ADVERTISEMENT

Despite living in a time of crisis that leaves us struggling with overwhelming anxiety about the future – let's take some time off and celebrate our presence. Life is sincerely mind-blowing. We get to go through these contrasting events filled with all the possible emotions, we have the freedom to get whatever we want from our existence, and we're allowed to make mistakes while still having the power to improve and grow. 

We're brought into this world by our beautiful mothers that go through what seems like an unimaginable delivery. It doesn't matter whether you've been through the child-bearing process or not – you understand how overpowering and captivating it truly is. Though the media tends to conceal the reality of the birth, IAPBP doesn't fail to provide folks with mesmerizing behind the scenes:

The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers has been hosting their famous birth photography competition for several years, and they recently announced the winners and participants of their 12th contest. Bored Panda has already covered IAPBP's previous works – so if you'd like to see more, click here and here

More info: IAPBP

#1

Best In Labor: "Ovarian Cancer Survivor - Hospital Transfer" By Sara Hunter, United States

Best In Labor: "Ovarian Cancer Survivor - Hospital Transfer" By Sara Hunter, United States

Sara Hunter Report

The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers was essentially established to assist soon-to-be parents with gifted birth photographers. These days the community has over 1,100 members in 52 countries, and continues to grow daily. Moreover, 12 years ago, IAPBP introduced an annual image competition that allows folks to witness the reality of an otherworldly process. The association itself was founded in 2010, and is a proud owner of immensely talented and creative photographers/videographers who put their whole heart into documenting expecting parents' fragile but significant moments.

Becoming a birth photographer is a very crucial choice. It's a way to connect with the world and its wonders, it's intimate and it's messy. Birth photographers are storytellers who catch every aspect of the delivery, whether it's planned or unplanned. They're there to document the person's anticipation, pain and finally that long-awaited skin-to-skin contact.

#2

Best In Delivery: "The First Look" By Ebony Allen-Ankins, Australia

Best In Delivery: "The First Look" By Ebony Allen-Ankins, Australia

Ebony Allen-Ankins Report

Photography is a very rewarding practice, let alone when you specialize in capturing people's deliveries. Not everyone is aware that birth photography is even a thing, besides, most would probably think that documenting such private and personal moments is rather unnecessary – but meeting your child for the first time is an otherworldly emotion that many would love to remember forever.

Every labor is different, but most are extremely difficult, as you can never thoroughly plan the process. It's all very individual, where some are blessed with a very smooth and quick delivery and others spend days laboring with the immense support of their loved ones. Either way, birth photographers are completely trained to adapt to the unexpected and are ready to capture your beautiful journey.

ADVERTISEMENT
#3

First Place: "A Touch Of Love" By Bárbara Aviz, Brazil

First Place: "A Touch Of Love" By Bárbara Aviz, Brazil

Bárbara Aviz Report

Add photo comments
POST
adinadrumea88 avatar
Flopsy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you guys didn't know: the hair on the baby's body is called lanugo and will fall soon.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#4

Members' Choice: “Crying Dad” By Sara Hunter, United States

Members' Choice: “Crying Dad” By Sara Hunter, United States

Sara Hunter Report

Add photo comments
POST
loriashley avatar
Lori Ashley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this! The Dad is so happy to meet his little one. But you can also see the smiling facing of Mom in the background. These pics are beautiful!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Being a birth photographer isn't only about finding the best angles to portray the future mother's story. It's an incredible task where you need to constantly be aware of the surroundings, in order to not interfere with the beauty and the harsh reality of the birthing process. An overpowering moment that can hardly be described with words, an event that is filled with excruciating pain and an overflowing love that, in the aftermath, feels like has gone by within a split second. The process is easily forgotten once your child finally enters your arms and birth photographers are there to help and seal those life-changing hours forever.

#5

Best In Postpartum: “Twins First Latch" By Jessica Miles, United States

Best In Postpartum: “Twins First Latch" By Jessica Miles, United States

Jessica Miles Report

#6

Honorable Mention: "Touch Of Love" By Dora Barens, Netherlands

Honorable Mention: "Touch Of Love" By Dora Barens, Netherlands

Dora Barens Report

Add photo comments
POST
hanna-pochmann avatar
Mimi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That tiny hand!!! I wish we had more context, I hope the baby made it somehow.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Giving birth is the most empowering feeling, despite experiencing a form of pain that you never even knew existed. You're on the verge of bringing a new life to this world while being surrounded by the people you love the most. Not a lot of us can truly comprehend what happens in that delivery room but having competitions like this one allows folks to witness what it's like going through such a dynamic event.

ADVERTISEMENT
#7

Best In Hardship & Loss: "As Long As I Am Here With You My Perfect Little Baby" By Meike Nagorny, Germany

Best In Hardship & Loss: "As Long As I Am Here With You My Perfect Little Baby" By Meike Nagorny, Germany

Meike Nagorny Report

Add photo comments
POST
jamiebyrnes avatar
Some Cool Guy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mature content warning is a great idea BP. You should use it more often rather than censorship.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

Best In Delivery: “The Blessed Exhaustion” By Danny Merz, Germany

Best In Delivery: “The Blessed Exhaustion” By Danny Merz, Germany

Danny Merz Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Best In Delivery: "Euforia" By Inge Berken, Netherlands

Best In Delivery: "Euforia" By Inge Berken, Netherlands

Inge Berken Report

Though most birth photographers are only focused on documenting your story, some are also known to offer their support services, essentially acting like doulas. It's fascinating to know that you can also develop a connection with your photographer that will most likely positively impact on your final images. Many birth photographers reveal that their clients cry when they first view their images and it must feel very rewarding for the artist to see those final happy tears.

#10

Best In Delivery: “Dad Catches His Baby Girl" By Sara Hunter, United States

Best In Delivery: “Dad Catches His Baby Girl" By Sara Hunter, United States

Sara Hunter Report

Add photo comments
POST
livlisbon84 avatar
Olivia Lisbon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just covering up the only thing that needs to be covered up on this page, a stupid comment below.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

Best In Postpartum: “Love Till Infinity" By Inge Berken, Netherlands

Best In Postpartum: “Love Till Infinity" By Inge Berken, Netherlands

Inge Berken Report

#12

Best In Labor: “Surrender” By Renate Van Lith, Netherlands

Best In Labor: “Surrender” By Renate Van Lith, Netherlands

Renate van Lith Report

Even though childbirth is a truly terrifying event, it's important to educate ourselves and to hear about this matter from the women that undergone this equally stressful and beautiful process. A lot of us don't know enough about labor and delivery because we're so used to seeing a slightly sugar-coated version in the vastness of media. Yet, this project and this competition is a great way to bring awareness to real and unstated birth. And it's totally hypnotizing.

ADVERTISEMENT
#13

Best In Labor: “Accepting A New Plan” By Sara Avila, Mexico

Best In Labor: “Accepting A New Plan” By Sara Avila, Mexico

Sara Avila Report

Add photo comments
POST
mariannekraus avatar
Marianne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Assuming she needs an unexpected c-section: I've been in that situation and can tell every mother-to-be that there is no reason to worry or to feel less capable. You are being the best mum for your baby in this very moment!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

Honorable Mention: "Daughters Of A Midwife" By Jessica Henderson, Australia

Honorable Mention: "Daughters Of A Midwife" By Jessica Henderson, Australia

Jessica Henderson Report

Add photo comments
POST
sleazyweaver avatar
Sleazy Weaver
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

... is the kid in the birthing pool with their mother after the baby has been born? that... doesn't sound hygenic. doesn't the water end up full of blood, & commonly feces & urine as well because of the strain of pushing? cute photo but i can't help but wonder. as for the people saying the kid could just be showered afterwards... is cleaning a young child really another stress you would want to deal with directly after you or your partner gave birth???

oddragnardenglerstl avatar
Odd Ragnar Deng Lerstøl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess if the newborn baby can handle it both mother and sister will to. Anyway none seems to be stressed. A beautiful picture.

Load More Replies...
susann_campbell_7 avatar
Susann Campbell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The dog even wanted to watch and should watch because a new baby is born into this family .

susann_campbell_7 avatar
Susann Campbell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bonding is a wonderful thing, don't judge this because this is what should be for sister and or brother in the same time at that age. I have looked at wonderful pictures in a Mother and Family book where all the children were around the pool watching mom give birth and the look on their faces could only be describe by Angels.

shellwalsh avatar
shell walsh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That little girl doesn't belong in that pool. Just a personal opinion, but I think pool birth is nasty, - pool birth does NOT help labor pain except to feel good for the spine.

ashleyreardon avatar
Ashley Reardon
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Load More Replies...
teyokij194 avatar
teyokij194
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐲 𝟗𝟕$ 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐚𝐬 $𝟖𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟏𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞. 𝐌𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟏𝟐𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝟐𝟐 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤. 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭.... 🙂 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐊.:) 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄========)> https://www.worksclick.com

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

Honorable Mention: "Held" By Lindsey Bartell, United States

Honorable Mention: "Held" By Lindsey Bartell, United States

Lindsey Bartell Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#17

Honorable Mention: "Lean Into Me" By Lindsey Ellis, United States

Honorable Mention: "Lean Into Me" By Lindsey Ellis, United States

Lindsey Ellis Report

Add photo comments
POST
marehunt1987 avatar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Upvote my comment to cover up an unwanted one plz. I love this picture <3

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Best In Birth Details: "The Tiniest Feet" By Dania Lauren, Australia

Best In Birth Details: "The Tiniest Feet" By Dania Lauren, Australia

Dania Lauren Report

Add photo comments
POST
meaning-of-seibutsu avatar
Poplora
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found the back story of this photo, unfortunately the baby didn't survive. https://www.laurenanddouglas.com/blog/2021/10/15/in-loving-memory-of-luke-eli-townsville-birth-amp-bereavement-photographer

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Honorable Mention: "Ecstacy" By Jacinta Lagos, United States

Honorable Mention: "Ecstacy" By Jacinta Lagos, United States

Jacinta Lagos Report

Add photo comments
POST
blaqindi avatar
Shashonie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looks like a jazz singer about to pour her heart out in a song about the love of her baby.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

Members' Choice: "White Noise" By Cindy Willems, Netherlands

Members' Choice: "White Noise" By Cindy Willems, Netherlands

Cindy Willems Report

Add photo comments
POST
abigailplace avatar
Hex Gurls
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

such a beautiful photo, to be disrespected by that f*****g ad beneath my comment

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

Best In Postpartum: “Swimming Interstellar” By Hayden Trace, United States

Best In Postpartum: “Swimming Interstellar” By Hayden Trace, United States

Hayden Trace Report

#22

Honorable Mention: "Womb World To Our World" By Sadie Wild, United Kingdom

Honorable Mention: "Womb World To Our World" By Sadie Wild, United Kingdom

Sadie Wild Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#23

Honorable Mention: "Life-Giving Nectar" By Lyubov Chaykovskaya, Russia

Honorable Mention: "Life-Giving Nectar" By Lyubov Chaykovskaya, Russia

Russia Report

Add photo comments
POST
beckygraybeal avatar
Becky Graybeal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful. This was my experience - I had a 15-month old when my second child was born. They nursed together for a couple of years.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

Best In Labor: “My Sacred Birth Cocoon" By Jessica Innemee, Netherlands

Best In Labor: “My Sacred Birth Cocoon" By Jessica Innemee, Netherlands

Jessica Innemee Report

#25

Honorable Mention: "Ready For Devotion" By Sadie Wild, United Kingdom

Honorable Mention: "Ready For Devotion" By Sadie Wild, United Kingdom

Sadie Wild Report

Add photo comments
POST
jlkooiker avatar
lenka
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel this photo in my bones. I remember this moment before my daughter was born.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

Honorable Mention: "Into The Night" By Ebony Allen-Ankins, Australia

Honorable Mention: "Into The Night" By Ebony Allen-Ankins, Australia

Ebony Allen-Ankins Report

#27

Best In Birth Details: "She Roars" By Lindsey Bartell, United States

Best In Birth Details: "She Roars" By Lindsey Bartell, United States

Lindsey Bartell Report

Add photo comments
POST
hanna-pochmann avatar
Mimi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have freaked out if there had been a person with a camera around me while giving birth. But impressive shot for sure.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

Best In Postpartum: "Reunion" By Rachel Utain-Evans, United States

Best In Postpartum: "Reunion" By Rachel Utain-Evans, United States

Rachel Utain-Evans Report

#29

Honorable Mention: "A Calm Birth In Times Of Pandemic" By Susanne Krauss, Germany

Honorable Mention: "A Calm Birth In Times Of Pandemic" By Susanne Krauss, Germany

Susanne Krauss Report

#30

Honorable Mention: "Transition Tears" By Ashley Marston, Canada

Honorable Mention: "Transition Tears" By Ashley Marston, Canada

Ashley Marston Report

Note: this post originally had 34 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda