Birth photography is a highly specialized field, capturing the intense and intimate moments of the birth process. It documents the environment, the parents, and everyone present, encapsulating the raw emotions and profound experiences associated with bringing a new life into the world. The photographers who excel in this field use their art to tell compelling stories, celebrating family and the miracle of birth through their lenses.

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The winners of the 2017 contest held by the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers have been announced. These winning photos vividly depict the struggles and triumphs of mothers during childbirth, the awe and wonder of new life, and the profound emotions on the faces of new parents. Here are some of the standout entries from the contest:

1. First Place Winner: Road To Deliverance by Jaydene Freund – Cradled Creations
   • This photo captures the journey and the emotional path leading up to the moment of birth.
2. Best In Category: Delivery, With A Splash by Elizabeth Farnsworth Photography
   • A dramatic capture of the birth moment, highlighting the intensity and beauty of delivery.
3. Best In Category: Labor, Determination by Katie Mathis Photography
   • This image portrays the strength and perseverance of a mother in labor.
4. That First Gaze by Peanuts and Parents
   • A heartwarming shot of the first eye contact between parent and child.
5. Falling In Love All Over Again by KEDocumentary
   • A tender moment of parents bonding with their newborn.
6. Are You My Mama? by Jennifer Mason Photography
   • A touching capture of a newborn’s first moments with their mother.
7. Absorb by Bailey Nicole Photography
   • This photo captures the raw emotions as parents absorb the reality of their new baby.
8. The First Look by Amber Denae Photography
   • The initial gaze shared between parents and their newborn.
9. Beautiful Transition by Birth Unscripted
   • A photo that illustrates the beautiful and transformative process of childbirth.
10. Honorable Mentions: Gentle Caesarean Birth by Belle Verdiglione Photography
    • Capturing the tenderness and care in a caesarean birth.
11. Birth In Colour by Tree of Life Doula Photography
    • A vibrant depiction of birth, highlighting the colors and emotions of the moment.
12. Breathe by Brezi Photography
    • An image capturing the first breaths of a newborn.
13. Honorable Mentions: Birth Of A Mother by Cat Fancote – Capturing Birth
    • Highlighting the moment a woman becomes a mother.
14. Honorable Mentions: 17 Years Of Waiting: A Non-fertility Miracle by Ker-Fox Photography
    • A powerful story of patience and hope resulting in a miracle birth.
15. Euphoria, Triumph by An Infinite Moment Photography
    • Celebrating the euphoria and triumph felt by parents after the birth.
16. Baby’s First Defense by An Infinite Moment Photography
    • Documenting the immediate protective instincts of parents.
17. The World Ahead by Jessica Worland Photography
    • A photo symbolizing the bright future awaiting the newborn.
18. Honorable Mentions: Before The First Breath by Birth In Focus
    • Capturing the precious moments just before the baby takes their first breath.
19. Honorable Mentions: Rapture by Katie Mathis Photography
    • An image full of joy and ecstatic emotions experienced during birth.

These photographs are a testament to the power of birth photography, capturing the essence of life’s beginning and the deep emotional connections formed in these precious moments.