Winners of 2018 Birth Photography Contest Celebrate Magic Moments of Childbirth

Newborn Photography

“Stunning Siblings First Encounter,” First Place Winner, Photo: Marijke Thoen Birthphotography

Childbirth represents one of the greatest—and most rewarding—challenges that a human can endure. Every year, the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) celebrate this poignant experience with their annual birth photography contest. As an online community of over 1,200 members in 42 countries, they host the Image Competition in an effort to “share the beauty of birth with the world.”

The 2018 winners were recently announced, and within the scope of the competition, history was made. In 2016, photographer Marijke Thoen Geboortefotografie won the grand prize for her image of a water birth. “The beautiful baby in that photo is now a big sister,” the competition explains, “and [Geboortefotografie] has won the 2018 competition with an image featuring the adorable siblings!”

In addition to Geboortefotografie’s awe-inspiring photograph, IAPBP has selected winners in categories including Labor, Delivery, Postpartum, and Birth Details, as well as the top portraits chosen by its members. Each image represents its own incredible journey and is a testament to just how amazing our bodies are. See the artful birth photos below.

Each year, the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers hosts an Image Competition featuring the best in birth photography.

Newborn Photography

“Nowhere and Everywhere,” Best in Category: Labor, Photo: Rebecca Coursey

Birth Photography Contest

“En Caul Baby Birth,” Best in Category: Delivery, Photo: Daniela Justus

Newborn Photography

“Flesh of My Flesh,” Best in Category: Postpartum, Photo: Esther Edith

Birth Photography Contest

“Birth of a Brother,” Best In Category: Birth Details, Photo: Daniela Justus

Newborn Photography

“Three Become Four,” Members Choice Winner, Photo: Esther Edith

Photo of Baby Being Born

“Take My Hand, Hold My Heart,” Members Choice Best in Category: Postpartum, Photo: Tamara Milldove

Birth Photography Contest

“Birthing Waves,” Honorable Mention, Photo: Robin Baker

Birth Photography Contest

“Touch,” Honorable Mention, Photo: Krista Evans

Birth Photography Contest

“Labor by Candlelight,” Honorable Mention, Photo: Ashley Marston

Birth Photography Contest

“Nurse Linda,” Honorable Mention, Photo: Tammy Karin

Birth Photography Contest

“Fist Bump for Mom,” Honorable Mention, Photo: Neely Ker-Fox

Newborn Photography

“A Physiological Third Stage,” Honorable Mention, Photo: Paige Driscoll

Newborn Photography

“Love Complete,” Honorable Mention, Photo: Marjolein Loppies

Newborn Photography

“Admiration and Relief,” Honorable Mention, Photo: Kandyce Joeline

Newborn Photography

“Underwater Scream,” Honorable Mention, Photo: Caroline Devulder

Newborn Photography

“How Big,” Honorable Mention, Photo: Megan Brock

IAPBP: Website | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by IAPBP.

Related Articles:

Heartfelt Moments of Mothers Supporting Their Daughters Through Childbirth

Powerfully Revealing Portraits of Mothers’ Bodies After Childbirth

Intimate Photo Goes Viral for Quietly Celebrating a Nurse Who Helps Deliver Babies

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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