Everyday Birth Magazine’s mission is to expand representation in pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and beyond while providing high-quality education and storytelling that benefits all parents and people. This season, we are pleased to announce a shift to this photo-story series, continuing to reward and showcase the work of talented photographers who have documented pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, now with a deepened commitment to powerful narratives.

contest details

• Entry is free.
  

• Each applicant may submit up to 3 stories, with up to 5 accompanying photos per story (for a total of up to 15 images).

• Photo-only submissions are permitted (a total of up to 7 images).

• Please submit a 1-3 sentence summary for each story pitch. If your story is selected, we will reach out to gather the full text for publication.

• Images taken in 2023 and 2024 preferred.

• Submit images as JPGs, at least 2000 px on one side, high resolution. No watermarks, text, or borders. Include image title, year taken + photographer's first initial + last name in each file name. Ex. "Labor Power_2020_AHernández.jpg"

Recognition + Awards

We are committed to creating meaningful and engaging opportunities to feature and uplift a diverse array of photographers and storytellers. Through a variety of features and highlights, we aim to celebrate the unique perspectives and talents that participants bring to the series, ensuring that all contributions are acknowledged and valued.

• Cover Feature: One photo will be chosen for the cover of Everyday Birth Magazine, with the selected photographer receiving a $150 award in recognition of their work.‍
  

• In-Magazine Features: At least three birth stories will be offered publication inside the magazine, with each published contributor receiving a complimentary copy.

  Online + Social Highlights: 3-5 impactful images and stories will be highlighted in blog posts and across our social media platforms (Everyday Birth + The Educated Birth).

• Honorable Mentions Gallery: A curated collection of powerful pregnancy, birth, and postpartum images will be displayed in an online gallery.

Selection Process + Criteria

The Everyday Birth Magazine team will carefully review and select submissions that embody our mission to highlight the depth and diversity of birth experiences. We aim to feature stories and images that inspire, inform, and resonate with a wide audience. Submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Visual and Emotional Impact: Does the photo or story evoke strong emotions or capture meaningful moments?
  

• Inclusion and Representation: Does the submission reflect unique or less-often discussed perspectives and lived experiences, and/or center marginalized voices?

• Creativity and Storytelling: How well does the submission convey a unique or personal narrative through artistic expression?

We strongly encourage photographers from underrepresented communities to submit their work. We aim to amplify diverse voices and stories by representing intersections of gender identity, assigned sex, race, class, sexuality, faith, disability, body type, and more — both in front of and behind the camera. This submission process is open to everyone!

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EXTENDED deadline: friday, november 15th, 11:59 pm, est

As a reproductive justice and health equity-oriented organization, we are deeply committed to creating spaces that honor the full humanity of our community. In light of the current US political climate, our team has been prioritizing self-care and slowing down to process, reflect, and recharge on the week of Nov 5th. We recognize that many of you are likely doing the same.

We want to ensure that everyone has the time and space to participate in a way that feels aligned with their well-being. Your stories and images are incredibly important, and we’re committed to holding this work with the care and intentionality it deserves.
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We hope this extension provides some additional breathing room for you to share their powerful narratives. If you have any questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at hello@theeducatedbirth.com

Thank you for your continued trust and for being part of this process. We hope you have been taking care of yourselves as well and are feeling some strengthened resolve in doing the work that we're all called to do.

Header Image Credits (top left to bottom right): Carmen Bridgewater, Charlie Halman, Jennifer Mason, Jessica Innemee, Sarah Marquis, Alexis Thompson, Amanda Wloka, Colby Tulachanh, Jessica Innemee, Cherie Seah, Sherida Hammond, Charlie Halman, Jessica Innemee, Colleen Murtha, Angelique Hurtado
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Submitted in past biannual Everyday Birth photo contests.