2020 Had Few Silver Linings, but These Beautiful Birth Photos From the Year Definitely Count

Published on 2/11/2021 at 5:29 PM

Anne Lucy Silva Barbosa of Anne Lucy Fotografia

Each year, talented photographers around the world submit their best birth and postpartum photos from the year prior into the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers competition, and 2021's winners, which include birth photos taken throughout 2020, may be some of the most gorgeous yet. When juxtaposed with the somber and difficult events of 2020, these photos of people in the various stages before, during, and after childbirth feel even more amazing to behold.

Keep scrolling to see all of the winners and honorable mentions! (To note: while birth is beautiful and all of these photos are stunning, you can expect nudity, blood, and, of course, people in all stages of labor.)

"Daddy's Girls"

"Daddy's Girls" from Ashley Marston of Ashley Marston Birth Photography won both first place in the judge's competition and Best in Postpartum in the members' choice awards.

"The Origin Of Life"

"The Origin Of Life" from Charlene Förster of Charlene Förster Fotografie won Best in Birth Details in both the judges' competition and members' choice awards.

"The Greatest Love In The World"

"The Greatest Love In The World" from Anne Lucy of Anne Lucy Fotografia won both Best in Delivery in the judges' competition and was the overall winner in the Members' Choice Awards.

"Reach Down. He's Almost Here."

"Reach Down. He's Almost Here." from Dana Jacobs of Dana Jacobs Photography won Best in Labor in the judges' competition.

"Nourish"

"Nourish" from Jami Edgar of Touch of Hart Photography won Best in Fresh 48 in the judges' competition.

"My Body, My Birth"

"My Body, My Birth" from Hanna Hill of Hanna Hill Photography won Best in Postpartum in the judges' competition.

"Grace"

"Grace" from Danny Merz of danny merz | geburtsreportage won Best in Delivery in the members' choice competition.

"Nursing A Newborn"

"Nursing A Newborn" from Carey Lippert of Carey Lauren Photos & Film won Best in Fresh 48 in the members' choice competition.

"Primal Shapes of Birth"

"Primal Shapes of Birth" from Laura Brink of Rewild Her won Best in Labor in the members' choice competition.

"The Strength Within You Is Greater Than Any Storm"

"The Strength Within You Is Greater Than Any Storm" from Lisa Phillips of Lisa Phillips Photography won an honorable mention.

"The Miracle of Life In Your Hands"

"The Miracle of Life In Your Hands" from Nora Dalmasso of Nora Dalmasso Fotografia won an honorable mention.

"You And You And Me"

"You And You And Me" from Brittany Knapik of The Birth Story Collective won an honorable mention.

"A Mother's Guidance"

"A Mother's Guidance" from Cat Fancote of Capturing Birth won an honorable mention.

"Home Birth in a Pandemic"

"Home Birth in a Pandemic" from Ashley Marston of Ashley Marston Photography won an honorable mention.

"A Dose of Mother Nature"

"A Dose of Mother Nature" from Jessica Henderson of Jessica Henderson Photography won an honorable mention.

"Welcome Little Woman"

"Welcome Little Woman" from Kate Kennedy of Kate Kennedy Birth Photography won an honorable mention.

"Birthing Queen"

"Birthing Queen" from Kate Kennedy of Kate Kennedy Birth Photography won an honorable mention.

"Examining Every Detail"

"Examining Every Detail" from Lisa Phillips of Lisa Phillips Photography won an honorable mention.

"Reborn"

"Reborn" from Rianna Cross of Birthspoke won an honorable mention.

"When Time Stands Still"

"When Time Stands Still" from Ashley Marston of Ashley Marston Photography won an honorable mention.

"Of All Our Travels, This Journey Will Be Our Greatest"

"Of All Our Travels, This Journey Will Be Our Greatest" from Dana Jacobs of Dana Jacobs Photography won an honorable mention.

"The Journey Traveled For You"

"The Journey Traveled For You" from Paulina Splechta of Paulina Splechta Photography won an honorable mention.

"Underwater"

"Underwater" from Dania Watson of Lauren and Douglas won an honorable mention.

"This Moment 2020"

"This Moment 2020" from Kandyce Wagar of Songbird and Oak Photography won an honorable mention.

"Erupting into Being"

"Erupting into Being" from Laura Brink of Rewild Her won an honorable mention.

"Silent Night"

"Silent Night" from Rianna Cross of Birthspoke won an honorable mention.