This year’s winners of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers 2016 Image of the Year Competition were recently announced. The winning images are truly profound, showing that the beauty and power of birth persists no matter the circumstances.

Although it was difficult to point out which birth image was better than another, according to the IAPBP website, the winners were chosen on a point system and judged on technicality, emotionality, and overall composition. The images depict different types of births, ranging from home water births to hospital C-sections, and are all able to convey the feelings of love, hope, and strength associated with childbirth.

“I am so thrilled to be able to feature the tremendous talent of our members in the image competition this year,” said Lyndsay Stradtner, founder of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers, in a statement. “I want to thank each and every IAPBP member who entered this year and, of course, the families who agreed to share their beautiful birth moments with the world.”

To see this year’s winners, simply scroll through the slideshow.

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These images showcase childbirth as you've never seen it before. Marijke Thoen Geboortefotografie