Get ready to be blown away by TIME's Top 100 Photos of 2025! These incredible images tell powerful stories that will leave a lasting impression.
Each year, TIME curates a stunning collection of photographs, capturing the essence of the year's most significant events. From split-second action shots to thought-provoking long-term projects, these images serve as a visual reminder of 2025's milestones and a testament to photography's ability to narrate the world's most important tales.
PetaPixel recently sat down with Katherine Pomerantz, TIME's Director of Photography, to delve into the selection process, the criteria for choosing the top 100 photos, and the personal favorites that made the cut.
Pomerantz, who has been at the helm of TIME's photography department for eight years, shared insights into the meticulous process. "Every year, we collaborate as a team to select our top photos. It's my favorite project, and we start in January," she explained.
The team gathers photos throughout the year, reviewing them monthly. By August, the narrowing process intensifies, with regular, decisive meetings. "It's a mix of debate, agreement, and laughter. We use everyone's expertise and contacts to bring in diverse photographers and images," Pomerantz added.
One of the most captivating aspects is how certain images leave a lasting impression. "Some editors are drawn to graphic or chaotic images with tension. For me, it's about composition and the photographer's skill," Pomerantz said.
When asked about a photo that stuck with her, Pomerantz instantly mentioned Carol Guzy's award-winning image of a mother and child outside a detention center in New York. "The perspective captures two emotional moments happening simultaneously, yet they seem unaware of each other. It's incredibly powerful," she explained.
The human element is a crucial aspect of these images, Pomerantz emphasized. "Raw human emotion is what we crave. When it's captured in a photograph, it's incredibly impactful."
The selection showcases a range of emotions, from pain and tragedy to contemplation and joy, celebrating the diversity of the human experience.
"It's nice when the emotion is joy because we need that," Pomerantz added.
The sequencing of the images is carefully considered, ensuring a representation of the entire spectrum of human emotion. "It's intentional to create a cohesive narrative," Pomerantz said.
One of the most challenging aspects is selecting the cover image. This year, Britta Jaschinski's photo of a green sea turtle under ultraviolet light was chosen. It not only captures attention but also tells a story about using forensic evidence to combat wildlife crime.
"It's a striking image that makes you stop and think. We wanted to showcase how new technology is helping fight wildlife crime," Pomerantz explained.
The cover image is carefully selected to represent the year's photos, not just the biggest news event.
"It's about celebrating the talented photographers who captured these powerful images worldwide in 2025. From chaotic scenes to inspiring human success, the team, led by Katherine Pomerantz, has delivered a perfect summary of the year," Pomerantz concluded.
Check out the complete collection of TIME's Top 100 Photos of 2025 online or in the latest issue of TIME magazine, "Best Photos of the Year."
Image credits: TIME
Photographers: Individual credits in captions
