NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The right photograph can encapsulate a singular moment, conveying powerful narratives that resonate across various experiences, from an exuberant fist pump to the tragedy of a blood-stained ear, the devastation caused by a ship colliding with a bridge, towns laid bare by natural disasters, and the joy of a victory celebrated with an on-field kiss.
In 2024, photographers across the United States documented a wide array of human experiences, including the highly polarized presidential election, catastrophic hurricanes and wildfires that ravaged many communities, and campus protests over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The collection from this year showcases significant political milestones, including the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden’s announcement to not seek re-election, Vice President Kamala Harris’ energetic campaign efforts in Biden’s stead, and the intense emotions displayed by voters during a fiercely contested election that ultimately resulted in Trump’s victory.
Hurricanes wreaked havoc throughout the nation, producing heart-wrenching imagery that captured the destruction and loss spanning from Florida to Appalachia. One devastating image from North Carolina after Hurricane Helene depicted Lake Lure shrouded in debris so thick that it obscured the water’s surface. Meanwhile, Hurricane Milton caused significant damage, notably tearing off the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays.
The extent of destruction wrought in various regions of the country in 2024 was often overwhelming. A notable instance was the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which fell apart when a container ship collided with it, resulting in the tragic deaths of construction workers present at the site.
In California, firefighters and sheriff’s deputies were portrayed pushing a vintage car away from a burning residence amid encroaching flames. Another striking image from California captured the intense glow of orange flames, briefly interrupted by the glimpse of an animal darting through the treacherous landscape.
Yet, despite the adversity, images of hope emerged amid the chaos. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, one photograph from Crystal River, Florida, showed Dustin Holmes and his girlfriend, Hailey Morgan, navigating through floodwaters with her young children to return to their inundated home. Similarly, in Manasota Key, a family was depicted illuminated by flashlight beams as they made their way toward their home, which had suffered damage from Hurricane Milton.
Additionally, other 2024 photos melded darkness with light, featuring moments such as a rocket launch and a total solar eclipse, reminding us of shared experiences in skygazing with the trendy return of eclipse glasses.
The year also brought vibrant photographs that captured the kaleidoscope of colors in the natural world, from the brilliant northern lights glowing above Maine to workers wading through the deep red of a Massachusetts cranberry bog.
Lastly, Taylor Swift once again captured the nation’s imagination, this time as she dove from the stands to kiss her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, following the Chiefs’ win in the AFC Championship, setting the stage for another Super Bowl appearance.
