Breathtaking award-winning photos show the beauty and bravery of birth

Birth Story

February 7, 2020

birth

fresh 48 and newborn

maternity

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My blog is where I can show you more than just a single Instagram-worthy snapshot, but tell the entire story of a session from start to finish. Enjoy!

Maternity

Birth

Fresh 48

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Hi I'm Nicole

Newborn

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!!!

— Leilani Parente Rogers, Judge
  1. Brandy says:

    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.

    • Nicole Bertrand says:

      I get it! It’s such a personal experience, so of course the decision to capture it in photos would be personal as well!

  2. Cristina Petrini says:

    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.

  3. Melissa Cushing says:

    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 🙂

  4. Cathy says:

    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.

    • Nicole Bertrand says:

      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!

  5. 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.

  6. Heather says:

    Wow! These are such raw and powerful images. Congrats to all the winners!

  7. Rosey says:

    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.

  8. Lisa says:

    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

  9. Lisa says:

    Oh wow, these are some incredible shots! All are beautiful and a miracle too!

  10. Monica Y says:

    Wow those pictures are so beautiful and capture birth is such an amazing way. Love them, what a great collection

  11. Chad says:

    I am speechless!!! The pictures are absolutely gorgeous!!! Very intimate and telling…wow…Just wow…

  12. Renee says:

    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!!

  13. Jay Aguirre says:

    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.

  14. Kristine Nicole Alessandra says:

    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!

  15. Catherine says:

    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!

  16. Lashunta says:

    These photos are absolutely breathtaking and beautiful.

  17. pati robins says:

    oh wow these photos are trully breath taking and for me as a mum they bring so many beautiful memories

  18. Myrah says:

    Fascinating photos. The moments captured are memorable just like childbirth. I admire the strength of this lady.

  19. These are such vulnerable photos of one of the most intimate moments of someone’s life. It’s incredible to see these shots.

  20. Puja says:

    Such powerful shots. What an intimate way of showing the birthing journey of these mothers who are not short of being superheroes.

  21. Joanna says:

    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.

  22. Recoveringsuperwoman says:

    Gosh I just love birth so much. Stunning photos. Do you have to be a member to enter?

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