Did you know that 10% of all of the photographs made in the entire history of photography were taken last year? More than ever before, thanks in part to cell phone technology, the world is engaged with photography and communicating through pictures.
Global press agency AFP have released their selection of 2012’s best pictures. There are 99 in total, and together they capture every major news story of the year so far – from Mo Farah’s win at the Olympics, to police officers surrounding the bodies of the Marikana miners they shot just moments earlier.
The annual World Press Photo Exhibition showcases the most striking news photographs from around the world. This year’s edition just opened at the Royal Festival Hall on London’s Southbank.
The international jury of the 55th annual World Press Photo Contest has selected a picture by Samuel Aranda from Spain as the World Press Photo of the Year 2011. The winning image, after the jump.