World Press Photo, their mission is to encourage high professional standards in photojournalism and to promote a free and unrestricted exchange of information. World Press Photo aims to support professional press photography on a wide international scale. Promotional activities include an annual contest, exhibitions, the stimulation of photojournalism through educational programs, and creating greater visibility for press photography through a variety of publications.

For over fifty years the World Press Photo contest has captured images of our times. Their archive of winning photos is not only a record of more than half a century of human history, but a showcase of successive styles in photography and reportage.

The archive gallery comprises some 10,000 images. It includes photos that have become icons, by some of the leading names in the profession. World Press Photo has put them online with the aim of sharing knowledge, resources and experience with the widest possible network.

Warning: The photos depict the realities of the world that we live in. Do not expect any sugar coated or feel good photos.

You are brave, eh. Start here

A photograph is usually looked at – seldom looked into.
—Ansel Adams