WPP again? It can feel depressing, right? Haven’t we seen it all? But each year, press photography proves its power—it turns abstract conflicts into something real and impactful and showcases, what good press photography can achieve.

A Fisherman’s Journey?

The figure in the distance isn’t a lone traveler in the desert, but a fisherman crossing a dry billabong in the Amazon. His village, once only reachable by boat, now requires lengthy walks to connect with others. This powerful image captures the everyday impact of environmental changes in a visually extraordinary way, moving away from the overused image of a solitary polar bear on an ice floe. It reveals a different, more human side to the global climate crisis.

Exploring the "Open Format"

The "Open Format" category in photography contests is a breath of fresh air. It lets photographers ditch rigid rules for artistic freedom. Julia Kochetova’s "War is Personal" won this year, mixing photos, lyrics, audio, and music to share her life in Kyiv during the Ukraine war. It's more than war reporting; it's an emotional, personal story. Check it out online: War Is Personal.

Hope Amidst the Struggle

Despite the many somber themes in this year's exhibition, the selected main image is a powerful one. Zied Ben Romdhane's ongoing project, "The Escape," highlights how Tunisian youth are navigating the uncertainty that followed the fall of Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali’s dictatorship in 2011. These young people are trying to find their place in a world marked by crisis and economic instability. The photo is a reminder of resilience in the face of adversity, a call to "be brave" in uncertain times.

On a personal note, it feels strange to see all these photos of war and environmental destruction around the world - while at the same time looking at them with a glass of wine and soon going home to the safety of your flat in a developed country...

Watch it - again?

For the 23rd time the World Press Photo is now hosted by Westlicht in Vienna. One might think: not again, it’s always depressing to see all these images from around the world. This is why you should nevertheless see this exhibition!

It might be unpleasant but you will definitively learn something new and your view of the world will be changed, at least a bit. I guarantee.

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