The world is being framed through a new lens as the Associated Press unveils a compelling collection of vertical photographs taken by its award-winning photojournalists. This curated series challenges traditional horizontal composition, offering a fresh and immersive perspective on global events, daily life, and poignant moments captured from Afghanistan to the United States.
A New Perspective on Global Storytelling
For decades, the horizontal format has dominated photojournalism, particularly in print media. However, the rise of mobile-first consumption, where users primarily view content on smartphones, has catalysed a shift. This collection by the AP, a global news powerhouse, embraces this change head-on. It demonstrates how professional photojournalists are adapting their craft to the vertical scroll, without compromising the power, narrative, and technical excellence their work is renowned for.
The series features work from across the AP's extensive global network. Mstyslav Chernov, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist known for his harrowing coverage of Mariupol, contributes a haunting vertical frame. Another striking image comes from K.M. Chaudary in Pakistan, capturing the devastating floods of 2022 in a powerful portrait of climate crisis impact. From the United States, Jae C. Hong presents a vertiginous look at the iconic Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, its spherical building cutting a dramatic figure against the sky.
Mastering the Vertical Canvas
Composing a powerful image within the constraints of a vertical frame requires a distinct skill set. Photographers must guide the viewer's eye up and down, rather than side to side, often using leading lines, layered action, and strategic placement of subjects. This format can intensify portraits, add dynamism to action shots, and create a more intimate, direct connection with the viewer, akin to looking through a window or a doorway.
The collection is not limited to news events. It spans a diverse range of subjects, showcasing the versatility of the format. There are intimate cultural moments, sweeping landscapes reimagined, and slices of urban life that gain a new rhythm when viewed top-to-bottom. Each image proves that impactful visual journalism is defined not by its orientation, but by the photographer's eye, timing, and ability to tell a story within a single frame.
The Associated Press, founded in 1846, is one of the world's oldest and most trusted news agencies. Its photojournalists operate in over 100 countries, and their work is published daily in thousands of news outlets globally. This foray into a dedicated vertical series highlights the agency's commitment to innovation and meeting audiences where they are.
The Future Frame of News
This project signals a broader evolution in how news is visually consumed. While traditional horizontal images will always have their place, especially in legacy media, the vertical format is increasingly vital for digital platforms, social media feeds, and mobile apps. By championing this style through the work of its top-tier journalists, the AP is not just following a trend but is actively shaping the visual language of modern news delivery.
For aspiring photographers and visual storytellers, the series serves as a masterclass in adaptation. It underscores that the core principles of photojournalism—truth, narrative, and emotional resonance—remain constant, even as the canvas changes shape. The world, as seen through these vertical frames, appears more immediate, personal, and suited to the way we now connect with stories from across the globe.
