These incredibly raw birth photographs are so beautiful and honest

We all know that giving birth is not a walk in the park. It's painful, hard, exhausting and extremely overwhelming. However, as the following photos show, it is also magical, emotional and incredibly beautiful.

The annual competition by IAPBP celebrates the beauty of birth and the skill of birth photographers around the globe in four categories – labour, delivery, postpartum and birth details.

Images are judged on a variety of criteria and the first place winner will be featured throughout the year.

First Place Winner

Stunning Siblings First Encounter; Marijike Thoen – Marijke Thoen Birthphotography

“Our Association has grown by leaps and bounds and our members continually produce excellent, emotive, invaluable birth photographs for the families that hire them,” said Lyndsay Stradtner.

Birth photography is a highly specialised field and the choice to have the experience documented is an intensely personal decision. It involves the birth process, environment, the parents and those in attendance. Birth photography encompasses the tears of joy, the wonder of bringing a new life into the world and celebrates family. The photographers who specialise in the field use their art to tell the story of birth.

“I am so thrilled to be able to feature the tremendous talent of our members in the image competition this year,” said Stradtner. “I want to thank each and every IAPBP member who entered this year and, of course, the families who agreed to share their beautiful birth moments with the world.”