Birth photography is one of the most intimate and powerful art forms. To honor this work and the families who choose to document these vulnerable moments, the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers holds an annual photo contest open to its 1,100-plus members in 52 countries.
On Thursday, the IAPBP announced the winners of its 12th annual Birth Photography Image Competition, which celebrates excellence across the categories of labor, delivery, postpartum, birth details, and hardship and loss.
“We are incredibly proud of the entrants of this year’s competition because in spite of all we endured in our community in recent years, this contest represents the resistance birth photographers have to overcome unforeseen challenges,” IAPBP director Liz Cook said in a news release. “We are proud to present to you a breathtaking body of work that shares life’s most powerful moments from 2022.”
Keep scrolling to see this year’s winners and honorable mentions. You can visit the IAPBP website to see all the entries. (Readers should note that the following uncensored photos show people in the act of childbirth.)
Annemarie Fuckel of Annemarie Lea
Overall Winner and Best in Birth Details: Fine Art
“Crossing the Veil”
Jessica Innemee of Vi-Photography
Best in Labor
“Safe Space”
Laura Brink of Rewild Her Birth
Best in Labor: Documentary
“Drowning in Exhaustion”
Laura Brink of Rewild Her Birth
Best in Labor: Black & White
“The Loyal Birth Attendant”
Jessica Miles Photography
Best in Delivery: Documentary
“Hello, I Have Arrived”
Laura Brink of Rewild Her
Best in Delivery: Fine Art
“Brace for Birth”
Karoline Saadi Photography
Best in Delivery: Black & White
“The Expected Meeting”
Mary Beliz Photos
Best in Delivery
“Life Beneath the Surface”
Dania Lauren of Lauren + Douglas
Best in Postpartum: Documentary
“Bed 32”
Annemarie Fuckel of Annemarie Lea – Geburtsfotografie Frankfurt
Best in Postpartum: Black & White
“Peaceful Arrival”
Laura Brink of Rewild Her
Best in Postpartum: Fine Art
“The Sovereign Family Tree”
Paula Beltrao
Best in Birth Details
“Waking Up at Sunrise”
Settia Tin of Hello Baby
Members’ Choice: Best in Delivery
“First Touch”
Natalie Brothers of Portland Birth Photographer
Members’ Choice: Best in Postpartum
“The Lovers After”
Erin Stetson of Erin Beth Birth
Honorable Mentions
“You Are My VBAC Queen”
Laura Brink of Rewild Her
Honorable Mentions
“All Lines Lead to You”
Lawrence Snapka of Lawrence Rose Photography and Film
Honorable Mentions
“I Stand in My Power”
Anne Lucy Silva Barbosa
Honorable Mentions
“Cry of Love”
Tiarra Doherty of Mother Wolf Birth Photography
Honorable Mentions
“Beautiful Beautiful Boy”
Nicole Hamic
Members’ Choice: Best in Labor
“I Call Down My Power”
Kristen Fortier of New Moon Doula and Photography
Honorable Mentions
“Letting Go”
Tania Fragoso of The Grateful Doula
Honorable Mentions
“It’s in Our Hands Now”
Sarah Romero of Sarah Elizabeth Photos and Films
Honorable Mentions
Postpartum Porcelain Throne Check
Megan Angstadt-Williams of Badger and Quill Photography
Honorable Mentions
“Liminal Space”
Julia Santiago Photography
Honorable Mentions
“My First Seconds Here”