The winners for the 2018 World Press Photos have been announced

What does a photo tell us about an event? What is its emotional force? How does it compare to others, in both this and previous contests? These are factors which the jury for the World Press Photo need to consider. With eight categories to place in and overwhelming visual content to take into account, the bar is incredibly high. The various global political, environmental and social issues for 2017 and indeed 2018 seem to walk a fine line between hope and despair. Of power and a lack of.

But without any doubt, the overall image to claim the top spot will stop you in your tracks. The photographer behind 2017's winning image is Ronaldo Schemidt, a 47 year old Venezuelan native. His image shows a protestor in Venezuela, wearing a breathing mask and enveloped in flames.

José Víctor Salazar Balza (28) catches fire amid violent clashes with riot police during a protest against President Nicolás Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela.

The image was taken on 7th of May, 2017. You can view it here and read further information about it.

You can view the nominees and winners within seperate categories here.