Slideshow: 2020 World Press Photo contest winners

I have no idea what you're on about. None of the photos seem to have that "look at these poor foreigners" vibe to them and instead focus on a particular event or happening, like a photo journalist is supposed to in a way that will give a written article a lot extra punch.

Your suggestions also come across as bizarre. The photos of the leaders of these countries don't matter. We already know how the despots and crackpots look like - and the articles, and photos, you dismiss for portraiting desperate people show the de facto result of the policies of said despots.

"Take a picture of the corruption and ignorance. That’s the real story."

That's one of the weirdest things I've seen anyone write on this forum. Yes, lets take photos of concepts and ethereal things.

Neil, such a complacent, first-world, and ignorant comment.
"Screw the story. Screw the drama" It seems that you're angry because some photographers have the audacity to upset your cosy, sheltered view of the world; and that you may have to (should?) see that for the majority of humanity it's a tough life.

Sorry, but I think the "bunch of bs" is below the line here. Maybe best you concentrate on the greetings card industry if you want to "think our photographic skills have any f*%^^ing relevance". Leave the important work to photographers such as those featured in these awards.

Most of the aluminum in the photo came from the wheels. What I find eerie is that some of the trees still have leaves.

I find all of these compelling for various reasons. Made me think or take a second look which is what photojournalism is intended to do.

@BDP: You are correct, to a point. Basically I am not interested in taking (most of) these recent competition winning photos. I lack the drive and probably instinct to capture what rates well in these comps. Most importantly I wouldn't get much enjoyment or satisfaction out this 'type' of photography.
I still feel like I know a good shot when I see it. I just haven't seen it lately - Or perhaps, I've seen it all before...

C plus, photojournalism is, by definition, about the story - that's the genre. Quite an important one too, in historical terms.

The key isn't the technical specifics of the photo; it's the emotional and intellectual impact.

The point is the senseless slaughter of this amazing animal.

Yep perhaps worldpress organization should hire some photography forum experts.... most of the people here have never even been close to any of the situations portray in those images, and here we are complaining. Yep i will apply next year with my street photography :)

Press photographers shoot for news publications not exhibitions. Although I would not mind putting #'s 2,4, 5, and 8 on my walls, they are great. I think they would elicit a response and closer inspection.

Air is a tremendous insulator. Heat your oven to 500 and see how close you have to be to the open door to be uncomfortable.

@juntoalmar
Yes, Canon, Nikon and Fuji were top three in Nikonrumors publication by overall share. However, Fuji approach is taken by number of camera models. I think both approaches are fine, as number of models shows diversification and extent of a particular ecosystem, be it Nikon, Canon or Fuji.

@entoman
My mind is focusing on video, not photography :) It is good to see Nikon cameras in top, because it is one of indicators of the quality of Nikon ecosystem (not criticizing other cameras), because I am Nikon camera owner. As I mentioned earlier, Fujifilm is certainly a top dark horse, very dynamic relatively late newcomer to aggressively move to the top. As for NIkon, I am eagerly awaiting Nikon to also progress in indie video and video in general - I would say that Z mount ecosystem has been very successful to transform Nikon into one of leading hybrid video platforms.

StoneJack - If you use Nikons you'll already be aware of the quality of the system and you should have full confidence in it.

So why do you need the reassurance of learning that they were used by the majority of photographers in this competition?

Why even mention the brand of the cameras? Is it because you find the photographs boring and have no comments to make about *them*?

@entoman
As you know, network effects are important. If Nikon ecosystem prospers, so does my investment in the platform and it is a guarantee of further growth of the brand. Why do you get so nervous hearing about Nikon, Fuji or Canon's success? Care more about your photographs.

StoneJack - Exactly. I *do* care more about my photographs, whereas you haven't mentioned anything about photographs, you've only talked about brands.

I would like to think that *all* of the brands that currently serve us remain viable long after Covid, and continue to provide a diverse array of equipment to satisfy everyone's needs or desires, but the very point I was making, is that this article is about *photographs* and NOT about brands.

StoneJack - Well you've chosen a good brand, and I'm confident that Nikon, along with Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Leica and Fujifilm, will survive the pandemic-induced recession and serve us all for many more years.

Personally I'd be happy to use any of these brands, although I prefer some more than others, by virtue of ergonomics and native lens availability.

I have always laugh of people making such comments but... damn, this time I completely agree. Many of the pictures I think I wouldn't even have edited. Besides 12 & 15, I would save #8 too

"Right" off? Hope you don't do your own taxes.

Smiler - Unfortunately it would take more than one person to say "I'll have the chicken instead".

It will need the entire planet, every single one of us, me and you included, to adopt a totally different lifestyle, in which we give up consumerism (the root cause of rainforest destruction) and accept that all other life forms have an absolutely equal right to not only exist, but to thrive.

But that won't happen, because we are greedy. And even if it did happen, that wouldn't be enough, because there are simply far too many of us.

Our population has reached bursting point, and now we'll have to watch nature (which I liken to a force equal in stature to physics and mathematics) use it's population control mechanisms - predation, parasitism, disease etc - take its course.

@Entoman,
Change starts with one person influencing change in another and so on until a tipping point is reached and a minority view becomes the norm.
You are right about the greed but that doesn't mean individuals cannot effect widespread change.
The danger is when we collectively think nothing we do will matter so we just continue on the same destructive behaviour.
The importance of photo journalism is not the technical quality of the photos or god forbid what camera was used (as some commentators on this site seem to think) but the impact they have in helping to tell a story and raising awareness that might make one person change for the better and by doing so influence others to change as well. A bit of a utopian point of view for sure but something I strongly believe.

KZ7 - Yes I think it is a slightly Utopian view, although I agree in principle.

A good example would be Greta Thunberg, a single person who influenced many. But she is a very rare individual. Not many have her ability to influence others so dramatically.

Furthermore, most of those claiming to support her views are actually total hypocrits, just people who want to preach to others, but make no worthwhile changes to their own impact on the environment.

In any case, even outstanding people like Thunberg are quickly forgotten, because people get fed up with hearing about the same subject.

At the end of the day we all have to look at ourselves and ask whether we actually *need* that new hardwood furniture, that shiny new car, that latest and greatest camera, or whether we should try to protect the environment by minimising our consumerism.

... and before anyone asks - no, I'm not claiming to be "better" or more responsible than anyone else. Just offering food for thought.

@entoman
It is completely sufficient if each one of us influences only himself. Not necessary to influence anyone else.

Roman - Yes, but significant changes will only arise if a very high percentage of people make major changes to their lifestyles.

It's all too easy for people to sit back in their comfortable armchairs and blame loggers for deforestation, when the real cause is the *consumer*.

If we didn't all demand the hardwoods, there would be far less need to deforest.

If we didn't demand new cars, there would be far less demand for mining of metals, oil for fuel and plastic manufacture, or planting of monocultures for biofuel.

If everyone ate sensibly instead of allowing themselves to become obese, we wouldn't need to convert so much land for food production.

@entoman
All of it is true. I am merely pointing out that "if just one single person changes it does not change anything" is a fallacy. No non-emergency large-scale social change happens overnight by all people suddenly changing their lives.

Roman - Yes indeed, change can take place due to the domino effect.

Unfortunately it takes a long time for the dominoes to fall. The fastest way to accelerate change is to legislate.

Politicians have to balance environmental needs with economic needs. But usually the environment and wildlife of this planet are always the losers.

@MyReality: Lol! How can you overprocess a painting?