Photographing births is a very specialised field, and the choice to have the experience recorded is a very personal one. It includes the birth itself, the place where it happened, the parents, and everyone who was there.
The tears of joy, the wonder of giving birth, and the celebration of family are all captured in birth photos. Photographers who work in this area use their art to tell the story of birth.
The contest winners for 2017 have been named. The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers picked the best pictures that show how hard it is for moms to give birth. Look at these pictures to see how life starts and how the new parents’ faces show how they feel.
That First LookThat First Look Families and Peanuts are in love all over againGetting deeply in love again Documentary KE
Are you my mum?Are you my mum? Photography by Jennifer Mason
Delivery with a Splash is the best in its class.Delivery with a Splash is the best in its class. Photography by Elizabeth Farnsworth
Winner of First Place. The Way to DeliveranceWinner of First Place. The Way to Deliverance Jaydene Freund – Made with Love
Take in Take in Getting Bailey Photography by Nicole
The BeginningThe Beginning Photography by Amber Denae
Mentions of Honour. Oh no!Mentions of Honour. Oh no! Photography by Kimberly E.
A Beautiful ChangeA Beautiful Change Honourable Mentions for Birth Unscripted. Birth by Caesarean Section: Honourable Mentions. Caesarean birth with care Photography of Belle Verdiglion
Mentions of Honour. Honourable Mentions Before The First Breath. Before taking the first breath Birth in the News
Birth in Colour Tree of Life Birth in Colour Photographing a doula
The photography of BreatheBreathe Brezi
Mentions of Honour. The birth of a motherMentions of Honour. Congratulations to the winners of Birth Of A Mother Cat Fancote – Capturing Birth. After waiting 17 years, they were able to have a baby.Mentions of Honour. After waiting 17 years, they were able to have a baby. Photography by Ker-Fox
Mentions of Honour. The RaptureMentions of Honour. The Rapture Photography by Katie Mathis
Joy and victoryJoy and victory A Never-Ending Moment of Photography
Labour and Determination: Best in ClassLabour and Determination: Best in Class Photography by Katie Mathis
The First Defence for BabiesThe First Defence for Babies A Never-Ending Moment of Photography
The Future of the WorldThe Future of the World Photography by Jessica Worland
