The Photographer 2017 Best [updated]

Looking back, the best photographers of 2017 did not just take pictures; they built a collective archive of a world on the brink of massive cultural and political evolution. They reminded us that photography is an exercise in empathy. Whether staring down the barrel of an assassin's gun, standing in the path of a Midwestern supercell, or sitting quietly with a marginalized community, these artists used their viewfinders to make sense of the chaos.

What made a photographer the "best" in 2017 was a combination of technical skill and the ability to capture the zeitgeist . Whether it was through the grit of a war zone or the elegance of a studio, these artists provided a mirror to a year that was loud, chaotic, and beautiful.

The photographers of 2017 left behind a legacy of empathy and innovation. Whether they were standing in a war zone, a pristine forest, or a high-fashion studio, they shared a common goal: to make the viewer feel something profound. As we look back, "the photographer 2017 best" isn't a single person, but a collective of artists who taught us how to see the world with fresh eyes during a time of immense change. Their work continues to inspire the next generation of visual storytellers today. Share public link

, a Beijing-based photojournalist known for his extensive coverage of Asia. Notable Photo Collections & Essays

In 2017, the film "The Photographer" directed by Laurent Witz and Jean-Christophe Rosette, was released to critical acclaim. This documentary-style animated film tells the story of Emmanuel, a French photographer who traveled to Afghanistan in 2006 to document the conflict. The film is a powerful exploration of the human cost of war, and it has been widely praised for its unique storytelling, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes. the photographer 2017 best

So, who truly deserves the title of ? The answer depends on your lens.

Belgian photographer was named the overall winner of the prestigious 2017 Sony World Photography Awards.

The 2017 photography scene was dominated by several major competitions that showcased exceptional talent globally.

Beyond hard news, 2017 highlighted photographers who used their cameras to process grief and legacy. One of the most acclaimed stories of the year came from Mayumi Suzuki Looking back, the best photographers of 2017 did

The race for the title of the year's best photographer was fiercely contested across multiple disciplines, from frontline conflict journalism to high-fashion conceptualism. 1. Jonas Bendiksen: The Master of Illusion

In 2017, Uzochukwu was just 18 years old. He became the youngest artist ever to have a solo exhibition at the C/O Berlin. His surreal self-portraits, dealing with displacement and identity, were shared over 2 million times on Tumblr. He represented the future: a teenage artist with the vision of a master.

2017 was also a milestone for . The IPPAWARDS showcased that a smartphone in the right hands can rival professional equipment.

: The grand prize went to Sergio Tapiro Velasco What made a photographer the "best" in 2017

Away from the conflict zones, street photography experienced a vibrant resurgence. Influenced by the chaotic, saturated style of masters like Martin Parr, a new generation of photographers utilized harsh on-camera flash to document the absurdity of modern consumer culture. It was a stylistic rebellion against the overly clean, curated aesthetic of early Instagram culture. The Legacy of 2017's Photography

As we look back, 2017 stands as a reminder that the best photography doesn't just show us what something looked like—it tells us how it felt to be there.

Here is a look at the photographers who dominated the conversation in 2017, broken down by the genres they revolutionized.