The Associated Press has released a compelling collection of vertical photographs captured by its photojournalists around the globe from November 19-25, 2025. This curated selection, known as "AP mobile scroll," features standout images specifically formatted for mobile viewing, showcasing the diverse stories and moments that defined the week across multiple continents.
The photographic journey spans from winter sports preparation in Italy to wildlife conservation efforts in Brazil. In Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, a worker's gloves rest on the railing of a sliding track, symbolizing the meticulous preparation ahead of a skeleton and bobsled World Cup stage and Olympic test event. The image, captured by Andrew Medichini, represents the behind-the-scenes dedication that goes into major sporting events.
Festive celebrations were captured across Europe, with Markus Schreiber documenting the illuminated Christmas market at Gendarmen Markt square in Berlin, Germany. The photograph showcases the warm glow of holiday lights creating a magical atmosphere in one of Europe's most historic squares, highlighting the continent's cherished Christmas market traditions.
Beauty and achievement were celebrated in Thailand, where Sakchai Lalit photographed Fátima Bosch Fernández of Mexico as she smiled after being crowned Miss Universe 2025 in Nonthaburi. The moment captures the joy and accomplishment of the international beauty pageant winner, representing a significant cultural event watched by millions worldwide.
Nature's spectacular displays were documented in Alaska, where Mark Thiessen captured the northern lights glowing behind trees covered in hoarfrost in Anchorage. This breathtaking image demonstrates the raw beauty of the Aurora Borealis against the stark winter landscape, showcasing one of nature's most magnificent phenomena.
Religious and cultural sites provided compelling subjects, as seen in Alessandra Tarantino's photograph of two seagulls perched on the head of the St. Peter statue in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. The image creates an interesting juxtaposition between the sacred and the everyday, showing how wildlife interacts with some of the world's most revered monuments.
Cultural performances were highlighted through Moises Castillo's photograph of Mayan Kaqchikel singer-songwriter Sara Curruchich performing in Antigua, Guatemala. This image celebrates indigenous artistry and the preservation of traditional cultures through contemporary musical expression.
Environmental conservation efforts in South America were documented by Edmar Barros, who captured an albino turtle hatchling crawling over other giant Amazon river turtle hatchlings ahead of their release in Tapaua, Amazonas state, Brazil. The photograph illustrates ongoing conservation efforts to protect endangered species in one of the world's most biodiverse regions.
The collection also addressed serious global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Vlad Kravchuk documented rescue workers clearing rubble from a residential building heavily damaged by a Russian strike in Ternopil, Ukraine, showing the human cost of war and the resilience of emergency responders.
Political traditions were captured in Washington D.C., where Julia Demaree Nikhinson photographed President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump standing next to the national Thanksgiving turkey "Gobble" during a pardoning ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House. This image represents the continuation of cherished American holiday traditions at the highest levels of government.
Humanitarian concerns were addressed through Frank Augstein's photograph of a worker installing a poster with the names of killed aid workers as Medical Aid for Palestinians unveiled a public memorial wall in London. The image serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers faced by humanitarian workers worldwide.
The harsh realities of displacement were documented by Abdel Kareem Hana, who captured a Palestinian walking through a mud puddle at a temporary tent encampment flooded by heavy rainfall in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip. This photograph illustrates the challenging living conditions faced by displaced populations during harsh weather conditions.
This carefully curated photo gallery, selected by AP photo editors, demonstrates the power of vertical photography in telling compelling stories across sports, culture, politics, nature, and human interest. Each image serves as a window into different aspects of the human experience, from celebration and tradition to conflict and resilience, showcasing the diverse tapestry of global events captured through the skilled lens of AP's international team of photojournalists.
