Photographer Christian Berthelot recently took a series of photos of newborn babies seconds after their birth (or C-section). These collections of portraits may be difficult for some viewers with the raw emotion and images of childbirth. Titled, Cesar, Christian decided to take the photos right when the ribbons of blood and vernix that accompanied the babies right after birth.

When I saw [my son] for the first time, he was bloodied and covered in this white substance called vernix,” Berthelot told Huffpost “He was like a warrior who has just won his first battle, like an angel out of darkness.” It is from this perspective that his photos, while difficult to look at, gain a deeper and more beautiful meaning.

The details of this amazing photo series are in the links below, the series of photos will be displayed at the Circulation(s) festival in Paris until March 5th.

More info: christianberthelot.com | festival-circulations.com (h/t: huffpost, slate)

Leanne – 13 seconds after birth

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Christian Berthelot’s interest in childbirth photography grew after he witnessed the birth of his own son.

Liza – 3 seconds after birth

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With the help of Jean-Francois Morievnal, a doctor at the hospital where his son was born, he began the training required to allow him to take photos in the operating room.

Steven – 15 seconds after birth

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Only after 6 months of training did he start looking for expectant mothers who would allow him to photograph the birth of their children.

Kevin – 13 seconds after birth

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To date, Berthelot and Morievnal have photographer 40 C-section deliveries

Mael – 18 seconds after birth

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Louann – 14 seconds after birth

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Lize – 9 seconds after birth

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Margaux – 7 seconds after birth

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Chloé – 11 seconds after birth

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Romane – 8 seconds after birth

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[mashshare]