Giving birth in 2020 became even more challenging and arduous due to the added impact of the pandemic. The already daunting and painful process of childbirth demanded even greater resilience and endurance. Although many childbirth photographers experienced a significant decline in their work during that year, the captured images reflected the profound beauty of new life emerging amidst overwhelming sorrow.
The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IABPB) announced the winners of their annual birth photo competition this month.
The entries from across the globe were judged in five categories: birth details, labor, delivery, postpartum, and Fresh 48 (which documents the first few hours of life).
“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 unforeseen challenges,” Liz Cook, director of the IABPB, said.
“We are proud to present to you a breathtaking body of work that shares life’s most powerful moments from 2020.”
Here are 20 of this year’s winners and honorable mentions.
First place overall
Ashley Marston/Ashley Marston Birth Photography“Daddy’s Girls,” by Ashley Marston of Ashley Marston Birth Photography who lives in Canada.
Best in category: birth details
Charlene Foertser/Charlene Foerster Fotografie“The Origin Of Life,” by Charlene Foertser of Charlene Foerster Fotografie who lives in Germany.
Best in category: delivery
Anne Lucy Silva Barbosa/Anne Lucy Fotografia“The Greatest Love In The World,” by Anne Lucy Silva Barbosa of Anne Lucy Fotografia who lives in Brazil.
Best in category: fresh 48
Jami Edgar/Touch of Hart Photography“Nourish,” by Jami Edgar of Touch of Hart Photography who lives in the United States.
Members’ choice best in category: delivery
Danny Merz/danny merz | geburtsreportage“Grace,” by Danny Merz of danny merz | geburtsreportage who lives in Germany.
Members’ choice best in category: fresh 48
Carey Lippert/Carey Lauren Photos & Film“Nursing A Newborn,” by Carey Lippert of Carey Lauren Photos & Films who lives in the United States.
Honorable mention
Lisa Phillips/Lisa Phillips Photography“The Strength Within You Is Greater Than Any Storm,” by Lisa Phillips of Lisa Phillips Photography who lives in the United States.
Honorable mention
Nora Dalmasso/Nora Dalmasso Fotografia“The Miracle of Life In Your Hands,” by Nora Dalmasso of Nora Dalmasso Fotografia who lives in Argentina.
Honorable mention
Brittany Knapik/The Birth Story Collective“You And You And Me,” by Brittany Knapik of The Birth Story Collective United States.
Honorable mention
Cat Fancote/Capturing Birth“A Mother’s Guidance,” by Cat Fancote of Capturing Birth who lives in Australia.
Honorable mention
Ashley Marston/Ashley Marston Photography“Home Birth in a Pandemic,” by Ashley Marston of Ashley Marston Photography who lives in Canada.
Honorable mention
Kate Kennedy/Kate Kennedy Birth Photography“Welcome Little Woman,” by Kate Kennedy of Kate Kennedy Birth Photography who lives in Australia.
Honorable mention
Kate Kennedy/Kate Kennedy Birth Photography“Birthing Queen,” by Kate Kennedy of Kate Kennedy Birth Photography who lives in Australia.
Honorable mention
Lisa Phillips/Lisa Phillips Photography“Examining Every Detail,” by Lisa Phillips of Lisa Phillips Photography who lives in the United States.
Honorable mention
Rianna Cross/Birthspoke“Reborn,” by Rianna Cross of Birthspoke who lives in Australia.
Honorable mention
Ashley Marston/Ashley Marston Photography“When Time Stands Still,” by Ashley Marston of Ashley Marston Photography who lives in Canada.
Honorable mention
Dana Jacobs/Dana Jacobs Photography“Of All Our Travels, This Journey Will Be Our Greatest,” by Dana Jacobs of Dana Jacobs Photography who lives in the United States.
Honorable mention
Kandyce Wagar/Songbird and Oak Photography“This Moment 2020,” by Kandyce Wagar of Songbird and Oak Photography who lives in Canada.
Honorable mention
Laura Brink/Rewild Her“Erupting into Being,” by Laura Brin of Rewild Her who lives in Australia.
