These images prove that.
Here are the winners of the birth photography competition by the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers.
The photos capture a wide range of moments during childbirth in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Spectators watch as a man assists a woman in giving birth, and a midwife remains calm despite being sprayed with fluid.
A father with terminal brain cancer holds his son for the first time and talks about the future.
The photo “Joyful Finale” by Elise Hurst is chosen for the IAPBP annual competition.
The winner of the overall competition is “Road to Deliverance” by Jaydene Freund.
Elizabeth Farnsworth won the Delivery category with a splash.
Pieces Of Me by Kourtnie Scholz is the winner in the Birth Details category.
Sarah Boccolucci captures a poignant moment as a father with terminal brain cancer holds his son for the first time and discusses their future.
Alondra’s Birth: A photographer captures the moment as a future big sister reacts.
The sixth year competition was held in Austin, Texas.
The winning shot was “Road to Deliverance” by Canadian photographer Jaydene Freund. It captures a woman in labor, experiencing intense pain in the car’s passenger seat.
Determination by Katie Mathis won the Labor category. It is a captivating image of a woman holding onto the edge of a birthing pool while the water peacefully envelops her stomach.
Elizabeth Farnsworth won the Delivery category for capturing a powerful image of a woman on all fours, with fluid spraying, and a composed medic focusing on the baby’s head.
The winning image for Birth Details was Kourtnie Scholz’s stunning photograph, “Pieces Of Me.” It depicts a mother holding her newborn baby, with the umbilical cord and placenta still attached to her body.
Natasha Hance, the award-winning photographer, has captured numerous births alongside her partner Amanda.
According to Daily Mail Online, the setting of this birth was breathtaking.
Stephenie Entin’s book, “She Believed She Could,” is a powerful testament to the strength and determination of women.
The Temple, captured by Elliana Gilbert Photography, is a remarkable tribute.
Photographer Leilani Rogers captures a mother catching her surrogate-born baby.
Natasha Hance won in the Postpartum category for capturing the reflection of clouds on a birthing pool on her family’s porch.
Kimberly E received an honorable mention for her photo of a baby born in a water birth, still in its amniotic sac, with its hands on its head.
Best in the Labor category was awarded to “Determination” by Katie Mathis. The artwork depicts a woman holding onto the edge of a birthing pool while the water peacefully envelops her pregnant belly.
The couple planned a water birth in a porch pool in Texas.
The baby was delivered unexpectedly before reaching the bath.
Afterwards, the couple entered a herbal pool with their newborn, where Natasha received her shot.
Amanda and I were amazed when we saw the clouds reflecting around the baby in the water on my camera. It was absolutely perfect.
Even after years in the birthing photography industry, the emotion never fades.
We try to balance our emotions and remain professional, even though we often feel teary-eyed. It becomes particularly challenging to hold back tears during emotionally charged births, especially when others in the room are crying or expressing their emotions loudly.
We’ve recorded around 300 births, and it’s safe to say we shed tears at least once during each one.
KimBerly E, the photographer, received an honorable mention for capturing a remarkable image of a baby born in a water birth, still enclosed in its amniotic sac, with its hands resting on its head.
“Before The First Breath” by Birth In Focus showcases the awe-inspiring moment when a baby is born underwater, just before taking its first breath.
Cat Fancote was shocked when she witnessed a baby being born tangled in an umbilical cord.
This image depicts a serene cesarean birth aftermath, captured with delicate intricacy by Belle Verdiglione.
This lovely photo captures a happy baby emerging.
Rebecca Coursey’s “A sister is born” shifts the perspective to the sibling’s point of view during the birth, rather than the mother’s.
Rebecca Coursey received an honorable mention for her image titled “You Are SO Loved” from the same birth.
The birth was unique, captured by a photographer who was also a friend. The shot was extraordinary, unlike anything seen before.
Kimberly shared that every birth, regardless of the number, always leaves her with a profound feeling.
She began by helping a friend with photography, and soon became addicted.
Kimberly expressed her admiration for something she found captivating, beautiful, and not taboo in an interview with Daily Mail Online.
I want to capture every moment for my parents to cherish and help them see what they may have missed.
The raw beauty of birth lies in the unnoticed actions of a father rubbing their back and the majestic sight of a birthing mother.
Sarah Boccolucci’s image stood out among the stories, emphasizing beauty and more, with the father taking center stage.
Megan Bowen from Snap Life Photography received recognition for capturing a beautiful photo of twins and their mother.
In “Family Time: Full Circle” by Kristie Robin, a couple shares a loving kiss while their children rest beside them.
After a long wait, a couple finally received their long-awaited baby, captured by Ker-Fox Photography.
The He{ART} Of Motherhood is a beautiful celebration of the bond between a mother and her daughter.
Cat Fancote was mentioned for the photo “Birth Of A Mother.”
Elliana Gilbert received an honorable mention for another photo, titled “Droplets Of Mercy.”
Katie Mathis Photography captures the essence of Rapture.
Cagney Wenk, the father, was diagnosed with Stage IV brain cancer before the birth of his firstborn in September. He passed away on December 23, 2016.
During the birth, Boulder Community Hospital prepared and brought all the necessary medical equipment to the delivery room.
Sarah tearfully recounted her experience of documenting the birth.
She said it was a life-changing experience.
Birth photography is incredibly important as it captures a significant moment with precision. It not only provides families with a cherished memory, but also emphasizes the significance of the occasion.
Sarah’s photo perfectly captures the first time he held his son, Leʋon.
Sarah tearfully explained that he was discussing the future and imparting life lessons to him.
“It was incredibly moving, I couldn’t stop the tears.”