It’s been an interesting time for birth photographers navigating visitor restrictions amidst covid for the past two years.

But for Portland Birth Photographer Natalie Broders, the sun has started to shine.

Her photo has won a prize in a prestigious international photography competition for birth photography.

This is the second year of the Birth & Beyond Photography Awards. Hundreds of entries were received each round, four rounds per year. In the first year, 3,419 entries were received from 32 different countries.

In the Unposed Newborn category, Natalie Broders won first place with her photo of a baby being adored by her mother and sisters. After winning first place in one round, Natalie went on to win a second award for this image. Birth & Beyond named Natalie Broders the Overall Winner of 2021.

The photo caught the eye and was rewarded by an extensive jury.

Natalie said this about the photograph:

“This moment happened organically, with the mother curled up in bed with her two older daughters and her newborn. She had labored all throughout the night, and her baby was born at dawn. Bathed in beautiful morning light, the older girls snuggled up with their mother as they met their newborn sister for the first time. I am truly honored to have received the 1st place award for my photo. Thank you!”
Natalie Broders, Portland Birth Photographer