Yankee’s 20 Best Photos of 2020

A look back at some of the most memorable images from the pages of Yankee this year.

By Heather Marcus|Dec 29 2020|

João Victor strikes a pose for photographer Dana Smith in Lewiston, Maine. ("The Unfinished Journey of João Victor," March/April)

Credit: Dana Smith

This past year, we all looked a little harder than usual for the bright side. For inspiring moments. For a feeling of connection. And, well, for a sense of normalcy. In thinking back on the issues we published in 2020, we here at Yankee hope we’ve been able to provide some of that — both in the stories we’ve shared and in the photographs that brought them to life. Continuing what has become an annual tradition on NewEngland.com, this post celebrates the best images that appeared in Yankee over the last year. They let us travel to far-off places (Greta Rybus’s stunning photos of the Blue Hill Peninsula in “A World Away”). They immersed us in the mysteries of the natural world (Tristan Spinski’s documentary look at seagulls in “Gull Trouble”). They spotlighted the diversity of our communities (Séan Alonzo Harris’s eloquent portraits in “Invisible No More”). They even made us laugh (Dana Smith’s playful images of Kris Kringles in “When Santas Get Together”). As photo editor, I’m thrilled that Yankee continues to tell its stories of New England with such unforgettable visuals. Narrowing down a full year of work to just 20 is no easy task, but I think these selections truly represent the excellence of the whole. Included with each is a link to the original story, where you can read (and see) much more.