“Tennessee-based birth photographer Kalyn Noland is dedicated to encapsulating the full spectrum of emotions and experiences inherent in childbirth. While she cherishes immortalizing the tender moments, like a mother’s first encounter with her newborn, she also finds beauty in the raw, less glamorous aspects, such as the intense process of pushing. During a session with Cheyenne Munoz, a new mother celebrating the arrival of her first son and rainbow baby, Kalyn seized one of these pivotal moments, demonstrating the diverse choices available to expectant mothers during labor.”

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“Pushing . . . Did you know that you DON’T have to push with your legs in the stirrups?” she captioned the candid birth photo she shared to Instagram on Feb. 11. For Kalyn, ensuring that soon-to-be moms know they have options is paramount, especially given her experience as a parent.

Birth photography is a highly specialized field and the choice to have the experience documented is an intensely personal decision. It involves the birth process, environment, the parents and those in attendance.

Birth photography encompasses the tears of joy, the wonder of bringing a new life into the world and celebrates family. The photographers who specialize in the field use their art to tell the story of birth.

The winners of 2017 contest have been announced. The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers chose the best photos which depict the struggle of mothers in giving birth to their babies. Have a look at these photos to see how life begins and the emotions read on the faces of new parents.

I’ve Been Waiting For YouI’ve Been Waiting For You Vanessa Mendez Birth Photography

Best In Category: Birth Details, Pieces Of MeBest In Category: Birth Details, Pieces Of Me Kourtnie Scholz

That First GazeThat First Gaze Peanuts and Parents

Falling In Love All Over AgainFalling In Love All Over Again KEDocumentary

Are You My Mama?Are You My Mama? Jennifer Mason Photography

Best In Category: Delivery, With A SplashBest In Category: Delivery, With A Splash Elizabeth Farnsworth Photography

First Place Winner. Road To DeliveranceFirst Place Winner. Road To Deliverance Jaydene Freund – Cradled Creations

AbsorbAbsorb Bailey Nicole Photography

The First LookThe First Look Amber Denae Photography

Honorable Mentions. SurpriseHonorable Mentions. Surprise KimBerly E. Photography

Beautiful TransitionBeautiful Transition Birth Unscripted

Honorable Mentions. Gentle Caesarean BirthHonorable Mentions. Gentle Caesarean Birth Belle Verdiglione Photography

Honorable Mentions. Before The First BreathHonorable Mentions. Before The First Breath Birth In Focus

Birth In ColourBirth In Colour Tree of Life Doula Photography

BreatheBreathe Brezi Photography

Honorable Mentions. Birth Of A MotherHonorable Mentions. Birth Of A Mother Cat Fancote – Capturing Birth

Honorable Mentions. 17 Years Of Waiting: A Non-fertility MiracleHonorable Mentions. 17 Years Of Waiting: A Non-fertility Miracle Ker-Fox Photography

Honorable Mentions. RaptureHonorable Mentions. Rapture Katie Mathis Photography

Euphoria, TriumphEuphoria, Triumph An Infinite Moment Photography

Best In Category: Labor, DeterminationBest In Category: Labor, Determination Katie Mathis Photography

Baby’s First DefenseBaby’s First Defense An Infinite Moment Photography

The World AheadThe World Ahead Jessica Worland Photography