The world press photo yearbook is the photography version of the “Beano” annual as far as I’m concerned. For anyone with an interest in the power of photography and the story telling ability of a single image, it’s the bible to get every year.

Each year, thousands and thousands of press photographers put up their very best work to be judged by a consistently strong panel. The quality of the work is just staggering every time and last year was no exception. I normally have very little time for competitions but this one is probably the most respected in the world and with very good reason.  Oftentimes the images are taken in the middle of a war skirmish with no time to think and in the direct line of fire of some crazy fundamentalists!

Some of the images in this book might frighten the pants off your nephew if you leave them lying around but if you have an interest in photography, don’t miss it next time you are in a bookshop.

www.worldpressphoto.org