Welcoming a new life into the world is a profound and often challenging experience, yet it is undeniably beautiful. Across the globe, numerous parents have chosen to have their childbirth journeys captured by professional photographers. Recognizing the importance of these photographers’ work, the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) has organized an annual photo contest to celebrate their artistry and help parents choose skilled and professional photographers to document this special experience.
With over 1,000 participants from 51 countries in the 2019 contest, the IAPBP judging panel faced a challenging task in selecting winning images across various categories. Birth photographers capture priceless moments in each delivery, and the criteria for choosing the winners focus on sensitivity, artistry, and storytelling.
Spanning five categories—Anticipation, Labor, Postpartum, Details of Birth, and 48 Hours Postpartum—the emotional photos showcase families in precious moments. “Birth photos always capture tears of happiness, the miracle of nature in bringing a tiny soul into the world, and the family’s memories. Birth photographers, specializing in this field, use their art to tell the story of the birth of babies,” shared Lyndsay Stradner, head of IAPBP.
After careful consideration and extensive deliberation by the judging panel, Australian photographer Belle Verdiglione clinched the top prize for her striking black-and-white photo titled “Our Rainbow Baby is Here.” This photo also received the distinction of being the People’s Choice Award for 2019.
“Our Rainbow Baby is Here” not only won first place but also the People’s Choice Award. Belle Verdiglione captured the overflowing joy of the entire family as they embraced their newborn after experiencing a previous miscarriage. All family members agreed to have their photo submitted to the contest, and its public announcement touched the hearts of many who had experienced similar emotions.
Alongside the grand prize, each photo category provided viewers with images that immortalize precious emotions, such as the sibling meeting, the connection between couples during labor, or the sweet happiness of parents holding their newborn.
The Best Detail of Birth category belonged to Samantha Evans’ photo “enveloped.”
The Best Labor photo was awarded to Ashley Marston’s “Many hands.”
The Best 48 Hours Postpartum photo was Kimberly Kimble — Rushes & Waves’ “This Is Us.”
The Best Birth photo was Dora Barens’ “Water Birth In Sunset.”
Jerusha Sutton’s photo “The Most Glorious Cleansing Of All” won the Best Postpartum category.
The Most Liked Birth photo was Brittany Fisher’s “They Said I Couldn’t Do It’ — VBAC Mama.”
“My Love, My Hero” by Cindy Willems won the People’s Choice Award for Best Anticipation photo.
The People’s Choice Award for Best Postpartum photo went to Heather Sears’ “Peek-A-Boo.”
Additionally, many more breathtaking childbirth moments captured by photographers were displayed:
Every year, birth photographers never fail to bring surprises for IAPBP judges and viewers alike, showcasing their talent and artistic perception of childbirth. Undoubtedly, in the coming years, these photographers will continue to deliver even more priceless images for audiences to cherish.
