IAPBP | Birth Photography Image Competition | 2021
IAPBP | Birth Photography Image Competition | 2021
International Association of Professional Birth Photographers has been hosting an image competition for a decade! I have proudly entered nearly every year. It is something that stirs a passion in my work all year long; to bring the very best of every story and share with the masses. *See 2021 Winning Images Here* This year has been so much more, and here is why! Liz Cook, the director of IAPBP, has poured so much love and energy into this company since she took the reins. Her ability to take ideas from members and turn it into a community is unmatched. This year, a portion of the entry fees were donated to the nonprofit, Black Mamas Matter Alliance. With the option to include an additional donation, the total that was donated in relation to the 2021 competition was $1,185.00. BMMA is a Black woman-led cross-sectoral alliance who centers Black mamas to advocate, drive research, build power, and shift culture for Black maternal health, rights and justice. They envision a world where Black mamas have the rights, respect, and resources to thrive before, during and after pregnancy. IAPBP will be marketing and sending donations to this nonprofit all year long as a way to give back. It was an honor to be a part of this donation. Showcasing birth on this platform is why I submit every year. Certainly it is fun to win, or be amongst the honorable mentions. It’s always validating to be noticed. Having done birth photography for nearly 10 years, I am comfortable in my work, and hold so much pride for each image I hand select for each entry. I love sharing my heart through these images, and being a part of a worldwide community of photographers telling the story of birth. Some of my favorite images in birth are ones that, as I stare for even longer, more and more parts of the story become clear. This image from Laura Brink of Rewild Her, does exactly that for me. I found myself thoroughly enjoying all the aspects of this capture. In fact, a perk of being a member, we are given the opportunity to not only vote but leave feedback. I loved the opportunity to share my heart and encouraging others.
Birthing person up on toes straining as man holds hands under to prepare to catch a baby emerging
[Members Choice | Best in Labor | Winner |
Another image I want to draw attention to is from Hanna Hill of Hanna Hill Photography. My heart is bursting with so much pride for my friend, peer, and the artist who so beautifully captured my own HBAC (homebirth after cesarean). This is by far a stand out image, and the connection between subject and photographer goes deeper. Birth is intense.But even in its chaotic, emotional, dramatic, messy intensity it needs to be shared!Not to grow fear but to grow power!Take power from being an intense life bearer, birther and giver.Lean into the messy, the pain and the transformation.Let it guide you on a path of discovery of who you are, who you are becoming and who you WILL be!@hannahillphotography
[Judges Choice | Best in Postpartum | Winner |
Below are the five images I chose to enter, and I am so thankful my clients shared in my excitement. Often, I know immediately once I snap the button that it will be a moment I want to share with the world. Three out of the five here I knew right away! I included a comical image, trying to play to the judge's humor. It definitely sparked some laughter and that brings a smile to my face. 
[Labor | Gathering Strength and Serenity] With a dark room lit by only the string of lights and the soft glow coming through the doorway behind me, the focus lies perfectly along the shape of her lip and closed lashes. Keeping the atmosphere intact brings a sense of calm and serenity to this moment.
Mom holds baby on belly and all you see are the toes, patterned receiving blanket and cord that is almost drained off all the blood
[Birth Details |
Lifelines] Immediately after seeing this moment I just knew I wanted this image to be submitted. So much so that I never shared it publicly. The colors alone are so enticing - and the perfect spiral slowing draining of blood. Texture to me in a capture feels impactful and I chose to keep the hands holding baby in the crop to bring more depth and complexity. 
Mom is laying in the bed at the birth center while baby is nursing side lying and mom is connecting with the lens with bright eyes and look of victory
[Postpartum | In Her Eyes the Sparkle of Victory] The eyes in this image draw you in. In fact, her eyes were not altered in any way post processing, they shone so bright even after pushing for 4 hours!
midwife has hand laying on moms head as she nurses her baby and thanks midwife for helping christmas tree in background and stockings hun along fireplace
[Postpartum | Never Forget the Difference You Make]This year has been met with pretty intense changes. So many families are choosing out of hospital births and our local midwives are busier than they have ever been. It was important for me to draw attention to the midwife in this image. The loving gaze that mom had as she thanked her midwife, “I couldn’t have done this without you” she whispered. This selfless woman placed her hand on moms head, reinforcing that she was the one with the power. The title was well thought out to give affirmation that in this moment, she meant the world.
mom and dad sit on their bed and do fist bump in celebration of their homebirth as new born exam happens at the foot of their bed
[Postpartum | Born at Home #suckitcovid #fistbump]Comical relief! I had been with this family for their three previous births. They found out they were expecting around the beginning of COVID and refused to consider a birth without my presence; a true honor in its own. Natural birth wasn’t foreign to this family, but a non induction was. Once things settled, they snuggled in together and fist-bumped in celebration of their perfectly oiled plan. So excited to have been at the ready as their hands nearly met, you can almost hear the audible ‘BOOM’ coming from mom. Art is subjective. I desire to keep the story present even if technical aspects don't shine through. Rules are meant to be broken. I believe Birth Photography is photojournalism and work to capture the picturesque magic in each moment and refuse to alter an image’s authenticity to make a more impactful message. Birth is strong enough to do that on its own. I encourage you to put yourself out there - and submit images. Someone out there will see the true passion and appreciate the documentary behind your voice!Amanda’s work is true photojournalism. It’s not after a staged or contrived decisive moment. It’s giving something to think about, thoughtfully. In the spirit it was quietly and conscientiously captured. Her impact is in encouragement and presenting the story. Amanda is literally changing the face of birth in her area. A contest placement is not needed to affirm what she already does and accomplish every time she shows up. Honest and unassuming, Amanda is there to tell their stories and not make it about anyone or anything else. That is priceless.- Julie Gayler, Seven Rising Studio