camera lens

BEHIND THE
PHOTO

Five Photos, Five Stories

Published December 16, 2024
Photographs have the unique power to freeze a moment, tell a story and evoke emotions that words alone often cannot convey. Behind every compelling image lies a story—of timing, perseverance and the human connection between the photographer and its subject.
Join AP photographers as they share the unforgettable moments and extraordinary circumstances that shaped their most impactful images of 2024. From Evan Vucci's iconic shot capturing the moment after the shocking assassination attempt on President-elect Donald Trump to other remarkable scenes that defined this year, you'll hear firsthand about the personal journeys, professional hurdles and creative instincts that brought these powerful stories to life.

Resilience Through Play

By Ramon Espinosa

A young girl jumps rope at a school housing residents
displaced by gang violence.
Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Listen to the photographer's story

Heartbreak After Floods

By Emilio Morenatti

Dolores Merchan, in tears, is assisted by volunteers after
floods severely damaged her home.
Massanassa, Valencia, Spain

Listen to the photographer's story

Freestyle Semifinal Splash

By Natacha Pisarenko

Italy's Sara Curtis prepares before a women's 50-meter
freestyle semifinal at the Summer Olympics.
Nanterre, France

Listen to the photographer's story

Ramadan Amid Ruins

By Fatima Shbair

The Al-Rabaya family breaks their fast outside
their home destroyed by Israeli airstrikes.
Rafah, Gaza Strip

Listen to the photographer's story

Trump Survives Assassination Attempt

By Evan Vucci

U.S. Secret Service agents surround Donald Trump after
an assassination attempt at a campaign rally.
Butler, Pennsylvania

Listen to the photographer's story

Ramon Espinosa

Resilience Through Play

A young girl jumps rope at a school housing residents displaced by gang violence.
Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Emilio Morenatti

Heartbreak After Floods

Dolores Merchan, in tears, is assisted by volunteers after floods severely damaged her home.
Massanassa, Valencia, Spain

Natacha Pisarenko

Freestyle Semifinal Splash

Italy's Sara Curtis prepares before a women's 50-meter freestyle semifinal at the Summer Olympics.
Nanterre, France

Fatima Shbair

Ramadan Amid Ruins

The Al-Rabaya family breaks their fast outside their home destroyed by Israeli airstrikes.
Rafah, Gaza Strip

Evan Vucci

Trump Survives Assassination Attempt

U.S. Secret Service agents surround Donald Trump after an assassination attempt at a campaign rally.
Butler, Pennsylvania