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AP Highlights Vertical Photos in Shift to Mobile Viewing

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/25 .. -vertical-photos-in-shift-to-mobile-viewing.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 13:54 GMT by WTOP News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, ITALY, JORDAN, MEXICO, CHINA, FRANCE, INDIA

New York, NY - February 25th, 2026 - The Associated Press today unveiled its annual showcase of top photographs, but this year's collection marks a significant departure from tradition. Rather than the predominantly horizontal images of years past, AP is highlighting its best work captured in the vertical format. This isn't simply an aesthetic choice; it's a strategic response to the evolving way the world consumes visual media, and a bold statement about the future of photojournalism.

The collection, drawn from assignments across the globe in 2025, demonstrates a conscious shift towards prioritizing the vertical orientation. This change is directly attributable to the dominance of mobile devices and the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and increasingly, short-form video platforms which heavily favor vertical content. The AP recognizes that the vast majority of people now experience news and storytelling through small screens, and vertical images simply fit better - maximizing screen real estate and capturing attention in a fast-scrolling environment.

"For decades, the horizontal frame was the standard for photojournalism," explains AP's Director of Visual Content, Eleanor Vance. "It's what we were taught in school, what our cameras were optimized for. But the world has changed. Ignoring the way people are actually viewing our work would be a disservice to both our photographers and the stories they tell."

The impact of this shift is immediately apparent in the newly released images. Scenes of conflict, like those documenting ongoing struggles in the Sahel region of Africa, feel more immediate and claustrophobic when framed vertically, drawing the viewer directly into the heart of the action. Cultural celebrations, from the vibrant festivals of India to the solemn rituals of Japan, are presented with a unique grandeur, emphasizing the height and scale of the events. Landscapes, often majestic and expansive, are reimagined - focusing on towering features or creating a sense of soaring perspective.

But it's not merely about re-framing existing subjects. AP photojournalists are actively seeking out vertical compositions. They're thinking differently about how they approach a scene, utilizing the full height of the frame to emphasize storytelling elements. This requires a different skillset - a more conscious awareness of vertical lines, leading the eye upwards, and utilizing negative space effectively.

The move isn't without its critics. Some traditionalists argue that the vertical format limits creative options and can feel restrictive. Concerns have been raised about the potential for cropping to distort the original intent of an image. However, AP insists that its photographers are receiving extensive training on vertical composition and are equipped with the latest camera technology to ensure high-quality, impactful images.

This isn't a trend unique to the AP. Reuters and other major news agencies are also increasingly adopting vertical photography, acknowledging its importance in reaching a wider audience. However, AP appears to be leading the charge, actively promoting the format and investing in the skills needed to master it. The agency is even exploring vertical video formats, recognizing that still photography and short-form video are increasingly intertwined.

Beyond the visual impact, the embrace of vertical photography also has implications for archiving and preservation. Traditionally, photographs were archived and displayed in horizontal formats. The AP is now adapting its archival systems to accommodate vertical images, ensuring that future generations can experience these stories in the way they were originally intended.

The collection is now available for viewing on the AP website ([ https://www.ap.org/ ]) and is being widely distributed across social media platforms. AP encourages viewers to share the images and engage in a conversation about the future of visual storytelling. It's a powerful reminder that even in a rapidly changing world, the core mission of photojournalism - to bear witness, to inform, and to inspire - remains constant. But how that story is told is evolving, and the AP is positioning itself at the forefront of that evolution.