Every year, the International Association of Birth Photographers holds a competition for the brightest pictures. We share with you the best photos – 2021.
Yes, don’t be surprised, and there are such photographers too. Into lenses the whole process of the birth of a new person falls into the world, from the beginning of contractions and the moment when the baby’s head is shown to the first mother’s embrace.
Childbirth in the hospital and at home, in the water, alone with a midwife, with a partner or with a family; pain, anticipation, tears of happiness and pride; tenderness and sometimes shocking physiological details – all this is on the frames – the participants of the competition. The first place was taken by the picture “Daddy’s Daughter” by the Canadian photographer Ashley Maurston.
Ashley Marston of Ashley Marston Photography, «Daddy’s Girls»
And the best picture, according to the members of the association, was the work “The Greatest Love on Earth”, by Anna Lucy Silva Barbosa from Brazil.
Looking at the expression on the face of the young mother, it is immediately clear why the photo received such a name. There is no need for superfluous words – there is really nothing in the world stronger than mother’s love.
Anne Lucy Silva Barbosa of Anne Lucy Fotografia, «The Greatest Love In The World»
It’s amazing how different childbirth can be: at home and in the hospital, in the water and on the couch. But the main thing here is that nowhere does a woman at such a crucial moment remain alone with contractions. There are always those nearby who will support, encourage and help: a husband, a midwife, a doula, all at once. And even older children.
Emotions simply go off scale: unthinkable happiness and then anxiety, and tears, and incredible pride.
We have selected two dozen winning works that better than any words explain what it is like to become a parent, at what cost it costs – to start a new life and witness its birth.