The Photographer 2017 Best [new] Page

What unites them all is a rejection of the sterile. In 2017, the best photographers realized that perfection is boring. The award-winners were those who embraced blur, noise, risk, and emotional discomfort.

On the more avant-garde side, photographers like Petra Collins began to influence the mainstream. Her dreamy, pastel-hued aesthetic—often shot on film—redefined fashion and portraiture for a younger generation. In 2017, Collins’ work for major brands and magazines proved that "the best" didn't always mean the most traditional; it meant the most influential. Technological Shifts: The Gear That Defined the Best

Belgian photographer was named the overall winner of the prestigious 2017 Sony World Photography Awards.

In 2017, the "best" photographers were those who used their lenses to humanize complex global headlines. took one of the most haunting images of the decade, capturing the assassination of the Russian ambassador in Turkey. His ability to remain composed under fire earned him the World Press Photo of the Year, reminding the world of the sheer bravery inherent in photojournalism. the photographer 2017 best

By focusing on grief and legacy, the narrative transcends its specific setting, making it relatable to global audiences. Technical Mastery and Visual Language

Similarly, Ami Vitale’s work for National Geographic reached new heights of popularity. Her focus on the relationship between pandas and their keepers in China showcased a softer, more hopeful side of environmental photography. By blending patience with an incredible eye for intimacy, Vitale proved that the best photography of 2017 wasn't just about conflict, but also about conservation and the enduring bond between species. The Visionaries of Fine Art and Portraiture

In 2017, photography served as a critical method of "oblique communication," viewing a turbulent world at an angle rather than straight on. The year's best work was defined not just by technical skill but by the ability to translate an internal world into a shared visual language. The Ethical Shift What unites them all is a rejection of the sterile

Wildlife photography hit a new ethical peak in 2017 thanks to Nadia Turton. Her submission to the —a portrait of a snow leopard in the Korzok mountains—won the grand title. Turton’s best contribution that year wasn't just the image, but the technology she tested: a silent, camouflaged drone that allowed eye-level shots of skittish predators without stress. Her work is now a benchmark for conservation photography.

: Photographer of the Year (Professional Competition). The Series : "Whiteout".

Reviewers highlighted the lead actor's transformative performance, noting how they managed to convey intense calculation and vulnerability entirely through their eyes. The Lasting Legacy On the more avant-garde side, photographers like Petra

In addition to our top picks, there were many other photographers who made significant contributions to the world of photography in 2017. Some notable mentions include:

Several films titled The Photographer were released in 2017, each exploring different, often dark, facets of the profession: