After all the tumult of 2020—an extraordinary year that brought a deadly pandemic, political turmoil, racial reckonings, and record-breaking wildfires—it’s fitting that National Geographic is publishing its first-ever Year in Pictures issue.
Rather than simply covering the year’s most pivotal events, the January issue aims to capture the many ways in which this year tested us, isolated us, empowered us—and even gave us hope. Our photographers reflect on our collective longing for safety, why it was important to document these times of social upheaval and the moments of discovery they experienced while stuck at home. (How photography helps us make sense of this unforgettable year.)
Whitney Johnson, vice president of visuals and immersive experiences, says this
10 unforgettable images from our Year in Pictures issue
National Geographic photographers document a year that tested, isolated, empowered, and brought hope to the world.
As Black Lives Matter protesters took to the streets to protest police brutality, the movement sparked a broader racial reckoning that led many to push for the removal of monuments to Confederate soldiers who fought to preserve slavery. In Richmond, Virginia, photographer Kris Graves captured the scene as activists transformed a statue of Confederate general Robert E. Lee into a memorial to Floyd. “It so completely summarizes the political tumult of this year and how deeply rooted these beliefs are on both sides,” Johnson says.
Through our standard image toning processes, Nat Geo de-emphasized 10 instances of the f-word that were visible in the photograph. “It’s an extremely rare step for us to take,” writes Editor in Chief Susan Goldberg in the January issue. “We believe that prominently sharing the photo is more important than de-emphasizing a certain swear word; the toning does not diminish its message or impact.”
Go Further
Animals
- They’re destructive, they number 5 million—and they’re sacredThey’re destructive, they number 5 million—and they’re sacred
- Not just a mascot: The real owls of FAU are underdogs too.Not just a mascot: The real owls of FAU are underdogs too.
- What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.
- They ripped through a wilderness for oil—and found troubleThey ripped through a wilderness for oil—and found trouble
- Mexico slapped with sanctions for failure to protect wildlifeMexico slapped with sanctions for failure to protect wildlife
- Rare 'blonde' penguin spotted in Antarctica. See the photo.Rare 'blonde' penguin spotted in Antarctica. See the photo.
Environment
- From Radar to AI: The future of conservation
- Paid Content for Advertiser
From Radar to AI: The future of conservation - Is the edge of a desert the right place to plant a forest?Is the edge of a desert the right place to plant a forest?
- Cliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realmCliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realm
History & Culture
- How did England’s ‘lost king’ end up beneath a parking lot?How did England’s ‘lost king’ end up beneath a parking lot?
- Meet Mexico's 'forgotten panda.' She's the last of her kind.Meet Mexico's 'forgotten panda.' She's the last of her kind.
- These 5 destinations are among the holiest sites in IslamThese 5 destinations are among the holiest sites in Islam
- Was the ‘Colorado Cannibal’ a villain or a victim? You decide.Was the ‘Colorado Cannibal’ a villain or a victim? You decide.
Science
- T. rex had lips, upending its enduring pop culture imageT. rex had lips, upending its enduring pop culture image
- Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics. What’s the difference?Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics. What’s the difference?
- See a rare planetary alignment—before it’s too lateSee a rare planetary alignment—before it’s too late
- How your senses change as you age—and how to keep them sharpHow your senses change as you age—and how to keep them sharp
- Why do some love to exercise? It might be their microbiome.Why do some love to exercise? It might be their microbiome.
Travel
- Explore 6 of history’s most infamous scams and hoaxesExplore 6 of history’s most infamous scams and hoaxes
- Untangling the new national park reservation systemUntangling the new national park reservation system
- How a brutal POW camp became an idyllic island paradiseHow a brutal POW camp became an idyllic island paradise
- Paganism is on the rise—here’s where to discover its traditionsPaganism is on the rise—here’s where to discover its traditions