From an incredibly raw image of a mother holding her ‘rainbow’ baby to a ‘little koala’ clinging to her mum’s chest – photographers capture the agony and ecstasy of birth
- International Association of Professional Birth Photographers announced winners of its annual competition
- An Australian photographer by the name of Belle Verdiglione won for her shot ‘our rainbow baby is here’
- Another Aussie winner was that of Dania Watson’s ‘little koala’ which showed a newborn clinging to its mum
- The competition is international, with members of the association totalling 1,140 in 51 different countries
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An Australian photographer has won the top gong at an international birth imagery competition after capturing the moment a mother lifted her ‘rainbow baby’ to her chest in a blow up pool.
The incredible shot, which was taken by Perth-based mother Belle Verdiglione, showcases the emotional moment a woman meets her newborn for the first time.
As a member of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) Belle was able to submit her image alongside 1,140 other members from 51 countries into the Annual Birth Photography competition, and ultimately landed first prize.
The incredible shot, which was taken by Perth-based mother Belle Verdiglione, showcases the emotional moment a woman meets her newborn for the first time (pictured)
On her website Belle outlined exactly what made her want to specialise in the raw art form that is birth photography.
‘I chose birth photography because I want to be able to give parents what I missed out on. Reflecting on the few blurry photos of my own children’s births, I always wish I’d had a birth photographer,’ she said.
‘The birth of your baby is likely to be one of the most important events in your life. Those precious moments of your baby’s journey into this world can be captured forever and cherished as your little one grows, to keep for private family viewing, or to share far and wide.
Another Australian photographer, Dania Watson, received an honourable mention for her image of a newborn clinging to its mother’s chest. She appropriately named the photo ‘little koala’ (pictured)
Other prominent winners were from the United States, Uruguay and Brazil, winning in categories that ranged from labour to delivery, postpartum and birth details
‘I am so thrilled to be able to feature the tremendous talent of our members in the image competition this year,’ said the association’s founder Lyndsay Stradtner
‘Our association has grown by leaps and bounds and our members continually produce excellent, emotive, invaluable birth photographs for the families that hire them,’ Ms Stradtner said
‘One of the things that really drew me to photograph births was my own HBAC (home birth after caesarean) in 2011. After my amazing experience, I had a new respect for birth professionals and found that not only had I fallen deeply in love with my new baby, I discovered that I was in love with birth itself.’
Another Australian photographer, Dania Watson, received an honourable mention for her image of a newborn clinging to its mother’s chest. She appropriately named the photo ‘little koala’.
Other prominent winners were from the United States, Uruguay and Brazil, winning in categories that ranged from labour to delivery, postpartum and birth details.
Many of the birthing photos are emotional, like this mother who has shed a tear at the birth of her child
Many of the pictures included home births as seen with this image of a couple cradling each other in an inflatable pool
This little boy was so overwhelmed at the birth of his sibling that he shed a tear just being close to his mother
The first yawn! This little girl was a little bit tired after her entrance into the world
This photo shows how much the birthing pool can be a team experience, and how labour can bring you closer to your partner
‘I am so thrilled to be able to feature the tremendous talent of our members in the image competition this year,’ said the association’s founder Lyndsay Stradtner.
‘Our association has grown by leaps and bounds and our members continually produce excellent, emotive, invaluable birth photographs for the families that hire them.’
The eighth annual competition winners were announced on February 7, 2019.
Bracing herself: The support of loved ones is pivotal during the era of child birthing
This is an intricate experience where the umbilical cord is being cut off with a candle
This little girl was in awe over the newborn child she was holding in the hospital room
Needing some space: Sometimes the mother-to-be just needs some time to catch her breath