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There is something magical about the beginning of a new life. Birth photography tries to capture this moment. And that is exactly what the winners of the international "Birthphotographers of the Year" competition succeeded in doing. For you: The most emotional and touching winning photos.
Nowadays we capture almost every moment in our lives with photographs. The cell phone camera is quickly pulled out. In almost every situation. But only almost. Because the beginning of all life - that is, the birth itself - is usually excluded. Only when the baby is wrapped in clean towels in the arms of the exhausted mother is the release pressed. The "before" is one of the most formative events for a woman - and of course also for a man.
The following pictures touch us like no other: The "International Association of Professional Birth Photographers" has just announced the winners of the picture competition for birth photography in 2021. Photographers from all over the world capture the very intimate moment of giving birth.
Tears of joy, blood, pain, irrepressible love - all united in these powerful photos
They show the reality of the miracle of childbirth and offer precious memories for mother, father and the people who helped bring the new life into the world. The decision to have this experience documented is something very personal. That is why birth photography is one of the supreme disciplines in photography - a profession in which you need an infinite amount of psychological sensitivity.
But how can you even imagine such a photo session? We asked the Mödling photographer Tamara Wassermann, whose professional focus is on accompanying births.
How does a photo session work during childbirth?
Tamara Wassermann: Similar to a midwife or doula, I am in close contact with the couple or the expectant mother days and weeks before the due date and I am on call. For me, the birth itself begins with the onset of the first labor at the latest. I will then be informed by phone and kept up to date with the progress of the contractions. When I actually set off is very individual and will be discussed beforehand.
What do you have to pay particular attention to as a photographer?
Tamara Wassermann: Every birth is different and I never know what mood the people I am about to meet are in, what the lighting situation is like and how long I will stay there. That can be twelve hours. Sometimes narrow, small spaces, poor perspectives, sparse candlelight or rapidly changing, intense emotions await me.
It is important to act safely and inconspicuously. For example, I am not allowed to simply flash a flash in poor light or move closer when visibility is poor. Despite the circumstances, capturing those special, magical moments and not missing them requires a very high level of attention.
Sensitivity is particularly important. If the chemistry between the parents-to-be and me is not right, my presence may interfere with the birth process. I therefore ask the women in advance to be ruthlessly honest should there be a moment during the birth trip when my presence is no longer desired.
What do the expectant parents want from you?
Tamara Wassermann: Above all, the parents-to-be want an undisturbed and safe environment. My arrival is already a sensitive moment. I have to integrate myself into the birthing team, which mostly consists of the childbearing woman, partner and midwife, and be invisible, but still vigilant. If something is needed, I am at hand: a glass of water for the midwife, a wet towel for the forehead of the mother-to-be. As a birth photographer, I am both a helper and support for everyone involved.
Why do so many women shy away from capturing this moment?
Tamara Wassermann: There can be very different, individual reasons for this, such as the fear of the birth itself. Or the desire to experience this highly intimate experience in private. Some worry about feeling watched and thus having to hold back.
Is photographic accompaniment also allowed in the hospital or only for home births?
Tamara Wassermann: Whether I am allowed into the delivery room as a birth photographer depends on the hospital in question. I've had very different experiences here. Once I was even allowed to be present in the operating room when a twin was born by caesarean section.
What do you like about birth photography yourself?
Tamara Wassermann: As a photographer, I am fascinated by the incomparable beauty of the unplaced, the unfiltered, the truthfulness of the people and the moment.
Childbirth is a very emotional experience - how is it for you when you've seen so many?
Tamara Wassermann: There is no greater honor for me than to capture the most intimate and powerful process in a woman's life with all its diversity of emotions and thus make it immortal. I feel grateful for every moment that I am allowed to be in this sacred space.
Have you also had the birth of your own children captured on camera?
Tamara Wassermann: No, when my two sons (8 and 13 years old) were born, I was not yet familiar with the birth photography itself. But if things would fit together with a colleague, then I can very well imagine that with my current knowledge.
