The Associated Press has unveiled its latest collection of standout vertical images captured by photojournalists worldwide during the week of November 26 through December 2, 2025. This carefully curated selection showcases the diverse range of subjects and events documented by AP's global photography team, from political moments to cultural celebrations and natural disasters.
Among the featured images is a striking photograph from the White House, where a Lego portrait of President Donald Trump adorns the Green Room during a press preview of the Christmas decorations themed "Home is Where the Heart Is" on Monday, December 1, 2025. The image, captured by AP photographer Evan Vucci, represents the intersection of political symbolism and holiday traditions in America's most famous residence.
The collection also captures the magic of New York's Thanksgiving celebration, with spectators watching from their apartment windows as the Noorah balloon floated down Central Park West during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Frank Franklin's photograph perfectly encapsulates the urban viewing experience that has become synonymous with this beloved American tradition.
Tragic events are also documented in the collection, including a devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Chan Long Hei's powerful image shows people observing the flames engulfing the building, highlighting the role of photojournalism in documenting both celebration and catastrophe.
Military ceremonies feature prominently in the week's selection, with Channi Anand capturing a newly recruited soldier of the Jammu Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment giving commands during a passing-out parade at the training center in Dansal, on the outskirts of Jammu, India, on Monday, December 1, 2025. The image represents the formal traditions and discipline inherent in military training.
Sports photography is represented through Chris O'Meara's dynamic shot of South Florida guard Stefanie Ingram going up against UConn guard Kelis Fisher during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college basketball game on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in Tampa, Florida. The vertical composition emphasizes the athletic prowess and competitive spirit of collegiate sports.
Political documentation continues with Julia Demaree Nikhinson's photograph of President Donald Trump listening during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. This image provides insight into the formal governmental processes that shape national policy and decision-making.
Natural disasters and their human impact are powerfully illustrated through Reza Saifullah's photograph of people carrying their belongings as they wade through flood waters in a village in Bireun, Aceh province, Indonesia, on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The image starkly demonstrates the ongoing challenges faced by communities dealing with extreme weather events.
Religious significance is captured in Domenico Stinellis's photograph of Pope Leo XIV arriving to celebrate Holy Mass at Beirut's waterfront in Lebanon on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. This image represents the continued importance of papal visits in providing spiritual guidance and international attention to regional issues.
Agricultural traditions are beautifully documented by Anupam Nath, who photographed Khasi tribal farmers cleaning harvested paddy in a field along the Assam-Meghalaya border, on the outskirts of Guwahati, India, on Monday, December 1, 2025. The image showcases the enduring connection between indigenous communities and their traditional farming practices.
The collection concludes with a more contemplative image by Hiro Komae, showing a carp swimming in a pond at Tokunagaen, or Tokunaga Garden, in Nagoya, central Japan, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. This serene photograph provides a peaceful counterpoint to the more dramatic news events of the week, demonstrating photography's ability to capture quiet beauty alongside breaking news.
This weekly photo gallery, curated by AP photo editors, represents the global reach and professional excellence of Associated Press photojournalists, who continue to serve as trusted eyewitnesses to world events. The selection demonstrates how vertical composition can effectively tell stories across diverse subjects, from political ceremonies to natural beauty, reinforcing the power of visual journalism in documenting our contemporary world.
