TIME's Best Photojournalism of 2015: Photos

TIME looks back on a year in photojournalism

In 2015, TIME sent photographers to Chechnya, Croatia, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of Congo, El Salvador, France, Gaza, Germany, Greece, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Syria, Turkey and Vietnam, as well as across the U.S. to cover the world’s biggest stories. Those photographers brought back an impressive array of heart-wrenching, surprising and emotional images.

From the continuing conflict in parts of Ukraine to the devastating Nepalese earthquake, and from diamond mining in Congo to the terror attacks in Paris, TIME photographers highlighted, once again, the importance of photography in these trying times.

For example, contract photographer James Nachtwey crisscrossed the world to report on tragic humanitarian crises in Malaysia, Vietnam, Nepal and parts of Europe, producing stunning and poignant images that are sure to become iconic in the months and years to come.

In Iran, Newsha Tavakolian captured the subtle dynamics of her home country, which is now at a crossroads following its landmark nuclear deal with the U.S. and the rest of the world.

And, in September, TIME sent six photographers across Europe to document the unprecedented refugee and migrant crisis as more than 900,000 people from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, among many other countries, reached European shores in hope of finding better lives.

As 2015 comes to an end, we take a look back at these photographers’ stellar work.

A migrant walks towards shore in Lesbos, Greee after swimming from the inflatable boat he had taken in the crossing from Turkey, September 27, 2015. James Nachtwey for TIME

Refugees mainly from Syria, but also Afghanistan, Iraq and parts of Africa making their way across Europe. Walking from Serbia across border to Croatia, where they gathered at Tovarnik to board trains and buses to be transported to either Hungary or Slovenia, then to be taken to border with Austria and onward. by James Nachtwey

Pope Francis blesses an unidentified child in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC, USA, 24 September 2015. Photograph by Tobias Hutzler for TIME

A crowd gathers on the the South Lawn of the White House during the arrival ceremony of Pope Francis. Washington, D.C., Sept. 23, 2015.

The arrival of Pope Francis at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 22, 2015.

Diamond mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo

July 29th, 2015. Philadelphia PA. Officers Paul Watson, right, and his partner Officer Richard O'Brien make a traffic stop with as neighbors look on. After the police searched his car, the man was released.

Rohingya and Bangladeshi refugees aboard boats that have been at sea for months off the coast of SE Asia. The Rohingya have fled political oppression and violence and are escaping from the bad conditions of concentration camps. The Bangladeshis are fleeing poverty. Aboard a Malaysian Navy ship out of Langkawi on routine patrol looking for boats with Rohingyas, in waters neighboring Thailand. None were sighted in Malaysiian waters.by James Nachtwey

Rohingya and Bangladeshi refugees aboard boats that have been at sea for months off the coast of SE Asia. Landed in port pif Langsa in Aceh, Indonesia, where they were given shelter, food and medical care by Indonesian and international NGO's. The Rohingya have fled political oppression and violence and are escaping g from the bad conditions of concentration camps. The Bangladeshi's are fleeing poverty. by James Nachtwey

Nepal earthquake. Young Buddhist monks from Hinang Gompa (monastery) in the village of Lhi in Gorkha district in the Annapurna Range of the Himalayas were transported by Indian Army helicopter to Pokhara because the monastery was damaged in the earthquake. A boy was injured in the mountain village of Dhunchet and with his father was evacuated by Indian Army helicopter. Mountain villages outside Pokhara that were destroyed. Food drops by Indian Army helicopters. by James Nachtwey

Nepal earthquake. Gumda Village, in Ghorka district. 5 people died and 14 are still missing in landslides. Inhabitants salvaging building materials from their destroyed houses. Funeral of Rejina Gurung, 3 who was just discovered buried in the rubble. Her mother, Bishnu Gurung, weeping in mourning. Rejina's father, Chabilal Gurung is a guest worker in Malaysia. by James Nachtwey

Worshipers leave the evening prayer at the Heart of Chechnya Mosque in Grozny on April 17, 2015.

Women pass by a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the late President of Chechnya Akhmat Kadyrov in Grozny, Chechnya, April 18, 2015.

Agent Orange victims. Danang.1. Two young men in wheelchairs, later in bed. La Thanh Toan (b. 1992), left. La Thanh Nghia (b. 1995), right. Mother Tran Thi Hoa. Living in house given to them for their use by former U.S. Marine who fought in Vietnam War, Larry Vetter. Danang.2. In house with blue mosquito net. Mai Thanh Tu (b. 1995), young man lying down. Mai Thi Mang (b. 1992), Tu's sister. Mother, Le Thi Phung. Danang3. Tran Thien Nhan (b. 2001), with severely malformed head and diminutive body. Mother, Ngo Thi Tinh. Grandmother, The Thi Dao. Tran Phuoc Cong (4 months old). Danangby James Nachtwey

Newlyweds ride in a vintage American car through the streets of Guira de Melena. In this prosperous area outside Havana, weddings can cost as much as 20.000 dollars. Many residents here have relatives who have emigrated to the United States, Jan. 2015. Yuri Kozyrev—NOOR for TIME

Young girls play on the grounds of the Arcos building, one of the most iconic buildings in the El Vedado neighborhood. Many old structures in Havana are crumbing and in need of repair, Dec. 2015. Yuri Kozyrev—NOOR for TIME

TIME looks back on a year in photojournalism

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