The beauty, euphoria and sometimes aching heartbreak of birth have been laid bare in this year’s annual Birth Photography Competition, which uncovers the globe’s most incredible birth images.

The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IABPB) has revealed the breathtaking winners from its 2022 competition, which showcases the sublime skill of birth photographers from around the world. “We are incredibly proud of the entrants of this year’s competition because in spite of all we endured in our community in recent years, this contest represents the resistance birth photographers have to overcome unforeseen challenges,” said IABPB director Liz Cook.

This year’s competition included the new subcategory of Hardship and Loss, which attracted some of the most powerful images.  “We desire to honour the 1 in 4 birthing persons who experience miscarriage and/or loss and inviting images of these events into our celebration of birth photography is one way we can do this.”

Best Birth Photos 2022

From the elation of birth to the solemn ache of loss, these are the best birth photos of 2022 – including some brilliant winners from Australia. Just a gentle warning that these image do include infant loss. 

Best Overall First Place

Bárbara Aviz of Bárbara Aviz Fotografia: “A Touch Of Love”, Brazil

Best Overall Birth Details

Dania Lauren of Lauren + Douglas: “The Tiniest Feet”, Australia

Best Overall Labour

Sara Avila of Sara Avila Fotografia: “Accepting A New Plan”, Mexico

Best Overall Delivery

Ebony Allen-Ankins of Ebony Allen-Ankins Photography: “The First Look”, Australia

Best Overall Postpartum

Jessica Miles of Jessica Miles Photography: “Twins First Latch”, United States

Best Overall Hardship & Loss

Meike Nagorny of Meike Nagorny m.o.m.e.n.t.s: “As Long As I Am Here With You My Perfect Little Baby”, Germany

Members’ Choice Best Overall

Laura Brink of Rewild Her: “Blood Of My Blood”, Australia

Members’ Choice Best Overall Birth Details

Alina Goroaia Vincenti of Fotoemozioni Alina G.Vincenti: “Blood Ties”, Italy

Members’ Choice Best Overall Labour

Cindy Willems of Birth Day geboortefotografie: “White Noise”, Netherlands

Members’ Choice Best Overall Postpartum

Sara Johnson of Sara Hunter Photo, LLC: “Crying Dad”, United States

Best in Birth Details: Black & White

Lindsey Bartell of Lindsey Eden Photography & Doula: “She Roars”, United States

Best in Birth Details: Documentary

Brittney Hogue of Brittney Hogue | Birth, Baby, Family: “Nuchal”, United States

Best in Labour: Black & White

Sara Johnson of Sara Hunter Photo, LLC: “Ovarian Cancer Survivor – Hospital Transfer”, United States

Read the story behind this beautiful image: Warrior Mum Battles Cancer During Pregnancy

Best in Labour: Documentary

Jessica Innemee of VI-Photography: “My Sacred Birth Cocoon”, Netherlands

Best in Labour: Fine Art

Renate van Lith of Renate van Lith Fotografie: “Surrender”, Netherlands

Best in Delivery: Black & White

Inge Berken of Inge Berken Fotografie: “Euforia”, Netherlands

Best in Delivery: Documentary

Sara Johnson of Sara Hunter Photo, LLC: “Dad Catches His Baby Girl”, United States

Best in Delivery: Fine Art

Danny Merz of danny merz | geburtsreportage: “The Blessed Exhaustion”, Germany

Best in Postpartum: Black & White

Rachel Utain-Evans of Rachel Utain-Evans Photography: “Reunion”, United States

Best in Postpartum: Documentary

Inge Berken of Inge Berken Fotografie: “Love Till Infinity”, Netherlands

Best in Postpartum: Fine Art

Hayden Trace of Home Again: “Swimming Interstellar”, United States

Make sure you check out these Birth Photos You Apparently Don’t Want To See.

Let us know which of these incredible photos is your favourite in the comments below.