving life is one of the most beautiful things women have been blessed to do. So inspiring and heartwarming!
It really is! Thank you for reading!
These photos are absolutely breathtaking and beautiful.
oh wow these photos are trully breath taking and for me as a mum they bring so many beautiful memories
Fascinating photos. The moments captured are memorable just like childbirth. I admire the strength of this lady.
These are such vulnerable photos of one of the most intimate moments of someone’s life. It’s incredible to see these shots.
Such powerful shots. What an intimate way of showing the birthing journey of these mothers who are not short of being superheroes.
Some of these photo are really good, wow! The definitely deserved to win. Your photos are great too, maybe you will have better luck next year.
Gosh I just love birth so much. Stunning photos. Do you have to be a member to enter?