SEE THE WINNING PHOTOS FROM THE "BIRTH IMAGE OF THE YEAR" CONTEST (NSFW)

Earlier this week, the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) announced the winners of its annual "Image of the Year" competition. The winning photos were chosen based on a points system that judged technicality, emotionality, and composition in four main categories: labor, delivery, postpartum, and overall best photo.

Here are the top picks in each category along with a few noteworthy additional entries. As you can see, the selections from this year expertly captured every raw and powerful detail of the miracle of life.

1. First-Place Winner: Marijke Thoen Geboortefotografie, "Underwater Birth, Baby With Gorgeous Curly Hair"

2. Best in Category: Labor: Apple Blossom Families, "The Surge"

3. Best in Category: Delivery: Birth Blessings Photography & Childbirth Services, "En-Caul Unassisted Twin Water Birth"

4. Best in Category: Postpartum: Natalia Walth Photography, "Where Peace Begins"

5. Honorable Mention: Love By Krista Evans Photography, "It Calls to Her Both Loudly and Softly"

6. Honorable Mention: Angela Gallo, "Untethered Beginning for the Birthing Woman"

7. Honorable Mention: Alexandra Kayy Photography, "In Between Two Worlds"

8. Additional Entry: Bridget Clarke Birth Photography, "Hello World"

9. Additional Entry: Jennifer Martin Photography, "Euphoria"

10. Additional Entry: Monet Nicole Birthing Stories, "Oxytocin Doesn't End After Birth"

11. Additional Entry: Cradled Birth Photography, "The Release of Waters Breaking"

12. Additional Entry: Senhoritas Fotografia, "The Strength of a Woman In Its Natural Birth"

13. Additional Entry: Emily Lapish Photography, "Threshold"

14. Additional Entry: Amore en Foco Fotografia, "Hello World"

15. Additional Entry: Fox Valley Birth & Baby, "Tranquility"

from: elle.com