“A moment of silence, ” First Place Winner, Photo: Jessica Vink of VI-Photography
Childbirth is experienced in so many different ways, and no two families' stories are alike. To record these simultaneously challenging and joyful moments, birth photographers play the part of both documentarian and artist to present labor, delivery, and postpartum in an authentic yet aesthetically pleasing way. The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) has just concluded their 2020 Image of the Year Competition in which they recognize and celebrate the creatives who excel in chronicling all aspects of birth photography.
The Image Competition is open to the more than 1,100 online IAPBP community members who reside in 51 countries around the world. They award a first-place winner as well as the top photographs in categories including Labor, Delivery, Postpartum, and Birth Details, as well as the favorite images as chosen among the members. For 2020, Jessica Vink of VI-Photography took home the top prize for her striking portrait called A Moment of Silence. The image features a mom and her baby taking a well-deserved nap on the couch. Surrounding them are the trappings of newborn motherhood that, while not presented in a glamorous way, is beautiful in its truth. It's birth photography at its best.
Scroll down for more incredible winning entries from the 2020 IAPBP contest. Afterward, visit the Image Competition website to see all of the submissions.
The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers has just announced the top images from the 2020 Image Competition.
“Warrior,” Best in Birth Details, Photo: Bree Garcia of J&B Photography, LLC
“Unmasking the Many Layers of Birth,” Best in Delivery, Photo: Alexandria Mooney of Alexandria Mooney Photography
“Denial,” Best in Fresh 48, Photo: Natalie Weber of Natalie Zepp Photography
“Vernix Constellation,” Best in Postpartum, Photo: Kristy Visscher of Kinship by Kristy
“Morning Light Creeps In,” Best in Labor, Photo: Shea Long of Coastal Lifestyles Photography
“I am a Birthing Goddess,” Best in Labor, Member’s Choice, Photo: Sophia Costa of The Sophia Co
“Her Cup Runneth Over…” Best in Fresh 48, Member’s Choice, Photo: Martha Lerner of zenmamalove
“Baby Noah Empelicado,” Best in Birth Details, Member’s Choice, Photo: Jana Brasil of JanaBrasil Fotografia
“Silence,” Honorable Mention, Photo: Evelien Koote of Love & Little Birth Photography
“Reactions,” Honorable Mention, Photo: Paulina Splechta of LPaulina Splechta Birth Photography and Films
“Holding Two Sons,” Honorable Mention, Photo: Lindsey Ellis of LL.E. Ellis Photography
“Unplanned, Furious and Free,” Honorable Mention, Photo: Bree Garcia of LJ&B Photography LLC
“Fresh,” Honorable Mention, Photo: Brittney Hogue of LBrittney Hogue Birth, Baby, Family
“We’ve got you baby!” Honorable Mention, Photo: Belle Verdiglione of LBelle Verdiglione Photography
IAPBP: Website | Facebook | Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by IAPBP.
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