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The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) has just announced the winners of the 2021 Birth Photography Image Competition, and the pictures are just as powerful as last year.

Photographers from all around the globe capture the raw and intimate moments of childbirth. Not only do they lift the veil on this miracle to those who aren't familiar with it, but they also awaken precious memories for moms, dads, and the people who helped them introduce new life into this world. So it's only fair these photographers get the recognition they deserve.

Continue scrolling to check out what images IAPBP's honorable judges think best describe childbirth this year.

More info: birthphotographers.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

#1

Honorable Mention: "The Miracle Of Life In Your Hands" By Nora Dalmasso, Argentina

Honorable Mention: "The Miracle Of Life In Your Hands" By Nora Dalmasso, Argentina

birthphotographers , Nora Dalmasso Fotografia Report

The annual competition by IAPBP celebrates the beauty of birth and the skill of birth photographers around the globe in five categories -- labor, delivery, postpartum, birth details, and fresh 48. The number one birth association worldwide, IAPBP, encompasses more than 1,100 members in 52 countries.

Liz Cook, director of IAPBP, told Bored Panda in a statement that "Despite birth photographers worldwide losing a majority of their work and income in 2020 due to the global pandemic, I am thrilled to be able to feature the talent of our members in our annual image competition."

#2

Best In Delivery: “The Greatest Love In The World” By Anne Lucy Silva Barbosa, Brazil

Best In Delivery: “The Greatest Love In The World” By Anne Lucy Silva Barbosa, Brazil

birthphotographers , Anne Lucy Report

"We are incredibly proud of the entrants of this year's competition because in spite of all we endured in our community in recent months, this contest represents the resistance birth photographers have to overcome in unforeseen challenges," Cook continued. "We are proud to present to you a breathtaking body of work that shares life's most powerful moments from 2020."

The association's annual photo competition recognizes its members and their best work on an international platform—the competition has grown in scope each year. Highly anticipated, the results quickly go viral each year as soon as the winners are announced. Images are judged on a variety of criteria and the first place winner will be featured throughout the year.

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#3

Best In Labor: "Primal Shapes Of Birth" By Laura Brink, Australia

Best In Labor: "Primal Shapes Of Birth" By Laura Brink, Australia

birthphotographers , Rewild Her Report

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Desto
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looks like a ballerina standing on her toes it beautiful to me

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#4

First Place: "Daddy's Girls" By Ashley Marston, Canada

First Place: "Daddy's Girls" By Ashley Marston, Canada

birthphotographers , Ashley Marston Photography Report

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"Our association has grown by leaps and bounds and our members continually produce excellent, emotive, invaluable birth photographs for the families that hire them," Cook said. "I want to thank each and every IAPBP member who entered this year and, of course, the families who agreed to share their beautiful and sacred birth moments with the world."

#5

Honorable Mention: "Welcome Little Woman" By Kate Kennedy, Australia

Honorable Mention: "Welcome Little Woman" By Kate Kennedy, Australia

birthphotographers , Kate Kennedy Birth Report

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Tiredpossum
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can just feel the happiness coming from this picture.

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#6

Honorable Mention: "Birthing Queen" By Kate Kennedy, Australia

Honorable Mention: "Birthing Queen" By Kate Kennedy, Australia

birthphotographers , Kate Kennedy Birth Report

IAPBP has assembled an impressive panel of judges for this year's competition, including multi-award winning birth photographer Dora Barens, photographer, mentor, and educator Kristen Cook, one of the 2019 Birth Photography Competition winners, Samantha Evans, and other highly-qualified professionals.

#7

Honorable Mention: "You And You And Me" By Brittany Knapik, United States

Honorable Mention: "You And You And Me" By Brittany Knapik, United States

birthphotographers , The Birth Story Collective Report

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#9

Best In Birth Details: “The Origin Of Life” By Charlene Foertser, Germany

Best In Birth Details: “The Origin Of Life” By Charlene Foertser, Germany

birthphotographers , Charlene Foerster Fotografie Report

Birth photography is a highly specialized field and the choice to have the experience documented is an intensely personal decision.

It involves the birth process, environment, the parents, and those in attendance; it encompasses the tears of joy, the wonder of bringing a new life into the world, and celebrates family.

#10

Honorable Mention: "A Mother's Guidance" By Cat Fancote, Australia

Honorable Mention: "A Mother's Guidance" By Cat Fancote, Australia

birthphotographers , Cat Fancote - Capturing Birth Report

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shinshige
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are amazing. So real. This is the stuff that should be taught in schools.

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#11

Honorable Mention: "When Time Stands Still" By Ashley Marston, Canada

Honorable Mention: "When Time Stands Still" By Ashley Marston, Canada

birthphotographers , Ashley Marston Photography Report

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J
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the look of having your child rushed away in the hands of doctors and nurses, waiting desperately for that first sound of life

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#12

Honorable Mention: "Of All Our Travels, This Journey Will Be Our Greatest" By Dana Jacobs, United States

Honorable Mention: "Of All Our Travels, This Journey Will Be Our Greatest" By Dana Jacobs, United States

birthphotographers , Dana Jacobs Photography Report

This year, the first place went to Canada, to Ashley Marston for her image, titled 'Daddy's Girls'. A mother of three beautiful children, Marston said hearing the big news was "just amazing."

"I have been a member of IAPBP for 7 or 8 years, almost as long as I've been a birth photographer and as long as they've been around," Marston explained in her Instagram story.

#13

Honorable Mention: "This Moment 2020" By Kandyce Wagar, Canada

Honorable Mention: "This Moment 2020" By Kandyce Wagar, Canada

birthphotographers , Songbird and Oak Photography Report

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Jamielee Horgan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This child is going to be tall!!! Look at those legs!!! Congrats momma baby is beautiful!!

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#15

Honorable Mention: "Silent Night" By Rianna Cross, Australia

Honorable Mention: "Silent Night" By Rianna Cross, Australia

birthphotographers , Birthspoke Imagery & Film Report

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grace koncsics
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the title. I love the song "Silent night", I find it really peaceful but its also not what it would have been like. Mary was a mommy like this mommy and it would have been anything but silent. This is a beautiful picture. Here's to mama's and strong women

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"Their image competition means a great deal to me. It's a competition that I highly respect <...> Last year, I won first place in the delivery category, this is the first time (maybe the last) I've ever taken first place. So, obviously, first place was unbelievable," Marston said.

#16

Honorable Mention: "The Strength Within You Is Greater Than Any Storm" By Lisa Phillips, United States

Honorable Mention: "The Strength Within You Is Greater Than Any Storm" By Lisa Phillips, United States

birthphotographers , Lisa Phillips Photography Report

#17

Honorable Mention: "Examining Every Detail" By Lisa Phillips, United States

Honorable Mention: "Examining Every Detail" By Lisa Phillips, United States

birthphotographers , Lisa Phillips Photography Report

#18

Best In Labor: “Reach Down. He's Almost Here.” By Dana Jacobs, United States

Best In Labor: “Reach Down. He's Almost Here.” By Dana Jacobs, United States

birthphotographers , Dana Jacobs Photography Report

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Becca Gizmo the Squirrel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will vouch that you do not care who sees you when you are in labor. I remember random nurses walking by while I was spread eagle and not caring what they saw.

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#19

Honorable Mention: "The Journey Traveled For You" By Paulina Splechta, United States

Honorable Mention: "The Journey Traveled For You" By Paulina Splechta, United States

birthphotographers , Paulina Splechta Report

#21

Honorable Mention: "Reborn" By Rianna Cross, Australia

Honorable Mention: "Reborn" By Rianna Cross, Australia

birthphotographers , Birthspoke Imagery & Film Report

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Debbie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No matter how strong the man is, he can't help his wife here. (yes, with support, but not by physically using his strength).

#23

Honorable Mention: "A Dose Of Mother Nature" By Jessica Henderson , Australia

Honorable Mention: "A Dose Of Mother Nature" By Jessica Henderson , Australia

birthphotographers , Jessica Henderson Photograpy Report

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#24

Best In Fresh 48: “Nourish” By Jami Edgar, United States

Best In Fresh 48: “Nourish” By Jami Edgar, United States

birthphotographers , Touch of Hart Photography Report

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Vicky Zar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh thats so cool. Pumped milk but no bottle. I just love how far we've come

#25

Honorable Mention: "Erupting Into Being" By Laura Brink, Australia

Honorable Mention: "Erupting Into Being" By Laura Brink, Australia

birthphotographers , Rewild Her Report

#26

Best In Fresh 48: "Nursing A Newborn" By Carey Lippert , United States

Best In Fresh 48: "Nursing A Newborn" By Carey Lippert , United States

birthphotographers , Carey Lauren Photos & Film Report

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Sathe Wesker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a woman who wants children but has yet to have any (and currently on day 1 of my period, thus emotional) this is all both terrifying yet incredibly beautiful.

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