Cleverly captured, the reflection in the mirror adding more to the story. The only criticism is the plastic crib cutting the babys face in 2. I think if the photographer stood up crouched down a little that could of been prevented. Otherwise a lovely photo.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

Highlights have been controlled perfectly which is very challenging with that spotlight in theatre. I love that baby is looking straight into the camera which took my attention staright away. I then look around and see what else is going on with the surgeon very gently moving that cord across bubs head.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

This is such a powerful image! The composition is outstanding – beautifully framed and the color edit pulls you right in.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

lovely shot of such a sacred moment
— Katie Mathis, Judge

Great spotlight capture on the action, it is easy to over expose in the operating room. I would have preferred a bit more light to the overall image.Good composition and I love the tug of the cord on baby’s forehead.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Composition is wonderful.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

great cesarean photo – I love the way the cord looks like a crown
— Robin Baker, Judge

great caesarean shot
— Jenny Lee Lorenz, Member

Love the details of this.
— Kelly Richman, Member

Fabulous catch, sharp and beautiful colour edit.
— Sophie Bos, Member

I love the lighting in this photo, the sharpness, and I think this photo tells this baby’s story coming earthside
— Danielle Tufano, Member

Just looking at this photo makes it possible for me to feel the warmth and softness of that perfect, sweet skin. I love all of the details and the crispness of this image!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

The baby being curled up on itself as it might have been in utero conjures up the irresistible softness and squishiness of a newborn. Although you can see the mother in the background, the focus is really on the baby.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

Beautiful image. The angle you chose is unique, and artistic, and the editing is gorgeous. You captured the intimacy, and affection, and bliss of skin-to-skin with a brand new baby, and everything about the way you created this image is perfect.
— Esther Edith, Judge

Beautifully captured image. The focal point on the eye of the baby draws me straight into the image
— Jane McCrae, Judge

This just feels like a piece of art. It’s beautiful and intimate and I love your moodier editing style.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

You’re pulled right into this alluring image that perfectly captures that first 48 hours. Fantastic edit with gorgeous coloring.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

I love this newborn position., so very fresh 48. That little nose. How the baby draws you in and the way in which you decided to edit this image. I just want to cuddle this little one close.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

Beautiful composition and focus point. Nice edit.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

It’s unique to see the natural state of baby in a fresh 48. A wonderful close composition allows you to picture yourself coming in close to take a look at the cuteness of this newborn.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Oh my goodness. Love this squishy little babe wrapped in loving arms. Love the skin tones and lighting.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

This image proves that it is possible for love to frame life.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

Beautiful detailed image, love the soft edit and the colors.
— Isabell Steinert, Member

A posed, unposed image. Love the color and details
— Joanne Verspuij, Member

I’m a sucker for a close up of a wrinkly little babe. The composition is beautiful.
— Kimberly Kimble, Member

sweet
— Rebecca Edmonson, Member

The colour and composition is amazing! I love to see baby’s in the shape they were in the womb.
— Sara Bresser, Member

The colours and sharp detail make this a winning image for me.
— Sarah Widnyana, Member

I love the composition, contrast, and framing in this photograph. I also love the intensity in mom’s face, as if she wants to get out of her own skin to avoid the intensity of the pain. However, there is knowledge that the love to come is worth it.
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Love the rawness of this one. Fresh new baby covered in vernix. Squishy baby in moms arms. Great capture!
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

The clarity and intensity in such a calm moment really blows me away. The detail of the vernix and wrinkles just speaks to the delicate nature you took to capture this postpartum moment.
— Hanna Hill, Member

Such a raw and intimate moment. Lovely edit, great colors!
— Isabell Steinert, Member

I love the composition and the edit on this image.
— Kimberly Kimble, Member

one of my most favorite images of a newborn ever. absolutely gorgeous!
— Lindsay Askins, Member

tender
— Rebecca Edmonson, Member

The colours and all of the details in this image make it a winner for me.
— Sarah Widnyana, Member

a mesmerizing image
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Composition is well done, it is intimate without being revealing
— Aileen Miller, Member

It’s gentle and you can feel the love
— Aileen Miller, Member

your focus went to the male’s arm hair
— Natalia Walth, Judge

fantastic job capturing this breech birth!
— Lindsay Askins, Member

I love all the elements that were included in the composition: the mothers arms, the partners arms, the baby bottom and cord, the mother’s belly, and importantly: the prior cesarean scar.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

the simplicity of this image is what makes is so beautiful
— Lindsay Askins, Member

Amazing image of action and emotion.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

The title made me laugh and the image is simply stunning. Personally I would have cropped the image a little bit or darkened it a bit at the left side as the left side looks a bit over exposed, there is no detail in de skin of mum’s back and the back of her leg. I would also have brightened up dad’s face a little.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

unique title. I would have loved to have seen more of her expression if you would have stood back. And dads in hats, ugh. I hate missing their expression!
— Natalia Walth, Judge

this family will treasure this image forever. incredible shot.
— Lindsay Askins, Member

Happy and surprised. I have to smile when I see this image.
— Dora Barens, Member

Incredible facial expression and lighting.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

beautiful light, sweet moment and perfect focus on the membranes
— Robin Baker, Judge

I love the darkness in this photo. It makes you feel like it’s 2 or 3 in the morning, which it probably is. Also, I love that you see all this activity: hands coming in from left and right, and yet mother is lost in love with her new baby.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

Lovely details.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

I keep coming back to this image, over, and over. You captured the emotion, connection, and details so tangibly; I feel like I am right there. The editing is beautiful, and the focus on the feet and amniotic sac, with mum and baby burred in the background perfectly captures the motion and magic of the moment. This could have been captured from various angles, but you seem to have placed yourself strategically to capture this moment in all its glory. Somehow everything looks like it is moving but paused at the same time. Well done; this is simply exquisite.
— Esther Edith, Judge

What a great shot of the membranes being swept back off baby. I can feel the movement in this capture. Midwives hands lead my eyes right to the membranes, and then I notice that juicy cord and then the connection between mum and babe. The tone of the edit adds to the overall feel of this image and moment.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

This is a really strong image and really beautiful moment. There are so many different details being captured here. The focus and color look good however I’d like to see the exposure pulled up just a tad to really make it pop
— Natasha Hance, Judge

I love the emotion in this image mixed with the business of being born. The light and edit are incredible.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

Wonderful emotion
— Katie Mathis, Judge

A gorgeous photograph that truly shows so many details of birth. There’s so much to see and so well edited.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

To capture the caul is an extraordinary experience in and of itself, but to catch the moment during its separation where it is so delicately draped over mom and baby was a very thoughtful decision. I love it.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

While all the movement is happening, the kiss, the hand feeling the cord, the hand drying the baby with a towel, the focus is on the baby’s foot, the mother’s hand under the membrane and the cord. Amazing.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

I’m in love with the full story in this image. So many details I can’t stop looking. The sack, cord, blood on towles, moms finger. Just so so stunning.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

I love that there are so many birth details in this one image, it truly tells a story. My eyes were drawn to the thick cord, the sac being removed from baby, and ultimately to a mother’s first kiss. I love the contrast and focus in this image.
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Phenomenal example of details in birth. Details are everywhere and with this image you can stare it for minutes and find all the details. The sac over the mothers hand and towels. The water moving. Her kiss on baby’s head. A gentle touch on the back of her head by the father. Baby’s hand on her face. Midwives reaching in to assist. Beautiful composition that envelops the core subject.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

it was really hard to not choose this one…a very difficult category. you nailed this moment
— Lindsay Askins, Member

Love the focus and lighting. Beautiful shot.
— Stephanie Capps, Member

tones, connection, emotion, beautiful
— Rebecca Edmonson, Member

Love the tones, the composition and the focus on the veil. It’s a detail image but with a lot of emotion.
— Deborah Elenter, Member

Beautiful photograph of the detail of birth, remnants of the birth sac is gorgeous
— Janet Gerbutavich, Member

This is such an intriguing image. I can’t stop staring at it. The depth of color is beautiful. The composition really leads the viewer’s eye around the photo, trying to piece together the story. Was baby born en caul?
— Heather Nerheim, Member

Enveloped
— Lindsey Rivera, Member

I really can’t get enough of this image and its uniqueness and rarity!
— Lawren Snapka, Member

Very unique. I love the details, perfect for the category
— Lawren Snapka, Member

Pure art! Lovely colors, great emotions, and details!
— Isabell Steinert, Member

The shadows and highlights really illuminate and draw your eye to the baby born en caul. The colours are vibrant and the framing is good.
— Sarah Widnyana, Member

Absolutely tranquil. Quiet repose, draws the viewer in, triangle of exposure is lovely. I am not distracted by the editing, instead pulled into the story.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

Tranquil – what a perfect title. There is so much peace, and beauty, and emotion in this image. I love the connection and intimacy captured. The composition with mum off-center is unique, and adds to the beauty of the image. I also really like the colour edit, with the darkened background. Just beautiful all round.
— Esther Edith, Judge

I love that all 3 participants are shown in the capture and the light is falling perfectly on mom’s face. The moody edit is lovely! So emotional and gut wrenchingly beautiful.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

This is a really lovely moment captured. I love how it feels and it has a strong composition and it made me pause to really want to look at it more. The dodging and burning feel a little off balance. The burning of the background with the halo around dad is distracting and what looks like maybe added clarity makes some of their skin tones look ‘ashy’.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

Beautiful capture of this new family. I love how intrigued big sister is and Dads focus on mom. What a great photo!
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

This is such a great moment. it’s as if you can take a breath with momma and put a huge smile on my face. The choice of this image was perfect. I am first drawn to mom, then to dads face down to big sister touching the baby. There is so much joy in this moment that is also so much more silent then other images. The fact that you didn’t center them, and yet they are so connected and centered around each other feeds into the feel of the moment.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

A perfectly captured moment!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

beautiful connection
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Love that the whole family is involved and how the little girl is touching the baby’s hand.
— Jenny Lee Lorenz, Member

The emotion in this image is stunning. The colours are vibbrant and the framing is perfect.
— Sarah Widnyana, Member

A wonderful angle, that feels so intimate with lovely use of light. The color pops in all the right ways and just makes you feel happy!
— Jen McLellan, Judge

Amazing composition and color
— Katie Mathis, Judge

Love your framing, really nice edit and such a sweet moment.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

Stunning image of that family’s sweet baby.
— Brandi Lawson, Member

the compo and sweet details gets my heart
— teresa losada, Member

So much emotion!! I love the colors and focus. Such a wonderful image of the emotions of birth.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

I love how much these parents fill the frame, the emotion and the editing are just beautiful.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

I love seeing his manly arm gently embracing his wife
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Very sweet. Very raw and tender. Just love it.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

Such a great, intense moment!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Unique shot. A great black and white edit. Great use of the rule of thirds leading the eye to all the angles used. I love the emotion on his face. His determination joins hers. This shot being from the side angle shows the beautiful juxtaposition of a woman’s feminine genius and a man’s physical and emotional strength.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

This image immediately caught my eye. the strength and emotion. i just love it!
— Stephanie Capps, Member

Gorgeous moment, so much detail and wonder
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

I love the sweet embrace between mom, dad, and baby in this image. I love the pride and joy of dad as he brings his new baby’s face close to his own. I also love that the tattooed knuckles appear to say baby! This is a beautiful image!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Beautiful image, nice black and white editing. Maybe a vertical crop would make it even stronger.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

Beautiful Capture of a birth by cesarean. Love the joy and relief on the parents’ faces.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

I’m so in love with this moment you were able to capture! Great black and white conversion.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

Face presentation belly birth… Ah-mazing! The black & white edit takes my eyes straight to baby’s face. Well captured and edited.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

Very cool edit to draw your attention to that squished little face emerging. I love this!
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

This choice for me was as much about the image itself (which is very well done) as what I know it took to capture it – a good working relationship with hospital staff. Well done.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

focus was missed and looks like it went to the sleeve to the right
— Natalia Walth, Judge

This image stands out. It is different than what I’ve seen before.
— Joanne Verspuij, Member

Emerging into our world
— Joanne Verspuij, Member

I love that this image not only has an amazing moment but it’s framed really nicely, well exposed and a beautiful BW conversion
— Dania Watson, Member

I’m mesmerized by this photo… I just keep staring at it wanting to look closer at each of the people present. Beautiful.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

What a joy to see all the support provided to this family and how that all stand back and take in the moment without phones! Great way to capture everyone in the room. I love the contrast used and the angle.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Such a great story, I love the framing and how their collective gaze leads you right to the subject
— Twyla Jones, Judge

great angle!
— Caroline Devulder, Member

It takes a village is my first thought, all of those involved in bringing this baby earthside, beautiful capture.
— Janet Gerbutavich, Member

The beads of sweat and tears capture so much strength. Beautiful and raw at once.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

Such an intense and raw moment. I love how this is framed and how the viewer doesn’t need a “body” to understand (and feel) she is in the throes of labour.
— belle verdiglione, Member

Perfect capture of the intensity and strength required to get through those overwhelming transition contractions. Capturing the three tear streaks on her face elevate this to something special – really invokes an empathetic response from the viewer.
— Heather Nerheim, Member

The emotion is so raw. Such a beautiful image!
— Rowan Steiner, Member

Great overall view of the aftermath of a birth!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

This is such a great depiction of postpartum! Every piece of the picture tells part of the story. I love the bird’s eye view, and the composition is beautiful.
— Esther Edith, Judge

I really like the pulled back images that tell so much of the story!
— Amanda Ditzel, Member

I love that view from above that shows everything, including the emotion in the room after the delivery. Beautiful!
— Rowan Steiner, Member

Wow! Such a rare image to capture! The way this image is composed and edited is absoluetly captivating.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

That little baby was between homes.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

Nicely executed image. Exposure can be tricky during cesareans and requires a great amount of skill to capture a moment like this (which passes very quickly) with such clarity and intention. The colors are lovely as well and there is a good balance of dodging/burning.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

Stunning underwater birth
— Caroline Devulder, Member

I love underwater images, especially this one
— Caroline Devulder, Member

Everything in this images breathes love and strenght
— Caroline Devulder, Member

Beautiful details and lighting, really captures the gentle sense.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

PERFECT exposure for this shot!
— Lindsay Askins, Member

would have preferred to have seen a mirroring effect
— Natalia Walth, Judge

I love the composition
— Kelly Richman, Member

Title and subject tie well. You can see cord is almost done pulsing and nursing is beginning. Beautiful edit and composition. The open space of water allows the eye to focus on her attempts to breastfeed.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Colors and cord are a perfect symbiosis. All the colors complement each other and tell a story.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

I really love the contrast of the cord with the rest of the colors.
— April Newman, Member

Very beautiful and powerful!
— Bree Garcia, Member

Wow, the crisp focus and moving composition is truly stunning. I also love the warmth in your color.
— Hanna Hill, Member

I love the composition, colors and the way this image was edited to highlight the baby and cord.
— Kimberly Kimble, Member

This close up capture has so many great details: The stretched perineum, the nuchal cord and hand, that little shoulder, the fluid and vernix dripping down. I love the way the hands frame the shot – the angle for this moment is perfect. Well captured and edited.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

This image is intense! There is so much detail, the cord, the hand, the vernix, the hand’s catching the baby. The color in this image is so lovely, this is definitely a wonderful image and moment!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Rich, true to life colors. Also, in some settings, this might be considered a complex birth, but there is a serenity and calmness, with the father catching his child. That takes away the sense that anything might be wrong here.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

Incredible. So many details captured! As dad, tenderly receives baby, and midwife gently assists – you captured the motion, involvement, and connection so well. The composition and editing are perfect; I’m glad you chose colour for your edit. So beautiful.
— Esther Edith, Judge

I love the sharpness of this image, the ungloved hands of Dad brings a very special touch.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

This is birth! It’s raw and breathtaking. This image is technically impressive as this moment in time flashes by in an instant. The composition pulls you right in.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

jaw dropping. The frame that you captured here in this moment is perfect. I love the vernix is what grabs me, pulls me in. Then the little hand with the cord are a close second. I love that its dad’s hands too. You can see and feel momma working that baby out and its so intense. love it!
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

Amazing shot
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

The fathers bare hands are a magnificent and rare thing to see. The midwife’s feminine and wise hands assisting while her gentle touch looks like a caress on baby’s lower lip. Perfect shutter speed to catch the fluid running down his face.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

striking image! Contrasting feelings of constriction/pain with open/gentleness makes the subject very interesting and emotional. There are so many details all captured in one image
— Robin Baker, Judge

This photo has an impressive narrative of the baby being born with nuchal hand, cord and being received by the warmth of the father’s hand; his lips subtly being touched by the other person’s hand. Technically very well done. Thank you for sharing.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

I love the colour, composition and the every detail. this is visually beautiful and perfect story telling.
— Donna Hedgcock, Member

beatiful detail
— Lela Beltrao, Member

Composition, I love how all the hands are there, tenderly waiting for baby. Also the detail captured is so clear, the cord, the hand and the vernix.
— Sara Bresser, Member

So. Much. Joy.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

The absolute joy in this image is infectious. It’s almost as if mum, sibling and baby have the same expression on their faces. I love the black and white edit, the leading lines from the birth pool and everyone’s arms/hands that draw my eyes into the image, and that you can see the cord on mum’s belly. Beautiful shot.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

This image brought tears to my eyes, the joy is palpable! Mom and baby’s expressions seem to match. Everything about this image is lovely from big sister’s curls to dad’s supportive hand resting on mom.
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

What an amazing moment captured. Your composition perfectly captures the emotion, and connection. The black and white edit of this image is absolutely beautiful. {I am eager to see this in colour as well!} This image captures the joy, and beauty of birth; it conveys what birth can look like when in the comfort of delivering in a peaceful environment, and the tenderness of sharing the experience with family – even siblings! Powerful, emotional, beautiful image.
— Esther Edith, Judge

The joy is palpable. Exquisitely captured.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

Incredible. That is all!
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

All the feels!!!! This one made me tear up! Such a wonderful moment so perfectly captured.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

The emotion takes the cake.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

The moment, the edit, the perspective, the balanced elements. This image is perfect!
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

My overall winner. So much emotion, beautiful composition and edit.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

Wonderful set of emotions captured. The mother, daughter and baby. The composition leads the eye to the mother the central subject with so much love. Perfect triangle that connects everyone.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

What a great image capture! Composition is strong and it was nicely executed. Exposure, composition, clarity and color are all good.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

wonderful emotions
— Robin Baker, Judge

The emotion of the mother’s expression and that of her two children, which is practically the same as hers, is contagious. The photograph portrays the feeling of a strong bond of love in this family circle.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

I love the emotion from all subjects, and with the title makes my heart burst.
— April Newman, Member

Such a good capture! Emotion of EVERYONE and perfect angle!
— Bree Garcia, Member

Love the emotion that was captured, and the crispness of the image.
— Danielle Tufano, Member

This image is just so full of emotion and love. It is perfectly composed and truly captures the emotions of a rainbow baby.
— Lisa Weingardt, Member

WOW
— Rebecca Edmonson, Member

It is perfect!
— Stephanie Capps, Member

All the arms/hands in this shot [so symbolic of support] really draw my eyes into the subject. Mum’s face – clearly overwhelmed, and her hands – one holding steady to Dad and the other stretched out in an attempt to release the pain. I can feel what she’s feeling. Great angle and composition – mum framed by her support team, and the black and white conversion is just right. I imagine that this image just wouldn’t have the same impact if it were in colour.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

I love circular feel of this image but am straight away dran to the centre with this Mums face. I feel like I am right there with her.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

I love this one! For me it is the overall winner! The emotions, how mother is crying, the people around. But also the sharpness and the colors. Great job!
— Renate van Lith, Member

The lighting on this image is stunning. I love the red water, placenta, and cheese. All showing the postpartum stage. beautiful editing choice as well.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

This photo is so serene and peaceful. Love that the placenta is floating next to mom while she nurses baby. Great composition.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

this image took me back to my own first baby’s birth…absolutely gorgeous
— Lindsay Askins, Member

I love the colour and composition of this image. My focus is immediately drawn to baby – stunning.
— Sara Bresser, Member

The details in this image are incredible. The support, everything on the bed, moms face, and body. I love the lighting on dads face, his expression and that he is the one catching the baby. Then we see the baby and its not just the head, but a shoulder with the lip pulled back so you know her body is working. I love it. This is one of those photos that you get or you don’t. You got it.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

So crisp! The use of light and edit is outstanding. I love all the details!
— Jen McLellan, Judge

Perfect contrast and composition.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

Great light use. I love the gentleness of the parents touch embracing the baby it keeps with gentle edit . And those skin tones; envy!
— Natalia Walth, Judge

I like the angle and composition of this image and the simplicity of it. It doesn’t need a lot of elements to tell the story and I like that about this image.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

beautiful details
— Robin Baker, Judge

Beautiful bright colours in the edit. I love that you captured her at a yawn.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

Wonderful use of light and these colors really pop. What an adorable shot that’s also so well done.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

Beautifully captured.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

Who says no to baby’s yawning! And then add that bow, such cuteness and wonderful light use from the window. Great bokeh blurring everything but this sweet face and the perfectly timed moment.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

This is a great choice for the category and I really like the composition and color of the image. It looks slightly magenta but otherwise really lovely tones.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

Great capture!
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

It is s cute to see the little movements of a newborn captured
— Aileen Miller, Member

The colors are spot on – and the tiny yawn makes me smile.
— Amanda Ditzel, Member

Wake-Up
— Lindsey Rivera, Member

This is a beautiful storytelling image. I love the use of the window light and the looks of gentle loving concentration on the parent’s faces. Just gorgeous.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

Its lovely how the window light catches the tip of the dad and baby’s nose. I like that you shot with available light to keep the mood of the moment authentic. Lovely.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

Something so serene and sweet. Very tender. Beautiful edit.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

good storytelling
— Robin Baker, Judge

Love your edit that really helps to set the mood for this sweet moment.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

Love the focus, the light coming in from the window, and the colours
— Ashley Harrison, Member

Emotional, quiet, loving and caring.
— Dora Barens, Member

Such beautiful light and use of shadow.
— Sophie Bos, Member

Beautiful composition! You feel like you’re getting a sneak peek at this profound moment in this woman’s life.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

Beautiful light. I love the serenity of this photograph.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

Very artistic framing. Good use of light
— Robin Baker, Judge

Stepping back for this shot really told the story perfect. You can see she is alone, in an empty room laboring. Including the empty space really makes this image!
— Lawren Snapka, Member

Amazing. Such a beautiful and emotional image.
— Esther Edith, Judge

This image captures my attention. Baby looks so tiny in those giant gloved hands. I want to know more about this story. Beautiful black & white edit and framing of baby between the theatre staff.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

Such a tiny, perfect babe, great image!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

I’ve documented hundreds of births so I understand what the environment surrounding a moment such as this is like and the skill involved in capturing it perfectly like this. You can tell the room is crowded and I love the perspective of shooting creatively through it all. Often people get flustered when the room is crowded and miss moments like this because they wait for a clear shot instead of looking for ways to still be able to capture a moment like this one. Capturing a moment like this requires knowing how to think quickly and creatively and to know your camera well. The edit has a beautiful balance of blacks and whites. Normally a center composition doesn’t always create a ‘wow’ feeling but it works really well in this image.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

So fragile. Absolutely amazing and unique photo of this tiny but strong little human. I also love she sharpness of baby in this image.
— Cindy Willems, Member

I love the angle and perspective here. I’d prefer to see more contrast in the edit though. It would define the boys interaction with baby much better.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

the odd obtrusion pointing directly to the child’s exit was odd.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

The title of this image says it all! The joy on each face finally seeing that little baby face is apparent. I love the color and the emotions in this image!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

This photo evokes so much joy! It’s one of those images this family will cherish for generations.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

I love all the happiness packed in one photo. Some more editing could have made this image stand out even more I feel.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

The window shot is a rare thing and is slowly disappearing. A great capture at a families excitement and a proud dad’s moment! I would have stepped a bit to the left to have captured more of dad’s face and all of the faces presented.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

So so so lovely and joy-filled!
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

Love the happiness on their faces and you nailed the composition to tell such an excellent story.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

I’m instantly drawn to , and captivated by the beautiful joyful face in the window pointing at the new arrival. Well captured.
— Dania Watson, Member

Perfect reaction to seeing a baby you love for the very first time.
— Janet Gerbutavich, Member

Beautiful Perspective! Love the support surrounding this woman. It really does take a village!
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

The image of a mother delivering her own child unassisted is powerful and fierce. And yet, at the same time, the soft colors and the baby’s relaxed hands create a very soothing and relaxed atmosphere. It’s an interesting contrast.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

Such a beautiful, powerful image
— Esther Edith, Judge

Beautifully captured under difficult conditions. I love the lighting and soft colours. Bub looks so peaceful as she is being gently held by her Mama.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

This photo is so perfect in every way. Love seeing baby come out gently into the water with the umbilical cord too! Such a beautiful and peaceful photo.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

Love the composition and all of the storytelling elements you captured in this image. Such a powerful moment.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

Mother and baby, each with their necklace of power. A perfect title for this image. I can look at this photo for hours, assimilating all the wisdoms it holds. It is deep, delicate, pure, loving. Speechless. It reminds us of our true, complete self.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

I’m particularly partial to this image because this was the position that I birthed my son in, also in water! I love the perspective and it’s such a contrast to most of the images we see of delivery where baby is already screaming and sort of shocked by their entrance into the world. This little one is so peaceful in this moment, not even knowing yet that he/she has been born. There is a dream-like quality. Between worlds. Just beautiful.
— Heather Nerheim, Member

Beautiful image, delicate and strong.
— Izabel Medeiros, Member

i like the point of view
— Lela Beltrao, Member

this is how I caught my second baby and I wish I had an image like this of that moment. beautiful.
— Lindsay Askins, Member

I love all of the details in this photo. Baby already looks so comfortable in Mom’s arms. Great capture!
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

I liked the light of this photo and the contrast.
— Sabrina Rocha, Member

amazing shot!
— Lindsay Askins, Member

This made me laugh. I love the lightness of this moment. Labour for so many women is long and spent on their phones… until active labour kicks in of course. This perfectly captures this generation and early labour.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

This is simply a captivating image. The super close up makes this image of crowning more unique compared to others.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

This image captures just how incredibly designed the human body is. As mother’s body gently stretches to birth her baby, baby’s “shrinks” – you captured the astounding details of the baby’s skull bones overlapping in order to move through mother’s body. Beautiful edit, composition, and focus.
— Esther Edith, Judge

phenomenal detail to try and get , not many women want this but aperture was too shallow and detail was lost
— Natalia Walth, Judge

The sense of release and relief comes across so strongly
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

This appears to capture that triumphant moment, just a few seconds after the birth, and you can see the maternal elation. The focal field is narrow, which blurs the partner to some extent, and draws the focus onto the mother and child, and yet his is nevertheless part of the joyful celebration.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

All of the emotion!! Such a moving image!
— Twyla Jones, Judge

Love how it shows the emotion a mother has at the birth of her child.
— Jenny Lee Lorenz, Member

one of the most authentic images I’ve seen in birth photography
— Lindsay Askins, Member

This is such a beautiful image, the light, the coziness of the family, the lovely latched baby. The burning of the cord is such a unique thing to witness, I love that this image can expose many people to something they may have never seen, while also capturing a wonderful memory for this family.
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

I love the homely warmth of this image and the twinkling lights in the background. My eye is drawn straight to the burning cord. The womans arm then leads me straight to bub on the breast and mums serene face.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

There is a lot happening in this photo, which makes it more than just a detail shot. However the decision with depth of field and focus on the cord burning ceremony sold it for me. I love the softness of mom and baby latching on in the background, even if it distracts a tiny bit from the subject of the image.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

The light, colours and composition as well as the background being out of focus makes this image really magical.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

beautiful light
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Love the warmth and tone of the image. Composition, exposure and focus look great. Really great moment captured.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

I love the softness and warmness of the photo. Cord burning is such a beautiful process. I love how mom is watching so intently. Great composition with the cord as the main focus.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

the low-light capture is stunning. So special. Excellent use of camera and edits.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

Great storytelling, beautiful use of light, and very interesting subject
— Robin Baker, Judge

Such an incredible and unique moment. Love the ambiance from the lighting and your framing is perfection.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

We feel embraced by the scene, the framing, the color temperature, the candle light and the lights in the background. It tells the story of the possibility of cutting the cord with fire in a ritualistic event involving presence and tranquility.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

The lighting of the detail captures your eye
— Aileen Miller, Member

I liked how the photographer told the story. This moment really touches the viewer.
— Sabrina Rocha, Member

This image is everything and something I haven’t seen much of!
— Tamara Milldove, Member

I love this image!
— Tamara Milldove, Member

Oh my heart. This shot got me straight away. I can feel their love bliss. Beautifully composed, captured and edited to accentuate the feeling of this moment.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

perfect composition. I can feel their connection –its very sweet and tender.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

Beautiful composition
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

Beautiful composition, and colours. Great job capturing the strength of a laboring mother, and value of a supportive birth team.
— Esther Edith, Judge

I love the composition, tones and the serenity I feel when I look at this image
— Tamara Milldove, Member

I really love this pull back! I even see you in the mirror. The editing is very well done and I can tell that those colors were killer to edit. I really love everyone’s faces are showing even the midwives by the mirror.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

great storytelling
— Robin Baker, Judge

Beautiful photo, wonderful colors!
— Jen McLellan, Judge

Cute image. Mum is absolutely beaming. I can feel the emotion.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

Love the candid happiness captured here. Im sure it wasn’t easy getting that little guy to sit still!
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

Strong composition, exposure, color and use of light. Love the warmth of the image and how that reflects the moment (warm and happy moment). The tones are also really lovely and it’s a super sweet moment that just makes you smile when you look at it.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

Love the natural moment and interaction between the family members.
— Jenny Lee Lorenz, Member

I love this image, great job!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

These two have a special bond and you caught it beautifully.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

Such a beautiful baby!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

The image of this sweet little thing in an isolette is arresting. There are so many contrasts here: the softness of the blankets and the sharp cold edges of the medical devices. The tenderness in the baby’s eyes and hands against the isolation of being in the isolete. The joy of this child looking so well against the pain not being able to take him/her home.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

perfect!
— Robin Baker, Judge

WOW. This close up of the placenta being birthed is so good. A shot that is rarely captured – and this one is executed well. I love that you can see the tree of life vessels on that juicy placenta, and the gloved hand looks like it’s guiding it out gently.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

Stunning details!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Rich colors. Detailed attention to a moment less often focused on in birth. You can see the finest of details on the placental surface, which is amazing.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

Amazing details captured! Beautiful composition, editing, and perfect focus. This is such a unique capture; I don’t think I’ve seen a placenta image quite like it.
— Esther Edith, Judge

I have to say that I love the detail and the choose to photograph the Placenta coming out. You gave it a voice and made it as beautiful as if it was a image of a baby being born. The details in the shape, vains and gloves made the decision for me on this image. The Placenta has so many colors and it beautiful captured!
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

looks digitized and too tight of a crop
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Beautiful composition. We can feel the caress that the placenta provides to the woman after the baby is born. Completely full of life!
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

I just adore this image especially the detail of the veins in the placenta. The author has edited this beautifully and I love the crop to emphasise the placenta is the hero (or rather heroine) – aren’t our bodies incredible?!
— belle verdiglione, Member

the placenta is a remarkable organ and this image honours the third stage in such a beautifully. The colours and the details make this images unforgettable.
— Donna Hedgcock, Member

Unique image, very detailed.
— Joanne Verspuij, Member

This image is one not captured often and illustrates how perfect placentas are designed. The lens used is incredibly appropriate for the detail in this image.
— Lindsay Askins, Member

The details are just so beautifully displayed in this image and the colors outstanding!
— Lisa Weingardt, Member

too tight of a crop
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Incredible capture, once in a lifetime image.
— Chelsey Schnell, Member

Great capture! Both educational and just shot at the perfect time
— Heather Sears, Member

incredible capture!
— Lindsay Askins, Member

I love the colours, skin tone, light and editing
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

Loving the skin tone, the colours, and the baby’s dark eyes
— Ashley Harrison, Member

Lovely image of a woman’s strength and the power of a supportive partner.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

Strong composition, focus, exposure, execution and good balance of blacks and whites.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

A first step to demystifying natural breech childbirth!
Wonderful editing and framing with the tip of the big toe in the center of the image.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

I love the emotion that it stirs within, of the mom touching baby’s head for the first time.
— Danielle Tufano, Member

This image speaks protection, exhaustion, and strength
— Danielle Tufano, Member

I love the way the light in the pool lights up their faces, the smiles show the fight of labor/delivery is finished, and they seem joyful.1
— Danielle Tufano, Member

I love the way the light is hitting this couple as dad supports mom as she labors. I love the reflection of the water on her leg, the expression on dad’s face, and the love that is so clearly between them.
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

the beautiful golden colours accentuating the connection and warmth of this couples relationship draws me to this image immediately.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

Perfection
— Katie Mathis, Judge

Unique point of view of a tender fleeting moment. Beautiful.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

This one looks like it’s shot on a tropical beach under the light of the full moon.. It’s beautiful, unusual and beautifully edited.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

Beautiful supporting moment. The mood is wonderful in this photo. It really tells a story of the love and support between the couple.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

A work of art! The lighting, moment and edit came together so beautifully
— Twyla Jones, Judge

We can feel a point of connection between all the stories that each one brings, a complicity between two lovers. The light, along with the movement of arms and legs, reaffirm the sensation of affinity and harmony.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

Beautiful moody edit of a very sweet moment. I love that this is showing what birth can also be like.
— Isabell Steinert, Member

Love the connection between them
— Jenny Lee Lorenz, Member

Love and joy during labor. Love the moody edit.
— Joanne Verspuij, Member

It shows birth isn’t just pain and misery. it’s beautiful and loving
— Kelly Richman, Member

My Love My Hero
— Lindsey Rivera, Member

Gorgeous light. Intimate and sexy.
— Sophie Bos, Member

Incredible moment of action and emotion.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

There is such warmth in this! It was wise to pull back for the full scene here.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

I love this one! I was debating on it for Delivery category. the only thing I would change is the white balance is a little magenta. But the story being told and the feeling you get is just perfect. And the composition with the baby and mom being centered is just so great!
— Hanna Hill, Member

this image is so fantastic! it looks SOOC and is perfect
— Lindsay Askins, Member

This image brims with raw emotion
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

Beautiful composition. Strong, emotional image.
— Esther Edith, Judge

wonderful emotion
— Natalia Walth, Judge

The joy and relief is palpable.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

A perfect photo!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

this image had so much potential but the high iso in the operation room was harsh to the details
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Really incredible moment for you to have captured. Excellent thought given in what it must have taken to prepare for this shot!
— Twyla Jones, Judge

I really love the uniqueness of this birth
— Lawren Snapka, Member

WOW. This is a unicorn capture. Such a rare occurrence to document an en-caul belly birth – and the photographer has captured it so clearly. Not an easy feat with the chaos of theatre and exposing for theatre lights. So so good.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

Absolutely incredible image, captured so beautifully. Technically spot on.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

the eye naturally sees the triangle points and the crook in her arm leads you to the sweet baby curled in.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

There are so many lovely details in this image. The veins in the placenta, the limp cord, the crossed ankles, mama’s gorgeous belly. Beautiful job framing them all in and drawing out the highlights appropriately in the edit.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

I love the simplicity of this image, the negative space and all the tiny details you begin to discover as your eyes wander around the photograph. The flecks of vernix in the water look like a stary night in the dark water, the rounded edges of the bowl, the beautiful postpartum belly, and tiny crossed feet resting on it, mom reaching between her legs.. The black and white conversion is fantastic, the depth of field chosen leaves all the elements in the photo clear and in focus….
— Shea Long, Member

Love the way the photo captures scar, baby and mama. Such serenity and joy in this image.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

Thank you so much for capturing an image with the cesarean incision. Great job!
— Brandi Lawson, Member

I love that this woman is smiling straight into the camera. i cant help but feel so joyful for her while her partner gets in close to look at their babe
— Jane McCrae, Judge

Amazing image! The black and white edit is beautiful, and perfect for this image. I love the intimacy of the moment with it just being mum, dad, and baby present (it makes me curious to hear/see more of their birth story – was this an unassisted birth?). Great composition and angle for capturing this incredible moment.
— Esther Edith, Judge

The framing leads the eye to the perfect triangle in the fathers arms. A wonderful capture that is normally found with professionals crowding such a shot. Great black and white edit.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

The contrast is perfect, but the emotion is what stopped me
— Ashley Harrison, Member

love the black and white conversion. Very clean. The water is perfectly lining this momma. This image isn’t only edited well, but love the framing and feel of the image.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

Beautiful edit. A great use of the rule of thirds. A serene moment captured.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Love the simplicity of this serene moment
— Twyla Jones, Judge

Gorgeous movement, lines and composition
— Chelsey Schnell, Member

I just kept scrolling back to this one. I love it in black and white and I love the way the water meets her skin.
— Kimberly Kimble, Member

This image is striking and dramatic, with rich colors. Also, many prior birth photographs lay the baby over the mother where it might have been in utero. This is the first time I have seen the placenta lying over the mother. Unique.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

This is beautiful!! Incredibly placenta, and lovely composition.
— Esther Edith, Judge

Powerful delivery photo, almost looks like a painting
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

Ugh, I just love the focus in this image. Mama looks so serene during such a hard part of birth.
— Kimberly Kimble, Member

Gorgeous edit, beautiful intimate image. Love the pureness.
— Sophie Bos, Member

This is simply a striking image, largely due to all of the rich colors (the flowers, the mother’s hair and tattoos). Also, mother and child are framed by the tub, which almost makes them look like they are in a womb.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

Gorgeous photo of mom nursing baby in the herb bath. The colors, lighting and setup of this pictures are great.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

Emotional – This image doesn’t evoke too much emotion. It does inspire me to admire the birth process more. Technical – The image is balanced, has just the right amount of color. And the focus is where it should be. Composition – There isn’t much of a story going on here. But, I tend to enjoy technical images more than emotional ones. This one has a mixture of technical skill and the medical staff’s arms are seen. I love that. My eyes are drawn to the placenta and not much else. This creates an opportunity to really admire the female body and how intricate the life she creates is.
— Brandi Lawson, Member

Good composition, sharp focus, and great capture of a sweet newborn yawn!
— Esther Edith, Judge

Great composition.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

Really love the simplicity of this image. The color, composition and use of light are just really lovely. This is what I think of when I think ‘fresh 48’.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

Sweet baby yawn! Great composition and lighting.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

Beautiful light and composition, great detail captured
— Robin Baker, Judge

Love how simple and beautiful this image is.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

Less is more. Simple, perfect picture.
— Deborah Elenter, Member

Beautiful colors
— Heather Sears, Member

Love the use of light and composition of this image, the white balance is beautiful.
— Lisa Weingardt, Member

Great composition and beautiful colours. You captured a quiet moment of strength, and beauty.
— Esther Edith, Judge

Beautiful, thoughtful composition. Love the connection between the couple, and between mama and baby.
— Esther Edith, Judge

I love the connection in this image. I can feel the relief of this woman and not wanting to let go of the supportive hand of her husband/partner. The baby and placenta sets off the storytelling beautifully.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

This is gorgeous! Love the perspective and the edit, although it could be a tad warmer.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

We are complete in infinite harmony. Wonderful color treatment.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

it has all, compo, the light is superb, best colors, emotion, the baby, supportive father., her expression… it is very powerful image
— teresa losada, Member

I love the light and shadow in this image. I can see just enough of their facial expressions to tell the story, and the way the light hits mum’s skin is perfect. Beautiful, artistic capture.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

The soft glow of this image gives me tingles. It’s a very artistic capture of the events and I love it.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

I LOVE THIS IMAGE! The lighting, subjects, the editing. All of it comes together for me. Just an amazing capture.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

Really great framing and moment. That lighting is really spectacular.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

Beautiful framing and lighting. A single image that thoroughly tells a story. Really captures the quiet, peaceful environment of gentle, family-centered birth.
— Heather Nerheim, Member

Love the glow of the light behind them.
— Jenny Lee Lorenz, Member

this image moved me to tears
— Lindsay Askins, Member

Incredible perspective/angle on this moment.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

Wonderful family birth moment. The child appears to have no fear. The partner to the right seems like he might be smiling. The mother herself may be smiling as well, comforted by the presence of her loved ones.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

I liked the story told. I felt the love through the photo.
— Sabrina Rocha, Member

Perfect image of the power and support of women.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

This capture (and title) is powerful. Midwife means ‘with woman’ and this image clearly depicts that. Her head pressed against mum’s with her hands holding her so gently yet so steady. Mum’s facial expression says so much – she looks beautiful, powerful and vulnerable at the same time. The composition and black and white edit are spot on.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

The composition, focus, and clarity of this image are perfection. I can feel the concentration of mom and the way she is leaning into the support she is being given.
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

I love the captured intensity and focus. The doula/midwife seems to be offering gentle support, and the mother seems to be working hard but is doing okay with the support she is receiving. This captures well the important role of the birth support person.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

Beautiful moment of strength, and support. Great composition, and gorgeous edit. So much strength, and beauty.
— Esther Edith, Judge

Power. Love. Strength! What a wonderful image that is so well composed.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

Nothing quite like the relationship between these two.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

This photo is so moving. There is nothing more beautiful than a woman supporting another woman during birth. Beautiful!
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

Beautiful capture and fantastic edit.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

I love this moment. I love the colors in this image and the contrast of baby’s vernix covered skin with mom’s beautiful, dark skin. I love baby’s hand reaching out for mom as she or he searches for that first latch. This is a beautiful and emotional image.
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Such a real, honest, relatable moment.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

Their faces, the composition, the absolute rawness of how real this is. Love every inch of this while image!
— Carlee Melenko, Member

Love the realness of this!
— Carlee Melenko, Member

I can’t help but love this image. I can feel the smug happiness that is radiating from mumma – soon they will be meeting their babe. Beautiful use of window light – draws my attention to mums face and her ripe baby belly. The black & white edit is perrrrrfect! And the subtle details on the walls in the background add to the storytelling aspect of the shot.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

There is such bliss in this image. A calm moment between surges. Love the BW conversion too, playing up that beautiful natural lighting.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

Such a sweet moment captured.
— Esther Edith, Judge

This photo perfectly captures the love between a mother and her son. The softness of this image helps to tell this sweet story.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

Beautiful image – love the intimacy and connection.
— Esther Edith, Judge

Beautiful capture!
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

So much feeling and pain and strength captured in this one!
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

So much strength! Beautifully captured and edited.
— Esther Edith, Judge

Such raw emotion and strength! This B&W edit is so well done and tells a story.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

Great capture, perfect black and white.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

The strength in her arms and her facial expression as she digs deep to hold someone through the pain. The shutter speed captures her reach out and the eye leads you back to the father waiting to see if his baby has emerged. Clean composition and good black and white edit.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Great capture of such strong emotion!
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

wow!
— Rebecca Edmonson, Member

The DOF and angle in this makes it feels like she’s coming out of the screen. I love it!
— Rebekah Nathan, Member

so impact and raw moment captured here,… uff!
— teresa losada, Member

perfect moment – perfect angle for the shot
— Lindsay Askins, Member

This shot ‘feels’ good. Their peaceful happiness is almost palpable. It’s simply beautiful. Great use of the window light and clean yet moody edit.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

I love the warm light in this image, and the warm tenderness between mom and dad. They are clearly in heaven having welcomed a sweet, new addition to their family.
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Lovely family moment captured. All 3 are intimately connected. Total unity is apparent.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

Beautiful, intimate, emotional moment captured. Great composition, and beautiful lighting.
— Esther Edith, Judge

I love the connection in this image.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

I love the connection in this photo from the baby nursing to the parents soaking in eachother. Lovely.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

True emotion.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

This was named so so well! It’s the exact thought I had when I first saw it. I love this emotion and happiness that you captured while their baby nursed. The lighting is well used.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

Funny enough, the editing style fits the title as much as the moment does. Beautiful.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

So much love in this image. Beautiful editing too.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

SO lovely! Such a tender connection. Great use of camera and edits.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

Beautiful moment. I would’ve chosen it for 1st place had the color processing been brighter and more red/warm – the image is on the green side.
— Robin Baker, Judge

So sweet, this moment captures all the emotions!
— Twyla Jones, Judge

Wonderful color treatment! In this embrace we can feel the love and peacefulness that lingers in the air just after birth.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

The love and connection is so strong in this image, with the nursing and mom and dad.
— April Newman, Member

Emotional – The moment captured is quite calm, but the smile on my face speaks volumes. I can tell how enamored this couple is with each other and their new baby. The most intimate connections all captured in one image is truly moving. The breastfeeding, the way dad is looking at baby, and the way mom is caressing her partner/spouse. Just beautiful.

Technically – The image is a bit on the dark/grungy side for me. However, it still remains balanced. There is no underexpose despite the strong vignette. The rule of thirds mixed with the rule of odds makes this image stunning and pleasing to the eye. Their subjects are perfectly seated by a window, casting the appropriate light into the room preventing overexposure.

Composition – This image is composed well. My eye is led straight to the subject and nowhere else. There isn’t a bunch of noise or distraction within the frame. This, to me, makes the image such a peaceful one.
— Brandi Lawson, Member

The tones and emotion really tug at my heart. I love the connection of mom and dad and the earthy feeling even though they are in a hospital.
— Hanna Hill, Member

Pure emotion. My only thought is “There is such a joy in this momet, in this family.”
— Izabel Medeiros, Member

its a very tender moment with a lot of intimacy and emotion. I enjoy that it gives me feelings and it’s not just an image of a baby.
— Lawren Snapka, Member

This was a difficult category….SO many incredible images. This one kept sticking out to me for it’s authenticity, it’s rawness, it’s unedited feel…. almost as if I am in that room with that family. And it’s what every family deserves to feel after bringing a baby into the world.
— Lindsay Askins, Member

It touches me. You can feel the love by lokking at it. Also the colors are beautiful!
— Renate van Lith, Member

Love the low light and real life perspective. This is a real photo and i love it!
— Stephanie Capps, Member

Love the images tonal range and the moment is beautiful
— Tamara Milldove, Member

beautiful emotion and edit
— Bree Garcia, Member

I love how this image is unique and stands out because of it’s uniqueness. The framing, composition and exposure are all good. Although I like the warmth of the image and tend to lean towards the warm side, it feels slightly overly warm.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

The outpouring of emotion here is irresistible. The mothers tears in the foreground is the focal point, but the father can be seen erupting into tears as well.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

I adore the simplicity in the framing of this image. Although it so simple it still tells such a powerful story.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

This image demands attention and is beautifully composed.
— Chelsey Schnell, Member

Love the beautiful lighting, the combination of patterns, all the hands and the tiny details in the baby’s fingers.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

Beautiful family photo – all those hands together is just perfect. Inquisitive siblings counting baby’s fingers with dad – so sweet. The lighting is just right for this shot, and the composition is well balanced.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

This is such a sweet image. Great job capturing the expressions, and intimacy of the moment as they take in their little sister. Beautiful.
— Esther Edith, Judge

The lighting and colors are just breathtaking. The center on those little fingers is perfection, with each family member filling the frame. Very well done.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

Such a tender and real moment. Beautiful lighting and edit.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

Beautiful light, composition and editing.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

This photo perfectly places all the members of the family in the composition that warps around a tender moment of togetherness and curiosity. A candid moment with a great use of light.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Really beautiful moment. Composition, color, clarity , exposure and use of light are all really well executed. I also really like how unaware the siblings are to the camera.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

Perfect first family photo. What a beautiful capture of family taking in new baby sister. The lighting and mood is gorgeous.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

So sweet and tender. Love the depth of emotion and the edit. Wonderful capture.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

beautiful light
— Robin Baker, Judge

I love the color treatment and the composition with the father in the upper corner and the siblings attentively admiring the little sister’s fingernail.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

I love the tight composition color is great, and the skin tones are pleasant to view isn’t too grainy and is in focus detail of family counting fingers together or examining the fingers or just appreciating the tiny finger, touch means connection can see different depths and what is supposed to be in focus is lovely and a image you can frame and show everyone
— Eva Iguaran, Member

Love the inquisitive looks on the children’s faces. Interesting framing with the faces of the adults out of the composition and focus is on the siblings interaction. Nice soft light, beautiful color tone.
— Heather Nerheim, Member

I love the tight crop in this one, it really gives me a sense of everyone huddling around this new babe
— Rebekah Nathan, Member

Beautiful moment, lovely family. I like how they are all checking out the details of their new baby sister.
— Shea Long, Member

This image got me right in the feels. So powerful. The black & white conversion is spot on. I love that my eyes are instantly drawn to his firm hand holding baby safe and then I am taken on a journey through the image; my eyes travel up to his face and then over to the operating table and theatre staff. Great storytelling image.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

This image really took my breath away. I could really feel this Dad not wanting to let his eyes wander from his love on the table even though he is holding this precious new babe. The tug of his heartstrings is palpable.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

This photo tells such a powerful story. It made me emotional. Love the use of B&W.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

This image took my breath away. I had to seriously take a moment and just take it all in. I love that as he holds the baby, he is looking back at mom. This is SUCH a powerful image for postpartum. Gives me chills. Love how you saw and captured this moment.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

Love this perspective and the depth of field used in this image. It takes you from dad and his baby right through the scene in such a beautiful way. The conversion is beautiful.
— Lisa Weingardt, Member

THE moment. you nailed it.
— Lindsay Askins, Member

This little one made me laugh.. Nice sharpness and edit
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

Love the peeking in feel of this image.
— Lisa Weingardt, Member

I love that the focus of this image. The newborn is so delicious, and I can almost feel the softness of his/her skin from that protective vernix.
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Such a beautiful photo of the first moments on moms chest. And that vernix! Great capture!
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

Love the colors send how clear the image is
— Carlee Melenko, Member

Beautiful photo! I love the combination of the protective vernix, the loving arms of momma and the title of the image. That, and of course baby’s lashes 🙂
— Cindy Willems, Member

I love all the vernix and how the photograph actually accent it.
— Renate van Lith, Member

The details capture the messiness of birth, in addition to the emotions of the faces.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

Loooove for this image! The content baby, his siblings and family gathered around the birthpool. I love the homely atmosphere. So much is going on. Also beautiful colors, can’t stop looking at the photo.
— Cindy Willems, Member

An image that says it all: family life.
— Joanne Verspuij, Member

I had such a hard time not choosing this image. It made me feel all the feels for all the families who don’t have this birthing experience.
— Lindsay Askins, Member

The title says a lot about the image in my opinion. The image reminds me peace after hours of intense intensity. Seeing the baby looking at her sister filled my heart of love.
— Sabrina Rocha, Member

simply beautiful! Love the color range in here and of course the moment!
— Tamara Milldove, Member

Her skin tone and the green towels are very earthy, natural colors. The dark surroundings create a very serene feeling. Her abdomen and legs appear to be very relaxed. This looks like, as the title implies, a very peaceful birth. The image captures this atmosphere very well.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

beautiful capture
— Robin Baker, Judge

Stunning edit and beautiful moment captured.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

Love this title for the moment captured.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

I think this is a perfect photograph of the moment of birth – arms open wide to the world
— Janet Gerbutavich, Member

Beautiful photograph of baby’s arms spread wide as she enters the world and the smiles of the father and grandmother add to the joy of the moment
— Janet Gerbutavich, Member

This image is infectious. The closeup on the mother’s face allows you to feel nothing other than her unbridled elation.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

This black and white is to die for. I’m instantly drawn into the tear escaping mum’s eye. The lighting and shallow depth of field are just perfect for this quiet, emotional moment.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

Beautiful black and white treatment, the composition with the baby’s head in the center of the photograph and at the same time our gaze rises diagonally towards the mother’s clitoris and her body. We can feel pleasure as we admire the perfection of nature, life. This photograph is a tribute to the strength of the vital energy that belongs to us.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

Amazing!! Great capture.
— Esther Edith, Judge

great shot
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Such an incredible capture, so hard to get the movement and birth moment so crips and perfect. I would only want to see a more descriptive title but really its awesome!
— Hanna Hill, Member

The title of this image says it all! All those leading lines pull my eyes into this shot. All the hands are so symbolic of birth team support. The lighting makes for a great black & white conversion. And I love the detail of mum’s hand gentle embracing her baby’s head. Perfect.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

This image completely draws me in. The contrast, the angle and perspective, and the leading lines of all the arms are amazing. I can sense the love in the room surrounding this baby’s entrance to the world.
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

I love the circular feel to this image. All those hands guiding bub and supporting Mum.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

The framing here could not have have been more perfectly timed, and the perspective is perfect. Well done!
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

Amazing composition! Way to wait for the moment to unfold before you, the eye automatically leads you to the center of the image. What a dramatic exit!
— Natalia Walth, Judge

I love the framing and how all of the arms draw you to the center of the frame.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

Wonderful composition. All the hands in a circle to receive the force of life. The hand of the mother touching her son’s fontanelle in an imprinting of love. In the background our attention goes to the face of the only woman whose expression we can see, and we feel her emotion.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

this is such a striking image. I adore the many hands, the sense of community and connection – it really feels like this women is birthing within her “village”.. just gives all the feels!
— Donna Hedgcock, Member

Many Hands
— Lindsey Rivera, Member

I love the perspective and composition of this image, I get a sense of so much connection through all the placement of the hands and the black and white conversion is beautiful.
— Lisa Weingardt, Member

Iconic!
— Sophie Bos, Member

I love the colour in this image. I love all the participants. I love that I can keep staring at this image for longer than most because I keep finding new details that jump off the image. Beautiful framing!
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

Thats a lot of joy. Hard not to smile looking at this. And all the color. Beautiful.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

Emotionally – This image is filled with so much joy and light! The photographer really captured what appears to be a surprise gender reveal. As a birth photographer, these moments are always my favorite.

Technically speaking, the exposure is excellent. There aren’t any washed out parts of the image. Color is balanced. The focus is where it should be with an appropriate depth of field for the circumstances.

Composition – Everything is where it should be. Mom and baby are center in the image. Which, to me, is always more appealing in instances where there are lots of people. If she were by herself, a rule of thirds approach would have been a nice touch. My eye is led straight to the mom and her new babe. But, only after a quick glance at the face on the left hand side of the image. This is bothersome for me, but not so much so that it ruins the image. Considering the circumstances in which birth photography takes place, we really don’t have any say so how the moment of birth unfolds and just have to work with what we get. This photographer did just that.
— Brandi Lawson, Member

THIS is birth! well done!
— Lindsay Askins, Member

Powerful capture of mumma birthing her babe. I can feel the joy radiating from everyone. Nice film style black & white edit.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

It is mainly the emotion in this image that captured me. Joy and smiles all around. This is how birth should be.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

Oh the joy! Such a great image! The composition and editing are perfect. I love that you chose black and white for this – and a beautiful, artistic edit which brings the moment to life; you can feel their joy. I love the connection between dad and mum, and the gentle presence of the birth team supporting mum.
— Esther Edith, Judge

This photo is perfect. Love that all 3 participating faces are showing. Moms expression blows me away and the fact that she reached down to touch the head… incredible! (I wish I could have mustered the strength to reach down and feel my baby emerge.)
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

I am loving the joy in this image! There are so many different ways women have babies and this shows the women out there that laugh and smile out their babies. I love the black and white edit, the huge smiles on everyone’s face. The finishing touch is seeing the head of the baby. Amazing capture.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

This image shows how beautiful birth can be. Mom touching baby as he’s crowing, smiling, and everybody in the room smiles. The composition is really nice and the black and white conversion on point!
— Deborah Elenter, Member

All that happiness! The first touch! I love it. A little bad that we don’t see more of the baby.
— Dora Barens, Member

Whoa!
— Rebecca Edmonson, Member

Wonderful capture of birth as a joyous event
— Rebekah Nathan, Member

I love the emotion and happiness captured in this image! It’s absolutely beautiful!
— Rowan Steiner, Member

I love the expressions on everyone in this image. Everyone is connected and there is so much joy.
— Sara Bresser, Member

This image is “stop you in your tracks dead stunning”. I love her emotion, the baby reaching up, the water on her leg. You can feel her rising, you can feel so much. The title took it over the edge, great name for this. Perfect name. The art behind this image is just as beautiful. Its like a painting.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

Representation matters but this is also such a beautiful edit. I don’t know if isolating her was purposely but it says a lot. Well done
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

The rise after birth. What a common and beautiful image we have all captured, the determination it takes to rise as a new mother. This is a wonderful interpretation from the artist!
— Natalia Walth, Judge

The title says it all. What a beautiful capture of baby’s first moments earth side, and moms first moment with her new baby. The mood in this photo is wonderfully laid out.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

Beautiful colors, great composition. I’ve never seen an image quite like this one – very artistic
— Robin Baker, Judge

I keep coming back to this photo. I love how the author has framed this image and favoured the shadows in the editing. This moment is raw, real and impressive, that first step that a woman (or birthing person) takes when she steps out of that pool of water, a transitioning from woman to mother, a step that so many have taken before. Ahhhh I love this.
— belle verdiglione, Member

Beautiful image, sensitive, delicate and strong. Harmonic composition, sharp image.
— Izabel Medeiros, Member

Wow. This image is perfect. The use of light is perfect, the framing is perfect, the white balance is perfect, the angle is perfect where you can see the emotions on mom’s face and how baby is looking straight up at her, and the best part of this entire image is how there is nothing else in the frame/background to take the viewer’s eye off of this moment. Nailed it.
— Lindsay Askins, Member

I love this image!!! The focus and editing are beautiful. The support and the need of it are felt. Beautifully done.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

Simple and full of honesty
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

Just so lovely.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

This whole image depicts birth, mesh underwear, pad under mom, stain, new baby. Yea, this is birth.
— Amanda Ditzel, Member

Love the layout of this photo, especially love dads expression.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

At first glance this photo didn’t really strike me however on closer inspection I think its remarkably clever. I love the reflection. Its a different viewpoint to what one usually sees in birth photography.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

First photo to catch my eye among all the entries, and that’s because I love an “unconventional” birth photo. This is the kind of “in between” moment that often gets overlooked. The reflection of laboring mom in the background, with dad supporting her, is wonderfu and gives context to an otherwise ordinary image.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

Sisterhood.. I love it! The image tells a story and shows there is joy to be found in the proces of labor
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

Beautiful use of sunlight/flare shining through to accentuate the magic in this beautifully connected moment.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

The lighting in this image is beautiful. I love the connection between mom and dad and the warmth that I feel when looking at this image.
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Beautiful timing, using the sun to capture this bonding moment.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

Gorgeous. You saw a beautiful, intimate moment and captured it perfectly. Lovely light; simply magical.
— Esther Edith, Judge

The sun illuminating this scene sets off the warmth and connection of this couple.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

Absolutely beautiful! I love the use of light and color – the water ripples are magical!
— Jen McLellan, Judge

This image made me stop and really want to look at it. It is just really lovely with the sunset behind a really sweet moment happening. Shooting a backlit image like this requires some skill between exposure and also color and this was nicely executed.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

Such an amazing capture of loving parent. The sunset is amazing and the composition is perfect!
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

Gorgeous use of light!
— Robin Baker, Judge

How incredible to be able to capture that beautiful backlight at such a emotive moment! So beautiful
— Twyla Jones, Judge

I love the sunlight in the picture, and the connection of mom and dad
— April Newman, Member

The light – gorgeous!
— Ashley Harrison, Member

SO BEAUTIFUL
— Bree Garcia, Member

THIS IS THE MOST GORGEOUS IMAGE
— Bree Garcia, Member

I love the intimacy of this image, I feel instantly drawn into the peacefulness of this moment between to lovers breathing their baby into the world..
— Donna Hedgcock, Member

Can’t lie, I’m just a sucker for a good sun flare
— Heather Sears, Member

i like the sunset
— Lela Beltrao, Member

absolute perfection
— Lindsay Askins, Member

The lighting and connecting are phenomenal. So beautiful!
— Rowan Steiner, Member

I love that you captured everyone and the entire moment
I can see the triangle and my eye moves from what is in focus to all around the room. The boy seems to be the main focus and everyone has joy in that moment
— Eva Iguaran, Member

Beautiful photo of this water birth. Looks so calm and serene. Perfect lighting and the great angle sets the mood so well.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

First image that got my attention when opening the gallery. I love everything about it .. the shapes, the composition, the colours. It looks like a painting.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

I love that it gives you intimate detail of hats going on without being overly revealing
— Aileen Miller, Member

Just enough to be able to understand what’s happening, but the mist helps to give a sense of privacy
— Janet Gerbutavich, Member

Such beautiful plump (untouched!) cord and I love seeing just a peek of it entwined in fresh baby’s legs.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

This image captures so many small, incredible details — especially the beautiful movement of the water.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

There is so much happening in this image, and you framed it perfectly to capture all the incredible details, and emotion. This is technically very well executed, and as you view the image, you see all the different pieces of the story unfold – from mum’s reaction, and dad holding her, to baby reaching toward her, to the midwife holding the towel in her mouth (love it!), to assistant midwife having just seemingly assisted with the delivery. And the cord, and splashes of water! (I also love that you chose colour for your edit. This adds to the beauty and tangibility of the moment.) You captured it all perfectly. Beautiful, emotional, strategically composed image; brilliant.
— Esther Edith, Judge

This is it, the moment we all look to capture, when Mum finally locks eyes on her newborn. Perfectly captured, the drops of water frozen still, you can feel the motion and the emotion and look at that Mama roaring.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

Fantastic capture.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

Perfectly captured movement – I love the water droplets. Very emotional!
— Robin Baker, Judge

I love all the motion and expression on my moms face! I also love the towel in midwifes mouth!
— April Newman, Member

Its a well captured moment, and I love how it feels like a frozen moment in time.
— Dania Watson, Member

Color is beautiful emotion is present water is in motion, along with baby but it isn’t blurry or too grainy edit is nice mom, dad and baby aren’t cropped out, composition is tight
— Eva Iguaran, Member

Love the emotion and just overall excitement here!
— Heather Sears, Member

so honest and real and she did it!!
— Kelly Richman, Member

i love the movement of the water
— Lela Beltrao, Member

This image is both technically well-composed and framed as well as capturing every detail of that emotion, that moment, even down to the midwife holding a towel in her mouth ready to cover baby as soon as he’s in his mama’s arms.
— Lindsay Askins, Member

So many amazing things going on in this image!! I love love the look of shock on this momma’s face and she sees her baby in front of her. Dad smiling beside her, as he holds her up. So great that baby is reaching for momma and that cord is gorgeous!! The care providers just add to the image, one- squeezing water out of her soaked gloves, the other swooping in with a towel in her mouth. The use of flash, shutter speed, and aperture all make this image so epic- clear, crisp, and all those water droplets frozen in time. Great work! Great emotion!
— Shea Long, Member

sweet details
— Robin Baker, Judge

In love with your edit, the moment and the great lighting here.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

Beautiful colors, great angle and sweet baby. Composition is perfect.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

That glistening tear is so precious.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

Oh my…. that tear is tugging on my heart strings. I love the connection between dad and child, and sibling and baby. The black and white edit for this shot is perfect.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

What a precious big sibling! That tear says it all. I love the contrast, composition, and overall feeling of this beautiful image.
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

In color this may have seemed more barren (like a hospital room), but the B&W gives a soft texture, which compliments the tender moment that is captured here.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

What a beautiful, emotional moment captured. Black and white was a great choice for this image. I love the affection in dad’s touch, and look, and the sweet expression of sibling.
— Esther Edith, Judge

This image made me stop my scrolling immediately and just gaze at this moment in awe. I love this image so much from dad framing her in on the side to the side lighting on the other side. I do feel like you did brighten the tear a bit too much so it looks overly processed, and I wish it wasn’t such a bright white… but I love the whole image so much anyways, it doesn’t matter.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

I love this black and white. The lighting was well used. That tear just grabs your heart. And I love the comfort shown.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

Love the emotion captured here.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

Such a sweet, emotive moment.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

Such a sweet moment in time. That tear is priceless. Beautiful black and white conversion with those highlights handled perfectly.
— belle verdiglione, Member

That tear !
— Carlee Melenko, Member

Touching image
— Caroline Devulder, Member

Of all the images in this category, this was really the only unique one that gave me an emotional pull to view.
— Chelsey Schnell, Member

The tears of this little big sister brings tears to my eyes. Beautifully captured.
— Cindy Willems, Member

i love the tear
— Lela Beltrao, Member

This photo made me cry. The photographer captured the emotion of the moment.
— Sabrina Rocha, Member

soooo sweet , the light is beautiful also. love this image
— teresa losada, Member

The color, the focus, the composition. Your nailed it.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

Fascinating, I am sure midwife had to work fast untangling this baby! Nice job.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

unique shot with this nuchal cord
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Love the motion and moment captured in this image with the baby literally between the two elements. I love how you can see the motion in the water and the clarity of the image. The color, exposure and composition are all good and there is a good balance of any dodging/burning.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

I find this image so moving. I want to know more about the story. There is so much emotion and it’s like the pole is slipping the room into two moments. Such a storytelling image.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

Love the representation in this image as well as the decision to include two different yet simultaneously happening tender moments (separated by a well placed IV stand no less!)
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

What a powerful and beautiful moment captured. I love how tender it is and that nobody is bothered by the camera which says a lot during a moment like this. The color is really beautiful and I love the perspective and composition.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

So many Feels for this one! Absolute magic. So much tender emotion going on.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

While being two simultaneous stories that are so distinct and complete in themselves, the composition brings together a symmetry of care and affection. Beautiful lighting in this image.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

Her exhaustion and emotion are so palpable and the crisp color of the hospital brings right to the place and moment of her transition.
— Hanna Hill, Member

Those colors pop and heart swells seeing this lovely image of a mother and child.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

Emotional – This doesn’t evoke too much emotion for me. There is this sense of awe and wonder and I’m curious about the story behind the image.

Technical – Color is incredible. That is what drew me to the image. I also found the framing the photographer used to be quite peculiar. It is a creative framing and looks stunning in this setting. Saturation is great. Sharpness is balanced. Everything about this image is balanced.

Composition – This image tells a story, but I don’t know what. But, it is framed and colorful in such a way that draws me in. My eye is drawn to mom’s hair. It just goes so well with the color of the wall! Then, to her face that is brightly lit; just enough to show her expression. Then, to her arm where baby’s hand is.
— Brandi Lawson, Member

I love the composition of this image so much. I love seeing photographers break the rules and still convey emotion & clear storytelling. I adore the colours & the tattoos in contrast to that sweet newborn skin – really special image.
— Donna Hedgcock, Member

I love everything about the composition of this photograph. So touching and well done.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

LOVED THIS IMAGE. Dad and kids are equally a part of birth stories and you really captured that.
— Brandi Lawson, Member

Gorgeous family, sweet meeting moment, such a clear shot and so full of love.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

Love this shot. Beautiful colours and a perfectly sweet, heart happy moment captured.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

A gorgeous family!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Such a sweet image of siblings meeting baby after birth. This is beautifully and perfectly composed!
— Esther Edith, Judge

Love the editing and use of light for this image. You have everyone’s expression but dad, and yet in the way his body language is displayed you can feel his emotions too. stunning job.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

Just beautiful! The tones are perfect.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

Perfection. Beautiful colours, composition and storytelling.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

I love how the heads all line up to lead the viewer to the cuteness emerging from the big brother. Great skin tone edit.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Really sweet capture. Love the composition and perspective. Color can be hard with mixed skin tones and mixed lighting and I feel like they did a good job balancing it all. It feels slightly heavy on the magenta side but overall a really good job balancing the different skin tones and light sources which can be really tricky.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

What a sweet capture of these sweet siblings! You can see the love they have for the new baby.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

SO so sweet and so much delight. Lovely capture. Love siblings at births.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

wonderful emotion and storytelling
— Robin Baker, Judge

In the center of the image the shine of the meeting of one generation framed by the permission of their ancestors. Great photo.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

The emotion is what got me on this one – and the colours
— Ashley Harrison, Member

What a delightful postpartum moment captured beautifully.
— belle verdiglione, Member

Fun, happy, love the reactions of the big brothers.
— Dora Barens, Member

everyone is engaged and happy and full of emotion focus is great and color is beautiful this would make excellent print for family and tells a story with one single image magazine ready and fun for everyone.
— Eva Iguaran, Member

This is so sweet! It’s a great moment with the entire family
— Lawren Snapka, Member

like this guys
— Lela Beltrao, Member

This category was also difficult. But this image kept sticking out to me as “love”. Pure, raw love. And that baby is looking right at it’s siblings eyes, feeling love. That family represents love in this photograph. When looking at who is holding this new baby, almost everyone in the family except for the one brother who is playing peek-a-boo. Pure magic. Well-lit, well-framed, very sharp, well done.
— Lindsay Askins, Member

I love it! The colors, the story in the photograph, the love of the big brothers.
— Renate van Lith, Member

Just love that all the boys have bare chests. Beautiful shot.
— Sophie Bos, Member

Beautiful photo!
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

Gorgeous birth portrait. I kinda love when mom looks at the camera and you can get an honest glimpse into her soul directly through her eyes in this moment.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

Wow! Those eyes, that look, – that transformation of a mother. Beautiful shot and coloring.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

Sweetest little squish.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

It is always very impressive how a newborn looks at his mother with such presence and intensity. At this moment everything is where it should be, everything is divinely alined. May all mothers and babies be respected during their golden hour!
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

this image made me regret not having a birth photographer at my baby’s births. this is oh-so-perfect.
— Lindsay Askins, Member

I love how you can see the love in their eyes!
— Rowan Steiner, Member

This is such a great shot of this excited sibling role playing as the photographer. Subject is framed beautifully by out of focus mum & babe. And the little details of the pool and lights in the background add to the home birth vibe.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

This is a memorable detail. I think it’s beautiful how the mama and nursing baby frame the photo as well.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

Love the color, perspective and moment captured in this image. I think it’s important to look beyond the ‘usual’ details of birth and watch for unique moments like this one. I like that you can tell mom is smiling, baby is nursing and big brother is just in awe of it all and also sees the beauty in that moment. The exposure and color/editing reflects what I’d expect it looked like in real life. I like the warmth and tone of the image. It’s a technically sound image. My only critique might be to adjust the crop so that the lines in the background are a little straighter.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

I love this photo so much in so many ways. I love the feel of the photo, as well as the composition. Love how little brother is so into the process.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

There is nothing like the soft grip of your child’s tiny hand. The tenderness of this contrasts with the somewhat gruff appearance of the adult hand.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

The image speaks protection, love, and beauty
— Danielle Tufano, Member

Very unique composition/angle from over the mother’s head. Focal field is narrow which keeps the focus on the mothers face and blurs out the two people in the background.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

Beautiful, intimate moment.
— Esther Edith, Judge

Going in for that first kiss. I can feel the love in this fresh baby moment!
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

Beautiful edit.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

Perfect black and white edit. A wonderful composition that brings the viewer directly to the tender moment. The viewer waits to hear the whisper or the tender kiss she gives her child. I love the wrinkles and stains of birth.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

This is a really beautiful image in many ways and it makes me want to know a little more. I like how you can see the baby is still wet and fresh.. the way mom is caressing baby, her lips ready to kiss baby, the composition and even the mood of the image. The only thing it is lacking is the crispness/sharpness I wished it had.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

This image is so raw and emotive. Love your edit and framing.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

Touch, it is possible to feel the skin of the baby, the warmth
— Izabel Medeiros, Member

This photo is so wonderfully shot. I love all of the emotions shown in this photo! So much love wrapped up in this new baby.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

Gorgeous image of mama with her fresh newborn. You can sense mama’s relief, and joy, and they both look completely content. Gorgeous editing, and composition.
— Esther Edith, Judge

The glimmer in this mom’s eyes is electric. She looks so cozy snuggled in bed with her baby too!
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

Stunning image, beautiful light. Very peaceful and serene. I love it so much!
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

Beautiful moment of mom nursing new baby. Lighting and composition is perfect.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

Oh, the light in this is beautiful. But the part of this image I love the most are the sweet kisses being exchanged by mama and her child as dad looks on.
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Feeling right at home in this moment, and that gorgeous morning light!
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

I love this photo so much. The lighting is so gorgeous. Mom loving on little brother while dad loves on and takes care of mom in labor. The photographer captures the mood for this birth so beautifully.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

I am really drawn to the light flare, but also brings back memories of my kids present at our most recent birth.
— Amanda Ditzel, Member

Emotional – This image, as a mom, brings me so much comfort. The photographer captured how hard mom has worked through the night and into the morning. The beautiful sunrise shining through with her sleepy child with her is a tear jerker. Technical – The sun rays are bit harsh. However, I don’t think a birth photographer brings landscape equipment (lens filters) with them. There is a sun flare, but I didn’t notice it until I looked at the image for the third time. Her subject focus is clear. I think the depth of field could have been a little more defined, but I image with the sunlight, her aperture was pretty tight. I think the sharpness could’ve been better if the light wasn’t so bright. But, this doesn’t take away from the image for me. Composition – The photographer handled the sunrise beautifully and captured a great moment. Mom is front and center in a room full of stuff. However, the focus is her and my eye is drawn to her and her son, then her husband, then the cup on the table, then the sunrise, then the boy’s pajamas. The photograph is structured in a way that the story unfolds with each direction your eye goes. That takes some serious skill.
— Brandi Lawson, Member

I love this one too, the light and moment are perfect. It was just coming up a little grainy on my side, not sure if that was the intention but even if you like grain I really think for this one it really distracted me from the moment and quality. Beautiful documentary moment though, the story and composition were brilliant!
— Hanna Hill, Member

This image is birth. This is labor. This is family. This is love. This is how we teach our children – our future generations – what birth is and how women are powerful. This is how we end the cycle of violence in birth. Not only does this image capture all of that, it’s beautifully composed with the back light streaming in, the realness of a home, likely the midwife’s bags in the background, and showing the compassion children possess for other humans, especially ones they love.
— Lindsay Askins, Member

The feels! You did a wonderful job at capturing this moment. You are a true artist.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

This moment is every mama’s dream. and you captured it. and it’s well composed. So i’d say you should win an award for that!
— Stephanie Capps, Member

The details in this shot are fabulous. That birth mark / bruise on baby’s bum, mum’s postpartum belly covered in tiger stripes, the little wrinkly foot with identification tag showing baby’s birth date – what a great detail shot for the family to keep.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

This is gorgeous. So many incredible details, and beautiful composition.
— Esther Edith, Judge

I love the warmth of this image, the colours and skin to skin. The mongolian spot, the stripes on Mums tummy and the dark aereola of her breast provides a lovely viewpoint of the marks that we all gather on our journey through life.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

I love this detail of capturing his birth mark. The colours and edit are also exquisite. I also love how the shadows accentuate the wrinkles in the bum.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

beautiful. You took a picture that many use for the foot image and made it even more. I love that the details of mom fill the frame, babies newborn not yet pink foot, the band, little ones brand new skin next to mommas warrior skin.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

Looks like this little one had quite the journey! I love that you can tell that from just a picture. Fabulous detail shot of the mark birth leaves behind on both baby and mom. A word of caution perhaps on the editing, in case extra attention was given to the markings (i.e., darkening the area where baby is bruised and where mother’s stretch marks are) there’s no need. Less is more 🙂
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

This one really stands out for me in de Birth Details category!
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

Love all the elements this image captures. Composition, focus, color/tone all look good.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

The beauty of the body as it is. Along with the well-chosen title, this image makes us aware of the importance of looking at childbirth and birth as an opportunity to re-signify and honor the marks of life.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

The texture in this image, I can feel just how new and fresh this is.
— Amanda Ditzel, Member

As a breech practitioner I am biased. But I love the showcasing of the all fours maternal position, and the hands off approach. I also love that this is the number one most feared moment, the delivery of the aftercoming head. The providers hands are at the ready, but show no intent to move in at this time. And the baby looks great!
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

Amazing image!
— Esther Edith, Judge

Such an amazing moment!
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

how neat is this!
— Natalia Walth, Judge

I kept coming back to this image. The story is incredible and wonderfully captured
— Robin Baker, Judge

please share this far and wide. it’s incredible and perfectly titled.
— Lindsay Askins, Member

Amazing moment to capture, I love the edit, and how you chose to focus on the outstretched hands. I think it’s amazing that you included the care provider’s hand in the shot, but that it’s just resting there patiently wait for baby. Beautiful Image.
— Shea Long, Member

Lovely Perspective and Edit. Love that you feel that you are truly at the peak of the contraction with her.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

Great focus and composition. Lovely, absolutely lovely.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

beautiful tones and framing
— Robin Baker, Judge

I love the reality captured here, and the raw emotion
— Dania Watson, Member

Beautifully captured connection. The hands tell such a story and the reflection in the water add to the overall blissful feel of this image.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

Love the colors and the crop. So much tenderness in this picture!
— Isabell Steinert, Member

The hands in this image are emotive and the overall feel is dreamy. Well done.
— Kimberly Kimble, Member

pulls my eyes from corner to corner
— Katie Mathis, Judge

The ripples in the water are so beautiful and really add magic to this capture.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

I would have loved to have seen more of the baby
— Natalia Walth, Judge

I love the water droplets, it has movement and feeling.
— Amanda Ditzel, Member

Since I’m also a videographer I can see this happening in slow motion. Mother pushing, baby coming out and being picked up and raised from deep within. I just love the water reflection, the drop waves, the baby emerging. It’s just a very beautiful photo, inspite of the baby not being in good focus, I still love this image. It really speaks to me.
— Ana Jackson, Member

I love the capture of 4 people in this image. Even though the baby emerging is the main focus, the siblings onlooking is a beautiful detail.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

I like the composition. The image is very abstract, original and just beautiful. It’s got a softness & serenity to it that I really love.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

Wow! What a unique perspective and such a great moment captured.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

Good framing, sensitive, good angle, criative image
— Izabel Medeiros, Member

I love the surreal nature of this image, and the hint at what we can’t see with the reflections of the observers.
— Rebekah Nathan, Member

I love the emotion in this image. The tenderness of the toddler, the pain in the moms face and the veins popping while her body contracts.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

Such a perfect moment captured. Contrasting emotions showed beautifully.
— Deborah Elenter, Member

one of the best composed images in the entire competition
— Lindsay Askins, Member

How good is this storytelling shot?! The lighting is just right for the contrasty black & white edit. The composition is great with the lines from the building and the texture of the ground framing the image. I can feel the urgency from both mum & dad. It’s grainy – but that just reconfirms that it was taken in the middle of the night with limited lighting. So well captured and edited.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

Very cool photo in a labour story. The trip and arrival to the hospital is not often told and I like how you captured the chaos in the moment.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

Great storytelling
— Robin Baker, Judge

I love the black and white treatment, the lights, the contrast. There is a common narrative as each individual lives what they have to. An incredible moment captured.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

Nice and clean images
— Dora Barens, Member

Beautiful colors
— Heather Sears, Member

Gorgeous BW processing and amazing moment
— Robin Baker, Judge

The joy in this image is beautiful. The composition is well balanced and the colours are great. The baby clothes hung up in the background and the midwife/support person holding space for them are nice little details that add to the story.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

There is so much sweetness in this photo! It even seems as if baby sister is smiling as well. I love everyone’s expressions and the love between them all!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Such joy beautifully captured in this image. I look straight at Dads face that then leads me to the little boys who lead me straight to bub and mum. I love the woman in the background looking on just as we as the viewers are looking on.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

You filled the frame with smiles all around. The emotion coming from the family is leap off the image. Love the sharpness and the lighting.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

This image captured all the people in a perfect composition and smiling! Congratulations! Beautiful color treatment.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

Finally reunited! This picture has so much joy that it is as if they were all meeting each other again, for the first time. Congratulations on the moment captured.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

The love, emotion, and intensity in dad’s eyes in this photograph took my breath away. The emotion captured in this photograph is phenomenal!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Beautiful capture of emotions! A moment this mother missed as she took in the emotions of birth. But the perfect eye of the photographer captures this look of adoration. The pureness of the photo is unique to see in this world of presets.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Culmination of a Dream
— Lindsey Rivera, Member

this was an odd angle for me, I am trying to picture how they had mom angled to have her legs so straight out sideways
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Dad definitely steals the show in this image! The expression of pride and love on his face is just so real and beautiful. He seems so full of thanksgiving for his new child!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

The use of light, the softness, the story this photo tells – it’s all perfection!
— Jen McLellan, Judge

Fathers are such an important piece and I am glad to see one included so thoughtfully in the PP category. Beautiful moment!
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

This photo tells such a sweet story. Love the feeling of everyone in it. Pure bliss and love.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

Gorgeous light, beautiful moment, and love that the placenta is still being delivered.
— Chelsey Schnell, Member

A raw image that tells a beautiful story. Momma worked hard and is resting while dad enjoys his first moments with his baby.
— Deborah Elenter, Member

Love what’s happening in the gram, father in focus so emotional and happy with new baby and mother resting peacefully naked on his side. This image tells a story! Beautiful!
— Deborah Elenter, Member

great edit and wonderful capture
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Beautiful capture!
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

Love the unique, well-thought out angle! Gorgeous editing, and lighting. Good sharp focus, and beautifully composed.
— Esther Edith, Judge

I love your edit. The contrasty blacks and whites are gorgeous in this low-lit image.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

What an eye you have! Perfectly composed. Wise choice to make that reflection your focal point.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

Unique shot. A great black and white edit. Great use of the rule of thirds leading the eye to all the angles used.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Really love the creative angles and reflections. This could be a really tricky image with composition given all the different lines in the image but it was executed nicely. Nice use of light, exposure is beautiful, good balance of black and whites.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

Beautiful! Composition, contrast, focus, light, story. Our eyes wander across the image with enchantment. Congratulations!
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

takes an eye to notice all these details. I like that you focused on the mirror and that you have different depths showing this hip squeeze this is labor great composition and awesome story
— Eva Iguaran, Member

I love all the extra details captured in this image by using the mirror.
— Sara Bresser, Member

I love this image! How creative of the photographer to frame this image this way and capture it so perfectly. The black and white conversion makes the framing stand out even more.
— Sarah Widnyana, Member

Very clever composition. Two very different sides of womanhood, one going inward and the other looking outward.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

I love the contrast in this image. From the midwives relaxed smile to mom pushing back her sweaty bangs. Beautiful tale told here.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

Lovely job capturing the two worlds.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

I love this image! The two different vibes from the rooms. The editing. Such an amazing moment captured. Way to get creative!
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

The image tells a story. Very original shot. I love it.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

Love the perspective and how it captures two different sides of the story at the same time. I like the timing of the capture with the expressions on both of the womens faces. The composition, exposure are good and it has a nice balance of black and whites.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

Just lovely perspective. The yin and yang of birth. Beautiful edit and capture.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

Fantastic capture!
— Carlee Melenko, Member

I love the juxtoposition of the two scenes within this image.
— Dania Watson, Member

Love to see the 2 scenes together. A lot going on.
— Dora Barens, Member

I love the processing of this photo. The silver look is so beautiful and really tops off such a womanly and feminine image.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

This is a really beautiful image. The use of light/exposure and balance of blacks and whites really make it stand out. Composition wise, I wish it was cropped in just a tad more to avoid chopping at moms neck and tip of her elbow.. it would look more intentional if it were pulled in a little more. I really love how the light is falling on both mom and baby though.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

stunning black and white processing
— Robin Baker, Judge

This photography made me cry. I can feel mom’s tender pain and overwhelming joy at finally holding her baby and feel his or her skin against hers. I love the raw emotion it evokes.
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Such a beautiful, emotional image.
— Esther Edith, Judge

I’m not crying, nope, not at all… okay, maybe.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

A moment I can personally relate to. Would be better in BW. Would help place focus on what mom’s expression.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

A beautiful image capturing the emotion of holding her baby. The title allows the viewer to really understand the context of the moment. Wonderful use of the rule of thirds.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

The color treatment of the backdrop with the armchair reminds us of the past. Since the beginning of time we have all been alike, this image reminds us of the miracle of life and of trusting that there is strength beyond us. Congratulations! Beautiful! Deeply moving.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

Probably the most emotive even though not the most artistic image of them all. It must have been such a relief to hold that baby for the first time. Capturing that emotion is priceless!
— Ana Jackson, Member

You can feel the emotion oozing out of this image! I love it and its heart breaking at the same time
— April Newman, Member

To have an image that fills you with so much emotion just by seeing it, then the title just fills you with the full story and you feel transported. Thats a powerful image and I love how this moment captures SO much!
— Hanna Hill, Member

So much emotion, it’s real, I feel content to the mom. it speaks to me on so many levels.
— Kelly Richman, Member

this image will bring this mother such strength in the months to come. well done.
— Lindsay Askins, Member

Ohhh my, the emotion captured in this one gives me chills. I think anyone looking at this picture would get goosebumps as it is so captivating.
— Sara Bresser, Member

Lovely photo!
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

Technically so well done and wonderful composition. This one image tells quite the story.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

Gorgeous
— Katie Mathis, Judge

Fantastic composition!
— Carlee Melenko, Member

Gorgeous lighting and composition, and a beautiful depiction of postpartum. Often we see pictures of dad holding baby during the time that mum freshens up – it’s great to see a “behind the scenes” image of mama after her labor – and perfect title for this moment. Beautiful.
— Esther Edith, Judge

The movement of the water with the backlighting is so beautiful accentuating her dropped belly.
— Jane McCrae, Judge

This! This is a great postpartum detail captured artfully. I LOVED having my first shower after birth. It felt amazing to be free from pain and have your body back! Gorgeous.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

So beautiful! The use of light is stunning and this photo is captivating!
— Jen McLellan, Judge

The lack of focus adds even more to the moment you captured. Great job.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

This is postpartum in a beautiful and raw form. I love that anyone woman can put her self in this image.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

I love this so much. A rarely captured moment that any woman who’s given birth can relate to. Beautifully photographed.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

Beautiful light, composition. Perfect choice of shutter speed and aperture. Very beautiful!
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

The slow shutter speed captures each drop and the sunshine landing on her empty belly. It’s a wonderful composition and clean black and white edit.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Stunning capture of the postpartum body. Love the use of light and the BW conversion.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

This is just magical
— Bree Garcia, Member

A moment every post-partum mom can relate to. And beautiful that the baby isn’t present in this image, the focus is on the mother and the work she just did, and the beginning of reclaiming her body. Gorgeous.
— Chelsey Schnell, Member

I loved this one so much! It was definitely my number two in postpartum! Beautiful and powerful image!
— Hanna Hill, Member

Unique capture
— Heather Sears, Member

Beautiful shapes and lines. I absolutely love the light in this, feels like a rebirth.
— Rebekah Nathan, Member

This image stopped me in my tracks. The composition really makes it stand out from the rest of the images, as well as the softness and movement from the water splashing and gorgeous backlighting. I find the bathroom interesting, almost industrial with the tile, and openness to the shower and bath tub- and the contrast of that with the softness of the image is great. Of course the postpartum belly is stunning with the water and the light hitting it. I can’t tell from the photo- but I do wonder about the focus- is anything in focus? Was the softness intentional or a happy accident? I love it regardless.
— Shea Long, Member

Such a beautiful capture. So many layers. Beautiful. Love the intimacy.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

Love the different relationships and stories you captured in this shot. Everything I dream of!
— Twyla Jones, Judge

There is so much beautiful texture in this image. But nothing is more beautiful than the intense emotion on these new parents faces! This image definitely made me tear up!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

So much emotion! Love the different patterns in the room and the tattoos that all come together and create a piece of art.
— Isabell Steinert, Member

So much emotion. Mom’s and dad’s face say so much! There is a lot going on in the B+W with the patterns, but i like it.
— Stephanie Capps, Member

love the emotion captured here and great b/w conversion!
— Tamara Milldove, Member

Overcome is just the word for this image. I can feel it in moms body language/expression. Lovely work.
— Leilani Rogers, Judge

This image tells a story and I’d like to find out more about it.. I wonder why she’s on the floor? I love the colours.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

The colours are gorgeous
— Ashley Harrison, Member

This is a unique image. The emotion on Mum’s face make it a winner for me.
— Sarah Widnyana, Member

I love this moment. I can feel that Mama is in labourland, and yet that sweet bare bottom toddler is there offering support. Composition is great, with all those lines from the kitchen, walls and furniture framing the subjects well. The black and white conversion is just right too.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

Gentle emotion captured. Great black and white edit
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Besides the incredibly sweet moment captured, I really love the composition and framing of this image. I like how all the lines and use of light really draw your eye to the moment. Nice balance of blacks and whites.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

Love the story in this image and how it perfectly captures home birth with other children. I love the layering and excellent storytelling here.
— Twyla Jones, Judge

The simple art of surrendering to your inner being. The instant when Light illuminates shadow, without time and space, without order or disorder, peace finds a place to be touched by love. Beautiful image treatment.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

The way this toddler tries to comfort his momma touches my heart. I can’t stop staring at this photo, beautiful capture, unique storytelling image
— Cindy Willems, Member

This is such a precious moment captured!! Little helper looks like they are wearing a super hero cape! The naked little bum, the busy household behind, rebozo, tens machine, and the time even captured. All of it just works so well to tell the story of this labour at home.
— Shea Long, Member

Oh my heart. That sweet little toddler and his/her bottom lip – realising that the new baby was breastfeeding. Great storytelling shot and a beautiful black and white edit.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

“Mine”, one simple word, perfect for this image. Each person with a unique expression, dealing with the overwhelming emotion of a little-big person. Beautiful treatment and contrast.
— Vívian Scaggiante, Judge

So much of the birth and postpartum experience comes across in this photo.
— Caroline Bologna, Judge

Exquisite image. This is beautifully, and thoughtfully composed. The editing is gorgeous, and the image is filled with connection, and emotion. I love the angle you captured.
— Esther Edith, Judge

I love golden hour shots. I am a sucker for these moments. And as easy it is to see the same thing each and every time this one caught my eye. The composition is beautiful. The edit is neutral and classic. You can guess the mother is relaxed and watching her baby by her ease of the way she sits in the water. The fact that the water is fairly clean post birth also catches my eye.
— Natalia Walth, Judge

Love this photo. The layout is perfect. Mom, baby and placenta peacefully in the water. Beautiful.
— Nichole Hanna, Judge

Beautiful perspective
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

perfect exposure and composure brings your eye from the corner all the way around the image. Birds eye view perspective makes the subject interesting and engaging. Lovely tones
— Robin Baker, Judge

The image plus title evokes the emotion that this mom might have waited for this special moment for a Long time. It tells the story of pregnancy, laboring and the triumph moment the baby makes it into her arms. The image quality, is impeccable.
— Ana Jackson, Member

Lotus babies for the win!
— Caroline Devulder, Member

whats not to love about this image? the colours, that beautiful latch, that placenta taking its final pulses.. you can almost smell the oxytocin in this moment.. truly beautiful.
— Donna Hedgcock, Member

Love the angle! This is such a beautiful shot
— Rowan Steiner, Member

This photo tells such a powerful story and the colors are beautiful.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

Beautiful colours. I like the editing style and all the details in this image. It tells a story.
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

I just found this picture so honest and raw. The freshly stapled abdomen baring witness of what this mom is willing to endure for her child, just tells a beautiful story.
— Ana Jackson, Member

I feel pain in this father’s eyes. This image tells me how in tune he was with this laboring mother and great it was for her to have him connected to her offering all his support.
— Ana Jackson, Member

The emotion in this image is stunning! I love that the photographer left it in color. I love the softness of the light and of dad’s reach toward his baby. I love the look on mom’s face, of relief that the pain is over but confidence that every bit of discomfort was worth this moment!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

So much emotion. Beautiful editing too, I love it!!
— Marijke Thoen, Judge

Beautiful composition, moving. Lovely white balance and exposure triangle.
— Rebecca Coursey-Rugh, Judge

the emotion is unbeatable
— teresa losada, Member

I love this image because it is unique, but also because of the way it made me feel! I can sense this boy’s love for his mother and his unborn sibling. I can only image how proud is is now when he holds that baby in his arms!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Absolutely beautiful. That tear jumps off the screen at me.
— Jaydene Freund, Judge

This image immedietly choked me up! That one tear, so simple and yet it says so much. A perfect detail! The overall image is soft with nice use of light.
— Jen McLellan, Judge

Brought tears to my eyes
— Katie Mathis, Judge

I love the quite emotion in this image. The love that you can sense coming from big brother. It is truly a bueatiful moment and an image I am sure is in your mommas top 10 of images you gave her. This image is different in that its not as raw as others in what you see, you it is in what you feel. Well done.
— Kourtnie Scholz, Judge

Really love the moment captured here. I like that you’re down on brothers level to really feel his emotion vs shooting from standing above him. You can tell he felt comfortable with the photographer which I think speaks volumes and is also a very important factor in birth photography and capturing moments like this (especially with children)… without this balance of trust and confidence between the subject and photographer, images like this don’t happen. This image made me stop and really want to know more about their story yet it also tells a lot on it’s own. The black and white conversion is clean and reflects the mood of the image (bold but soft.. not overly contrasty)… a perfect balance of whites and blacks. Really well done.
— Natasha Hance, Judge

The moment, and the sharpness and light on that tear won this for me.
— Dania Watson, Member

tells a story with one image that tear fall isn’t an easy capture, you must wait for that moment and be steady and you pulled it off beautifully light in the hair is perfect even though the subject is backlit you kept the front in focus
— Eva Iguaran, Member

The photograph touches me. It do something to me. Love it.
— Renate van Lith, Member

Excellent use of light to create that sense that mother is in her own world with her child and her labor.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

I love the darkness surrounding this woman and spotlight on her. Regardless of how many people are on the birth journey with you sometimes it is a very lonely road, going inward, facing ones demons and gathering ones strength. This sets that scene perfectly
— Jane McCrae, Judge

Beautiful image , good framing, delicate. It leads us to think of solitude, of stillness, of the necessary strength in giving birth.
— Izabel Medeiros, Member

oh this brings tears to my eyes. What a sweet moment in time.
— belle verdiglione, Member

A beautiful clean black and white image of that fresh smooshy babe, with the added details of mums lashes and that tear rolling down her cheek. Great shot.
— Cat Fancote, Judge

What a gorgeous baby and beautiful mom! That tear rolling down her face shows the relief and overwhelming love she is feeling. Baby has such a beautiful face and such sweet lips. I love the way this photo makes me feel!
— Danna Stumberg, Judge

Capturing this tear running down that cheek is striking. You can see in her expression that this is not simple joy but a complex mix of joy, relief, and pain/grief. The emotions in childbirth are so complex and this image does a magnificent job of capturing that.
— Emiliano Chavira, Judge

That tear, your composition, that contrast, the focus. Beautiful.
— Katie Mathis, Judge

Her Rainbow is Here
— Lindsey Rivera, Member