The year 2020 was a year ripe for reflection. The last 12 months challenged how we viewed, interacted, and connected with the world, shaping our approach to the new year. As we step into 2021 with hope and new perspectives, we invite you to look back at the defining moments of 2020 to focus on the promise of 2021.  

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January 2020 – The World Mourns for Kobe & Gigi Bryant
It’s only been a few days but the passing of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and the other passengers aboard that helicopter still weigh heavy on my mind. I by no means was a big basketball fan. But that just shows that you didn’t have to be to comprehend his impact on the world. Normally when celebrity deaths happen there’s a sense of empathy and sympathy but life carries on. This one felt so different to me. I’m still trying to understand why. Maybe it’s due to him not being that much older than myself. Or the fact of having a daughter pulls me in that much more. Perhaps it is the reminder that no one will be absent from death’s touch. Regardless it’s serving as a sad & unfortunate reminder that our time here is limited. We need to make the most of it while we can… Thank you Kobe for showing numerous generations the importance of hard work, pushing us to be a better version of ourselves and the importance of legacy.”​ – Stephen Vanasco / Leica M

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February 2020 – Calm Before the Storm
“Landing patterns; suburban hieroglyphics…” – Doug Menuez / Leica CL

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March 2020 – A National Crisis
The local university had announced that all classes for the rest of the semester would be conducted online only, and people were just starting to take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously. My friend Matt and I decided to take a walk through the deserted area around campus to check out the vibe. Almost no one was out, which was highly unusual for a Friday night in the city, even with school out of session.​

As we were walking, I spotted this abandoned mask- it was the only piece of trash I saw on that block, and the dirty mask really stood out against the dark brick sidewalk.” – Randy Blythe / Leica M10 Monochrom

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April 2020 – The Peak
“For the past five weeks, I‘ve been working on the fringes of what we have been going through globally – COVID-19 – and its impact on everyday life for all of us.. Over these weeks, I have watched how certain communities have been affected by the implementation of the precautionary measures like social distancing, self quarantining and stay at home orders for non-essential workers.” – Ruddy Roye / Leica Monochrom

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May 2020 – A Movement for Change
It is our duty and responsibility as humans to protect this beautiful child’s future!” – Mathieu Bitton / Leica M

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June 2020 – Today
Untitled.” – Devin Allen / Leica M (Typ 240)

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July 2020 – A Socially Distant Summer

“As darkness falls on the evening of July 4th, people gather on the National Mall in Washington, DC to watch the official fireworks display. After months of political tension, it was great to see people coming together to enjoy this tradition. The bright lights in the background are flood lights that illuminate the Washington Monument.” – David Butow / Leica M10-P

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August 2020 – Changing Perspectives
The jubilation of Eisenstadt’s The Kiss is the result of the fight and sacrifice that came before it. And it’s important to look to the past to see the roads we have traveled. A photograph, etched in time, can collect symbols as it ages. We see The Kiss differently today than we did in 1945. I share this image with the hope and optimism that we will look back on these trying times once again, and find new meaning, old issues, and new perspectives for our future.” – Jason Roman / Leica SL2

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September 2020 – Navigating Through the New Norm
“Photographed as part of a series documenting dancers during the pandemic.” – Omar Z. Robles / Leica M10-D

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October 2020 – Restless Moments
And how are you sleeping?” – Jennifer McClure / Leica CL

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November 2020 – Moving Onwards
A decal of a presidential candidate is pasted on the back window of a car in Miami, FL. on the day
Biden was declared the winner of the vote in Pennsylvania, putting him over the necessary number of Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency.” – Maggie Steber / Leica S2

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December 2020 – A Silver Lining
“Dia de las Velitas, or Little Candles Day,  it’s a widely celebrated tradition in Colombia taking place the night of December 7th. On this night people all over the country place candles on sidewalks, windowsills, and streets to celebrate de Immaculate Conception´s official holiday taking place the next day, December 8th. This evening also marks the unofficial start of the Christmas season in the country. This year particularly I also felt the candles embodied a strong symbol for hope for the upcoming year during these trying times.” Juan Cristóbal Cobo / Leica Q