Birth is a beautiful, fleeting moment in time. If you are extraordinarily lucky, you get to capture your stunning moments for all time. To honor this work and the families who choose to document and share these vulnerable moments, the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers holds an annual photo contest. In March, the IAPBP announced the winners of its 11th annual Birth Photography Image Competition, which celebrates excellence across four main categories: labor, delivery, postpartum and birth details. Subcategories for recognition include black and white, documentary, fine art, and hardship and loss.

Note: The following uncensored photos show people in the act of childbirth and include an image depicting loss.

#1 Overall Winner: “A Touch Of Love”

30 Raw Birth Photos That Show The Magic, The Beauty And Power Of Delivery — Credit: Bárbara Aviz Fotografia

The emotions captured in the winning photo are very intense. No matter how your baby is born, these first few moments between parents are magical. Thank goodness these birth photographers have caught some truly spectacular photos that perfectly capture the love between these partners.

#2 Best In Delivery: “The First Look”

30 Raw Birth Photos That Show The Magic, The Beauty And Power Of Delivery Baby AZ Today — Credit: Ebony Allen-Ankins Photography

#3 Best In Hardship & Loss: “As Long As I Am Here With You My Perfect Little Baby”

#4 Best In Birth Details: DOCUMENTARY: “Nuchal”

# 5 BEST IN LABOR: “Accepting A New Plan”

#6 BEST IN POSTPARTUM: “Twins First Latch”

#7 BEST IN BIRTH DETAILS: BLACK & WHITE: “She Roars”

#8 Best In Labor: Black & White: “Ovarian Cancer Survivor – Hospital Transfer”

#9 Best In Delivery: Documentary: “Dad Catches His Baby Girl”

#10 BEST IN DELIVERY: FINE ART: “The Blessed Exhaustion”

#11 BEST IN BIRTH DETAILS: “The Tiniest Feet”

#12 BEST IN LABOR: DOCUMENTARY: “My Sacred Birth Cocoon”

#13 BEST IN BIRTH DETAILS: FINE ART: “Blood of My Blood”

#14 Best In Postpartum: Documentary:”Love Till Infinity”

#15 Members’ Choice: Best In Postpartum: “Crying Dad”

#16 Honorable Mention: “Love And Support”

#17 Honorable Mention: Touch Of Love

#19 Honorable Mention: “Daughters Of A Midwife”

The emotions of a big brother to be. As a midwife, my favorite time in the postpartum period was when the big sisters or brothers would enter the room. Each introduction between siblings is building the first moments in a very special relationship. There’s excitement mixed with apprehension as they check out their new family member. These big brothers are already smitten with their new little sibling.