Snapshots of Change: The Compelling Narratives Behind 2024’s Defining Photos

London, UK, 24 April

Two horses race through central London Jordan Pettitt

I was located on Aldwych in London, adjacent to the venue where the investigation into the Post Office scandal was occurring, and I’d finished taking photos of individuals entering. A handful of us were lingering about, perusing images and conversing, when suddenly, the ordinarily bustling street became silent. Cars and buses had disappeared.

You could first detect it – the pounding of hooves – and these two horses emerged at the end of the road. People must have halted and slowed down to allow these horses to dash through. I rushed to the edge of the pavement, raised the camera and managed to capture a few shots as they rushed by. Initially, I thought that the crimson hue on one of the horses was paint. It was only upon closer proximity that I realized it was blood.

The sole thought occupying my mind was the shade of that horse, just recognizing that it was a red I hadn’t witnessed before, so deep. It all transpired so swiftly that there was no time to reflect on anything other than ensuring the camera was pointed appropriately. It was completely over in seconds, entirely spontaneous, and we happened to be in the right location at the right moment.

News of the incident spread swiftly – the horses had been engaged in a training exercise at the barracks near Buckingham Palace, got startled, threw off their riders, and bolted. Thankfully, they were successfully apprehended.

Mexico-US border, 26 March

A man holding his daughter pauses before trying to cross into the US Brandon Bell

At sunset, the temperatures were declining rapidly. Every 30 minutes or so, someone within a group would use pliers or cutters to attempt to cut through the barbed wire.

Earlier that week, a significant confrontation had occurred at the border and the border patrol had intensified their presence, making security exceedingly stringent. Jordan was among approximately 30 individuals in a group, which included children. He was holding his daughter, wrapped in a blanket, as her mother attempted to devise a plan with the remaining members. They had a fleeting opportunity – perhaps 45 seconds, maybe not even a minute – upon reaching the razor wire to proceed before law enforcement inundates the area and shuts it down.

He had distanced himself from the group and stood in this valley, gazing at the fence and the opposite side. Upon observing him, I felt it encapsulated both struggle and resolve to cross by any means required. He’s trying to keep his daughter warm and is patiently awaiting the group to coordinate a strategy.

He successfully crossed with his family, but others who followed reached the wire and were turned back. Once they make it through, they sprint, before border authorities can get them into SUVs and transport them for processing.

Valencia, Spain, 1 November

Vehicles and debris accumulate by a bridge following the flooding in Valencia David Ramos

I headed directly to Valencia post-flood, being one of the initial outsiders to reach the villages near the city. Inhabitants called out from their windows asking if aid was forthcoming and inquiring about my origin. It was quite startling how little information they possessed – no television, no telephones, with communications down. I trekked for miles. The devastation resembled that of a tsunami. That sense of shock swiftly morphed into anger regarding the management of everything, from the alerts issued the day prior to the floods, and then the widespread destruction everywhere. At least 200 lives were lost.

This photo was taken three days following the flood. I was advancing toward the village of Benetússer, located outside Valencia, along the railway track – the most straightforward route. Many residents from the village utilized the track to fetch water or food from Valencia. I spotted some firefighters draining water at an underpass beneath a railway bridge, and as I crossed to the opposite side, I discovered that wall of vehicles. I was astonished at the might of the water.

Emergency services were onsite, assessing the scenario. I believe they were searching for bodies within the cars, but fortunately, none were discovered. They then proceeded to plan how to remove the vehicles, one at a time. I spent a couple of hours there, yet I am aware it took several days to clear the underpass.

Florida, US, 26 September

The US coast guard saves a man and his dog during Hurricane Helene

Twenty-five miles off the coast of Florida’s Sanibel Island, a sailing vessel began to take on water and called for assistance. Coast guard footage captures a man urging his lifejacket-clad dog to leap off the edge of the boat into the ocean, before following suit. They are aided in the water by a rescue swimmer, then hoisted to safety in a basket to the helicopter.

Hurricane Helene struck the Florida coast that evening. States of emergency had been declared there and in surrounding areas. The tropical storm brought high winds and tidal surges, resulting in the fatalities of at least 234 individuals.

Portsmouth, UK 27 July

Kites at the Portsmouth kite festival. Josh Edgoose

I have long wanted to visit the Portsmouth kite festival. I relish capturing images of these passionate hobbyist events – the atmosphere is always delightful, surrounded by people who share that enthusiasm for something quite unique. It tends to rub off on me. The turnout was much larger than I anticipated, likely several thousand attendees. I had no idea it was so widely attended. It felt surreal, with an abundance of kites soaring in the sky, presenting a varied array. It’s almost meditative observing them drift.

My primary focus is photographing individuals. I captured several pleasing pictures of just the kites inthe atmosphere, but they appeared as though they had been generated by AI – I believe the authentic human touch is essential.

Madrid, Spain, 13 March

Atlético Madrid supporters gather along the path to the Metropolitano stadium Violeta Santos Moura

Atlético Madrid was facing Inter Milan in the Champions League. During significant matches, the fans from Madrid line the route to the stadium, singing and holding torches, eagerly waiting for the team bus to pass. A considerable presence of police ensures that no one gets too close to the bus or risks an accident.

It’s a bit nerve-racking, as the supporters are extremely enthusiastic, yet it remains mostly enjoyable. The most notable feature is the abundance of smoke. It’s incredibly dense, and the police horses have limited visibility, leading to several near-misses, especially as the bus travels by and they gallop.

The police permitted photographers to stand at the roadside, where I was awaiting the bus’s approach while capturing images of the fans. I wore earplugs, as loud noises make it challenging for me to concentrate, but everything turned silent in my mind when a particular horse caught my eye. All else faded away. It felt surreal and peculiar, and I aimed to express the vibrancy and excitement, along with my confusion.

Kharkiv region, Ukraine, 16 May

The remains of Russian soldiers following an assault Kostya Liberov

This image was captured in the Kharkiv area during the initial stages of the offensive on Vovchansk, near the Russian border. We had been stationed there for around a month. Suddenly, Russian troops began attacking our positions, but our FPV (first-person view) drones helped thwart the assault. This photo was taken using a drone.

I feel profound grief that these individuals couldn’t find a better alternative than to sacrifice their lives in an invasion of another nation’s territory. When confronted with this, when you encounter a deceased body before you, a sense of compassion stirs within. This was once a living being who has now departed from this world forever. Simultaneously, it dawns on you that this tragedy could have been averted had they chosen not to wage war against Ukraine.

Teahupo‘o, Tahiti, 29 July

The Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina celebrates riding a significant wave during the Olympic Games Jerome Brouillet

I had been documenting the entire competition, from practice to the award ceremony. That morning in Teahupo‘o, the waves were larger than anticipated and quite impressive. Around 9:30 am, Gabriel Medina caught one of the biggest waves of the day. As a fellow surf photographer, I understood that Medina cherished Teahupo‘o and frequently celebrated after conquering a massive wave. And that’s precisely what he did.

I was aboard the photographers’ media vessel, and the challenging aspect of the shot was that when he was ready to leap out of the wave, we couldn’t see it, as the wave rolled behind the boat. I simply had to direct my camera toward the rear of the wave where I anticipated he would reappear. As he leapt, I captured eight images – this shot is the fourth one. He went on to secure the bronze medal.

I had a brief moment to send all the images to the editor from my camera, so I selected one of Medina riding the wave, this particular photo, along with another of him paddling back to the lineup, then concentrated on capturing the remainder of the event. I still had tasks ahead of me.

Nairobi, Kenya, 30 January

Volunteers assist firefighters at a blaze in a commercial depot Thomas Mukoya

I was in the city center, en route to a café for an evening respite, when I noticed thick black smoke filling the air, originating from a flight path. I initially thought a plane might have crashed. Lacking my cameras, I had only my phone, so I hailed a motorbike taxi and proceeded toward the blaze despite the blocked roads.

It turned out to be a depot housing used barrels of oil paint; once they ignited, the flames erupted rapidly. While it was daylight outside the vicinity, the smoke was so dense it rendered the scene almost nocturnal, with an orange glow enveloping everything. A putrid darkness permeated the air, and the ground was splattered with varied hues of oil paint. Periodically, massive explosions occurred as barrels detonated.

Volunteers and vendors aided the firefighters, utilizing their local knowledge to direct the water effectively. In this image, they are extinguishing an area that remained untouched, yet the fire was quickly advancing in that direction. Although fear lingered among the people, they united in their efforts. It was a demonstration of collective strength.

I remained there for a couple of hours, but as more individuals began to arrive to loot what they could, I felt compelled to secure my phone closely and seek an exit – someone on a motorbike was attempting to leave, and I enlisted his assistance to return to the city center. The fire continued to blaze until dawn.

Donbas region, Ukraine, 18 April

The tattooed hands of a commander Tom Peter

Roman is 38 years old and serves as a commander of a sniper support unit. He departed from Ukraine years prior and settled in France. He mentioned he had achieved all his aspirations, but when the war erupted, he enlisted, feeling unable to face himself in the mirror if he remained idle. Thus, he returned to his homeland to combat. We spent four to five days in the Donbas region with him and his unit in various bunkers. He commands a reconnaissance drone team, a mortar unit, and active combat personnel, distributing them across a segment of the frontline. He operates from a command center situated in the basement of a house in a sparsely populated, damaged village. Most locals have evacuated. He devotes most of his days and nights in front of his screens, guiding his team.

He possesses a commanding, striking presence, adorned with tattoos all over his physique, a substantial ginger beard, and a deep, gravelly voice, making him a charismatic individual respected among his comrades. The tattoo inscribed on one hand reads “revenge,” while the one on his cigarette-holding hand states “hate.”

One of his closest childhood friends was killed while fighting the Russians, which was a profoundly traumatic event for him. He had those two words etched on his hands, expressing that’swhat inspires him on days when he may be feeling down. Numerous individuals stepped forward to defend their nation, but for many, this has turned personal, due to the loss of close friends and comrades. These tattoos represent the personal sorrow that every soldier, including him, has endured in this conflict.

Maldives, 3 March

A gathering of young sharks moments prior to an assault Angela Albi and August Paula

We are a group of researchers engaged in a project examining the predator-prey interactions of blacktip reef sharks and baitfish. We are eager to comprehend how animals behave collectively, and in this situation, we observe both predator and prey simultaneously. This is a frame captured by drone footage in the Maldives, just slightly over 10 seconds before a successful predation.

These are young sharks, measuring around 50cm or 60cm. As they grow larger, they may be more commonly found in somewhat deeper waters, but in this instance, they are just a few metres from the shoreline, and the water is shallow and remarkably clear. It was an excellent opportunity for us to analyse this intricate phenomenon that would otherwise be hard to access, as well as a unique chance to pose certain inquiries: how do the prey coordinate their reactions and communicate the information throughout the rest of the group when a potential attack is looming? How do the sharks determine when and how to strike, and do they gain advantages from being part of a group? This project is fairly new, so we do not have answers yet.

It’s a dynamic environment that can shift from a calm scenario, where sharks are simply gliding, to a potential trigger that sparks a predation attempt, which may or may not succeed, or perhaps other predators might enter the scene. It’s never dull.

Los Angeles, US, 2 May

Police confront pro-Palestinian students on the UCLA campus Etienne Laurent

Since the October 7 assault, I’ve been documenting most of the demonstrations in the Los Angeles region, both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine. This was the pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA during the night the police intervened. The previous evening, I had been there when pro-Israel demonstrators attacked the camp, so the tension was escalating. The following day, a colleague notified me about a significant buildup of police officers surrounding the encampment. I arrived around 7pm to capture images of the police mobilization and then aimed to gain access to the camp.

Some demonstrators had already chosen to depart, yet a couple of hundred remained. The tension was escalating. The police utilized a megaphone urging demonstrators to vacate. To disrupt their chance to rest, they deployed flash bangs; however, it wasn’t a direct confrontation, so it continued for several hours before the police advanced. They were pulling protesters from the lines while the demonstrators were locking their elbows together. It was predominantly peaceful in a rather strange manner, and any protesters who hurled items at the police, like plastic bottles, were reprimanded by others.

I captured this image from between the two opposing lines, balancing on a bush with some cardboard stacked on it. The aim was to truly depict these two forces facing off.

It resembled a tug of war for quite a while until the lines broke, with the police gradually chipping away by removing protesters, one by one, dismantling the barricades, and ultimately entering the camp.

California, US, 25 July

An animal escapes the advancing wildfire Noah Berger

The inferno was racing swiftly up this ridge toward a community known as Cohasset. Where the fire is set to impact developed areas, a large part of reporting on wildfires involves positioning oneself in those locations.

I was positioned by the roadside, observing the flames nearing. Residents were evacuating down that route – they were escorting horses behind their vehicles and walking with dogs. I believe this is a fox, and I noticed it out of the corner of my eye as it dashed away from the flames. The grass isn’t ablaze but is reflecting the hues of the flames. Shortly after, the fire reached that spot and tore through it fiercely.

I covered around 12 major wildfires in California this year, but this one, identified as the Park Fire, was our second-largest single-ignition fire ever in the state. It was ignited by a person who rolled his burning vehicle into vegetation.

The fire was swirling, resembling a tornado, so I had to be exceptionally cautious for my safety. I ended up enduring it in a small dirt area, perhaps a quarter the size of a soccer field. There were fire crews in that safety zone. You must locate a patch devoid of any vegetation. It’s intensely hot and smoky; your eyes are stinging. There’s embers and debris flying through the atmosphere, vegetation collapsing, branches being lifted and carried away, and the fire spreading at an alarming rate. I would estimate the fierce fire continued burning for another half a mile from the location where this picture was taken. If the fox kept running, it might have fled the fire, but I cannot say for sure.

Pennsylvania, US, 13 July

Secret Service agents escort Donald Trump from a rally following an assassination attempt Evan Vucci

I’ve been reporting on Trump since he was a candidate in 2015, and then in the White House. When he returned to the campaign trail, I was right back on it. Nothing seemed unusual at this rally, just the same routine I’ve done a thousand times previously. The same familiar faces, a committed group of Trump supporters. He emerged, waving to the crowd and speaking.

I heard the popping sound, and I instantly recognized what it was from its cadence – I’ve been in combat zones. I had my lens focused on the stage when the Secret Service rushed the stage to protect him.

Another shot rang out, which we now understand was the sniper team returning fire, leading people in the crowd to shout: “Second shooter!” Officers were yelling, trying to clear the area and getting individuals down, creating a significant amount of chaos at that moment. I was merely attempting to find a perspective where I could actually see.

I recall being acutely aware of everything transpiring, reminding myself to slow down, compose the photograph, consider the light’s direction, what might happen next, and where they would take him. I didn’t want to miss any aspect. Are there any individuals down? Is there another shooter among the crowd? I’m scanning all around while trying to maintain my primary focus on him.

Trumpstarted clashing with the Secret Service agents, demanding to be allowed to the front, while he began thrusting his fist at the audience. Before they could take him down the steps, that’s the moment I captured in that photograph.

My role is to present the world as I perceive it. I strive to accomplish this in a professional and impartial manner, and I believe I succeeded in that instance. The subsequent responses to the photograph are beyond my influence. Regarding claims that the image secured Trump’s election, I must disagree. I believe many individuals face genuine challenges and pressing issues, and I consider it absurd for someone to base their voting decision on a single photograph.

Gravelines, France, 26 April

Sudanese refugees on a French coastline attempting to cross the Channel Sameer Al-Doumy

Three days after five migrants, including a child, lost their lives trying to traverse the Channel, I observed more individuals attempting the journey from Gravelines, situated between Calais and Dunkirk, to the UK.

The ocean was tranquil, yet I was taken aback to see anyone making an effort to cross, considering a police vehicle was already stationed on the beach. However, around 7 am, a group of migrants appeared from the dunes. The police attempted to thwart them using tear gas, but a “taxi boat” was already waiting offshore. This marks a new strategy where smugglers evade patrols by coordinating pick-ups at various beaches. The migrants hurriedly boarded, but the overburdened boat struggled with the waves and was pushed back toward the shore.

A French police officer then waded into the shallow waters, knife in hand, and approached the vessel. The migrants were petrified, pleading with him to allow them to depart. One young Sudanese man stood at the edge of the boat, weeping and begging the officer to relent, but his entreaties were ignored. The officer punctured the boat, compelling the migrants to forsake it.

Back on the beach, the Sudanese man collapsed in despair, howling and weeping uncontrollably, while others gathered around to comfort him. It was an intensely heartbreaking scene to behold – his suffering mirrored the despair that countless others experience in their quest for safety and dignity.

Atka Bay, Antarctica, 12 January

Young emperor penguins take their initial leap off an ice shelf Bertie Gregory

We spent two months camping about a mile away from this emperor penguin colony. We arrived when they were around four months old, wanting to monitor them through that crucial phase when the parents leave the colony, leaving the chicks to fend for themselves, as they must journey to the ocean for their next meal, take their first swim, and learn to be emperor penguins without guidance from their parents. This occurs as the sea ice begins to fracture with the approach of the Antarctic summer, which presents a significant challenge for humans to work in – navigating a snowmobile on dispersing sea ice is impossible.

Initially, we aimed to photograph their usual behavior – they descend these large snowy inclines, march to the ocean’s edge and leap in from a short height. Then a severe storm struck, shattering the ice, obstructing our access. We were feeling quite frustrated as our opportunity slipped away. Then I noticed a particular group of chicks that had veered off and were heading in a different direction, remaining on the ice shelf.

I tracked them using a drone, realizing they were advancing toward the edge of a massive cliff, 50ft high. Drones tend to be quite loud, and I was very cautious not to disturb them. I aimed to ensure minimal impact. I utilized a powerful scouting lens to observe them from afar for several hours.

They gathered at the brink, gazing at the drop. I thought, there’s no way they’ll leap. Then one stepped forward. As soon as I witnessed it jump, I realized this is something they do, they can survive – so I could approach with the drone to start photographing them.

Eventually, they began cascading off the cliff, a truly remarkable sight. I believe around 100 jumped. The remainder turned around and returned to a spot that was still a 20ft drop that they leaped off.

Some displayed immense bravery, executing swan dives, while others merely toppled backwards. You’d see them flailing as they descended. They all plopped into the water and floated to the surface, appearing quite startled. Yet, what was extraordinary was that for a few seconds, they seemed to panic, and then it was as if a switch flipped in their minds – they suddenly transformed into these graceful penguins. None of this is acquired. It’s purely instinctive.

Everybody insists penguins cannot fly. And after witnessing that, indeed, they cannot.

Captured for Secrets of the Penguins, for Nat Geo and Disney+

Reykjanes peninsula, Iceland, 20 November

Another volcanic eruption in Iceland Marco Di Marco

The temperature was -9C, accompanied by windy conditions – which enabled me to capture this photograph because without that chill and wind cooling the air, I likely wouldn’t have been able to operate the drone above the lava. I stood on the road leading to Grindavik, the town evacuated the previous November, on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwestern Iceland. This road leads to the Blue Lagoon spa and swimming area, and just a few hours later, mere meters from my location, the lava breached the road and reached it. They had constructed a barrier of dirt to safeguard the complex, but the parking area is now obliterated.

The terrain is not steep, therefore the lava does not flow swiftly enough to outpace you. The wind was blowing favorably – at the onset of these eruptions, the emission of gas is substantial, hence you don’t want to be downwind of the plume, as it can be hazardous.

This year has witnessed several eruptions. It’s an aspect of nature that feels somewhat bittersweet. When such eruptions occur in an uninhabited area, they’re stunning. Conversely, where towns exist nearby, you understand that there is a risk of destruction. In this instance, no one was harmed, the eruption did not pose a threat to the town – yet there lingered a sense that people would suffer a loss, if only in the form of the roadway.

Lviv, Ukraine, 7 July

Mourners at a memorial for Iryna Tsybukh, a combat medic Julia Kochetova

I encountered Iryna Tsybukh when I documented her efforts as a combat medic. She reached out to me via social media when I shared the imageand I began to take over her unit. We became close companions. Last year, she sent me and another associate a note detailing what actions to take in the event of her death, and how she wished to be remembered. We conversed extensively about it, but one typically doesn’t anticipate actually having to act on such a matter. Iryna lost her life in May while attempting to evacuate injured soldiers in the Kharkiv area. She was just 25.

This photograph captures her memorial, following the Orthodox custom of commemorating the deceased 40 days post-burial. I noticed this family, and it struck me painfully that life continues. Babies are still being born in my nation, even as we lay other youthful lives to rest. There are still individuals who fall in love, raise families, and persist in moving forward. That felt particularly significant to me; thus, even though I lacked the desire to take photographs, I compelled myself to do so.

Iryna took pleasure in walking her dog and indulging in literature. She was constantly filled with ideas on how to secure more donations, maintain this struggle, and honor those who perished in the conflict. She was overflowing with affection, vitality, and creativity; not unflinching but remarkably courageous. She was radiant and audacious.

Paris, France, 31 July

Olympic competitors in the women’s triathlon Martin Bureau

The triathlon events had been uncertain due to weather conditions and worries regarding water quality. The preceding day, the men’s competition was postponed, yet we received the go-ahead for the women’s triathlon at about 4.30am that morning. By 6am, I found myself at the pontoon adjacent to Pont Alexandre III, the bridge from which they would commence their 1500m swim.

We connected with the safety team, and one member entered the water first to assess its suitability. Equipped with flippers and a wetsuit, I also jumped in – it was merely a test, so I didn’t have my gear with me. The temperature was decent, although it had a rather unpleasant odor and the current was quite powerful. With approximately an hour left before the race, I couldn’t linger in the water; however, I soon discovered I couldn’t climb back onto the pontoon – it was too elevated, and I couldn’t spot a ladder. I chose to swim across the river to reach the ramp, but the current was incredibly strong, and upon arriving at the ramp, I felt drained. It made me appreciate the strength of the athletes, as they swam against the current on the return trip.

I had already lost considerable time – by then, the event was live on TV, showcasing the first athletes crossing the finish. I had to sprint down the pontoon, passing numerous Olympic officials. Once back in the water, I needed to use a leash on my arm to prevent being swept away by the current. The dive was the most crucial shot for me, and I captured it. After days of unpredictability, it became one of the defining moments. The Seine was taking center stage in the Olympics – people had been prohibited from swimming in it for just over a century – and Paris had invested £1bn in its rehabilitation.

New Jersey, US, 26 May

Mick Jagger during the Rolling Stones tour at the MetLife stadium Christopher Wahl

Mick Jagger stands as the most remarkable frontman in history. He has the ability to enthrall 65,000 people in the least intimate venue and evoke emotions within them. He is unparalleled. It’s astonishing.

Rock’n’roll photography, particularly on such a grand stage – there’s simply not a level of intimacy to the imagery, especially. Your goal is to be inventive. I yearned for a portrait that captures Jagger’s essence and remains impactful, rather than just a conventional image of him racing up and down the ramp.

It’s incredible to observe him in action. He excels in his craft. Perhaps the other band members are slightly slowing down, but Mick remains relentless. I’m uncertain how long they will continue performing, making every opportunity to witness it worthwhile. Let’s not take it too seriously – as the saying goes, it’s just rock’n’roll. But it undeniably brings joy to people.

California, US, 9 September

A teenage boy observes a wildfire raging in Trabuco Canyon Jeff Gritchen

I noticed this young lad because he sported a T-shirt featuring Smokey Bear, the figure utilized by the US Forest Service for its public awareness campaigns regarding wildfire prevention. The fire was situated in the canyon below, and these residences were perched on a hill in an area undergoing evacuation. The police weren’t enforcing evacuations but were advising residents to leave. Aidan Thomas and a few companions had been riding their scooters down the street, and they lingered to watch the blaze while people loaded their vehicles.

Ultimately, the fire did not reach the homes; it remained up in the hills where helicopters dropped water to contain it. However, smoke permeated the area. Residents were tense, although the threat level wasn’t at its peak. Yet, a change in the wind could lead to complications.

I’ve been documenting wildfires for approximately 25 years and it feels like it goes in cycles. You experience years with numerous incidents, and years with very few. The hills turn lush in winter, and with ample rainfall, there is significant growth. During summer, when that vegetation dries, it serves as abundant fuel for fire. It’s all too easy for a spark to ignite.

Deir al-Balah, Gaza, 14 June

A Palestinian family emerges from the debris of their residence following an Israeli assault Ali Jadallah

The dwelling of the Abu Aisha family was struck around 11am. I was in close proximity, and upon hearing the enormous blast, I rushed to capture the event. Chaos ensued – screams, pleas for aid, and desperate attempts to administer first aid.

Since the inception of this massacre, I have been documenting the horrendous events, often oblivious to the identities of the victims. As a journalist, it is my responsibility to chronicle the misdeeds of the occupation. It is imperative to illuminate for the world the anguish, torment, and fatalities we endure every single moment. Yet each calamity I witness draws me back to that harrowing moment – the day my own family was targeted, and their remains unearthed from the rubble.

The scent of debris, gunpowder, and blood has transcended merely being an odor for me; it serves as a haunting reminder of my family’s absence. Each time I document the devastation, I am compelled to relive my most profound sorrow. This wound within me has yet to mend – it lingers, engulfing me with every photograph I capture, every narrative I convey.