World’s Best Press Photos

Winning images from the world's largest and most prestigious annual press photography contest begin their world tour in Amsterdam in May.

World Press Photo (WPP) is an independent, non-profit organisation established in Amsterdam in 1955 with the aim of supporting professional press photography on a wide international scale.

Each year, professional press photographers, photo agencies, newspapers and magazines from anywhere in the world are invited to submit their best news-related pictures of the previous year.

Press overview

The best images of the previous 12 months are assembled into a travelling exhibition of over 200 photos, creating an overview of how press photographers tackle their work worldwide and how the press gives us the news.

This year’s overall winner was by Anthony Suau, of a US detective entering a home in Cleveland following mortgage foreclosure and eviction, taken for Time magazine.

Global tour

Starting in Amsterdam’s Oude Kerk on 4 May, eventually more than two million people in 45 countries will see the exhibition worldwide.

A reflection of trends and developments in photojournalism, it not only presents the (at times gruesome) reality of events on the worldly stage, but also the beauty of life, sports, art, science and nature.

Knowledge transfer

World Press Photo is also deeply concerned with stimulating developments in photojournalism and encouraging transfer of knowledge, organizing masterclasses, seminars, workshops and other educational projects all over the world.

Its Amsterdam headquarters acts as the hub for a network of professional contacts worldwide, which makes the large scale of the contest, exhibitions and other activities possible with just 25 permanent staff.

More information

World Press Photo

Oude Kerk, Oudekerksplein 23,
Amsterdam

4 May 2009 - 28 June 2009

Open: Monday - Saturday 10:30 - 17:30; Sunday 13:00 - 17:30

For exhibition's worldwide: venues