“A great news photograph can be many things, but its core quality is that it tells you a story and lives on in your memory,” says picture editor Jon Mills, who prepared a list of the best photos from this year.
Many of our favorite 2023 pictures are stunning images of the natural world. Some show moments of intense emotion.
But these dozen photos chosen by GNN are guaranteed to uplift your spirits—or your curiosity—as we look back on the past year.
All these images were licensed to GNN by SWNS—Southwest News Service–a partnership for which we give endless thanks.
Happy Holidays to the folks at SWNS and to all our loyal readers of good news…
Sunset at Glastonbury Festival – Photo by Tom Wren 
Tom Wren / SWNS Pictures of the Year 2023
Rebecca and Chris Got ‘Best Ever’ Wedding Shots When Northern Lights Appeared – By Michael Carver
Read more here: Couple Get ‘Best Ever’ Wedding Pictures When Northern Lights Break Out Over their Big Day
Clouds Encircling Volcano was The Royal Meteorological Society’s 2023 Photo of the Year – By Francisco Negroni
Photojournalist is Joined by Friendly Lion Cub while Working at Zoo in Algeria – Faisal and Djamel Hadj Aissa
Twins Walk in Field of Bluebells in Dartmoor, UK – By Daniel Dayment
Jamal Miah With his Giant Central Asian Shepherd Named Kenzo – By Tony Kershaw
Was Life Found on Mars? No, but a Bear’s Face Showed Up – By NASA HiRISE Camera
Read more here: A Formation That Looks Like a Grizzly Bear Spotted on Mars by NASA Camera
Young ‘Farmer Joe’ Trofer With His Cow Rosie – By Joseph Walshe
Read more here: 11-Year-old Boy Determined to Be a Farmer: Rents His Own Land, Breeds Sheep, and Spins Wool (Video)
90-Year-old Woodcarver Stuart Grant in his Self-made Hobbit Cottage – By Katielee Arrowsmith
Read the story here, and see more photos: 90-Year-old Woodcutter Built his Own Hobbit House Where He Lives in Charming Comfort
Wild Stallions Fight Over a Female in Shropshire – By Andrew Fusek-Peters
‘Winnie’ the Dachshund and Her 11 Puppies – By Emma Trimble
Read the story here: Wiener Dog Gives Birth to So Many Puppies it Might Be a World Record: ‘She’s Such a Great Mum’
Visitor to Gloagburn Farm Sunflower Trail Made by Farmer Using 250,000 Plants – By Katielee Arrowsmith
Read the story here: Farmer Creates Massive Sunflower Trail Growing 250,000 in a Pattern Out in His Fields
SHARE A SMILE By Posting This on Social Media With a Happy New Year Message…