There was a period when fathers were not permitted in the delivery room, but times have changed, turning the birthing process into a family affair where a mother’s entire support system, including children, can witness the magical moments of a newborn’s arrival. Birth photographers play a pivotal role in enabling parents to capture and immortalize every significant moment of bringing a new life into the world. Jennifer Mason and Monet Nicole, the visionary founders of Birth Becomes Her—an online resource inspiring birth photography professionals and expectant parents—emphasize the profound impact of viewing and sharing these birth images. They firmly believe in the immeasurable value of preserving the memories from one of life’s most monumental experiences.The Birth Becomes Her website recently hosted its annual birth photography contest, the “Birth Becomes Your Image Contest 2019.” This year, it received over 1,200 submissions from birth photographers worldwide, an increase of almost 300 from the previous year. A distinguished panel of judges, comprising pioneers in the birth and photography communities, meticulously selected winners across various categories, including in-hospital and out-of-hospital births, color and black-and-white images, and postpartum moments, spanning the first 48 hours after birth and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) sessions.
For Sadie, a first-time entrant in the contest, the shared image on Instagram symbolized the emotional rollercoaster after giving birth—relief, amazement, shock, exhaustion, happiness, love, and overwhelm. The image encapsulated the sense of accomplishment and the myriad of emotions flooding one’s mind during this extraordinary moment.
Expressing gratitude on Instagram, Toni thanked the trusting family who welcomed her into their birthing space to capture a magical and sacred moment. The connection forged during the experience left an indelible mark on Toni’s heart.
Linnéa Geiger, the photographer behind a captivating home birth image, shared her honor and the magic she witnessed during the event on Instagram. Cat’s photo beautifully captured the awe of a new mother seeing her baby for the first time, highlighting the emotional, spiritual, and physical rewards of taking time to fully experience this profound moment.
Winning entries, such as Jessica’s postpartum image, Kendal Blacker Photography’s peace-evoking shot, Sashi Hesson’s timeless black-and-white composition, and Coastal Lifestyle Photography’s poignant capture of Whitney’s birthing journey, each tell a unique and powerful story. These photographs transcend mere documentation; they become cherished windows into the profound beauty and complexity of childbirth.
