Being a parent is the most important job most of us will ever have in our lifetime. And like most jobs, parenthood comes with ups and downs, challenges and celebrations, moments of frustration, and moments of pure joy.

In our latest “Contemporary Parents” Photo Quest, we wanted you to show us what parenthood looks like through the lens of your cameras—and you absolutely warmed our hearts with the results.

Read on to see our shortlist of favorite photos. And scroll down to find out which three photographers won some great prizes!

P () by Heather Balmain on 500px

Mother - the most loving person in the world! by Heather Balmain on 500px

Wife and daughter by Heather Balmain on 500px

Edit by Heather Balmain on 500px

My little boy by Heather Balmain on 500px

_DSF1463.jpg by Heather Balmain on 500px

Swinging Around by Heather Balmain on 500px

Wife and Mother by Heather Balmain on 500px

First steps by Heather Balmain on 500px

22991292632.jpg by Heather Balmain on 500px

MAITE E MARCELA CAB by Heather Balmain on 500px

4 by Heather Balmain on 500px

Love by Heather Balmain on 500px

bath time by Heather Balmain on 500px

IMG_3243.jpg by Heather Balmain on 500px

The Package by Heather Balmain on 500px

_DSF7718.jpg by Heather Balmain on 500px

Supermom by Heather Balmain on 500px

Juliana & Miguel by Heather Balmain on 500px

500pxparents 2 by Heather Balmain on 500px

And now for the winning photos…

Children by Elena Nikolenko

?hildren by Heather Balmain on 500px

Max&Stippo by Davide Gamba

Max&Stippo by Heather Balmain on 500px

Sunday morning by Morgane Malgat

Sunday morning by Heather Balmain on 500px


Congratulations to our three winners, Elena Nikolenko, Davide Gamba, and Morgane Malgat! We’ll be in touch shortly about your prizes. Thank you to everyone who shared their lives with us for this wonderful Photo Quest!