Every year, TIME curates a collection of images that doesn’t just capture moments—it captures the essence of our world. But here’s where it gets controversial: in 2025, their Top 100 Photos (https://time.com/7336112/top-100-photos-2025/) didn’t just document history—they challenged us to feel it, question it, and remember it. From heart-wrenching scenes of human struggle to awe-inspiring triumphs, this year’s selection is a testament to the power of visual storytelling. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the photos themselves, but the meticulous process behind them.
Katherine Pomerantz, TIME’s Director of Photography, has led this monumental task for eight years, though the tradition of the Top 100 Photos predates her tenure by decades. ‘It’s a year-long collaboration,’ she explains, ‘starting in January and culminating in a whirlwind of debates, laughter, and tough decisions.’ Her team of five photo editors scours the globe, gathering images that range from split-second news captures to deeply personal, long-term projects. By August, the real work begins—narrowing down thousands of photos to just 100.
‘It’s a mix of debate and agreement,’ Pomerantz notes. ‘Everyone brings their unique perspective, and that’s what makes it so rich.’ But here’s the bold part: not everyone agrees on what makes a photo ‘worthy.’ Some editors gravitate toward graphic, chaotic images that scream tension, while others, like Pomerantz, are drawn to composition and the photographer’s skill in capturing a moment. ‘When you see a photographer’s vision shine through in the midst of chaos, it’s unforgettable,’ she says.
One such image that left an indelible mark was Carol Guzy’s award-winning photo (https://contest.photojournalism.org/winners/2025/best-in-show/). It depicts a security guard and a distressed mother with her child outside an immigration court, each unaware of the other’s pain. ‘It’s a powerful reminder of how emotions can coexist in the same space, unseen yet deeply felt,’ Pomerantz reflects. This image, brought to the team’s attention by senior photo editor Kim Bubello, became a standout in the final selection.
But here’s where it gets even more thought-provoking: while pain and tragedy dominate many of these images, the collection also celebrates joy, contemplation, and resilience. ‘We need those moments of light,’ Pomerantz emphasizes. ‘It’s about representing the full spectrum of human experience.’ The sequencing of the photos is just as intentional, designed to take viewers on an emotional journey.
Selecting the cover is perhaps the most daunting task. This year, Britta Jaschinski’s ultraviolet portrait of a green sea turtle took center stage. It’s not just visually stunning—it tells a story of innovation in the fight against wildlife crime. ‘It’s the kind of image that stops you in your tracks,’ Pomerantz says. But here’s the counterpoint: the cover can’t just be the most famous photo of the year. It has to encapsulate the essence of the entire collection, not just one event.
As you flip through TIME’s Top 100 Photos of 2025, available online (https://time.com/7336112/top-100-photos-2025/) and in print, you’re not just seeing images—you’re experiencing the world through the lenses of some of the most talented photographers alive. From chaos to triumph, these photos remind us of the power of a single frame to tell a story. But here’s the question: which image do you think deserves the top spot? And why? Let’s debate it in the comments—because in the end, isn’t that what great photography is all about? Provoking thought, stirring emotion, and leaving us with questions that linger long after we’ve turned the page. Image credits: Courtesy of TIME. Individual photographers credited in captions.
