As the clock winds down on 2019, there is a growing urge to stop and reflect on the past year—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. And the best way to take a look back at the past 365 days is through photography. Luckily, we live in an age of technology and just about everyone has a camera on hand. There are countless photographers (professionals and amateurs) who have documented all corners of the world to account for every single day. With such an abundance of images available, though, it becomes a daunting task to truly take a look back at it all. Fortunately, our team at My Modern Met has taken the time to sift through some of the most impactful images of 2019 and we’ve narrowed the list down to our top 50.

Though this year has had its fair share of emotionally charged events that have been documented, published, and shared amongst the masses—politically mobilizing and dividing people around the world—there have also been serene moments of zen captured that have allowed people to simply smile. With emotions as heightened as they are today, polarizing people from all walks of life, it’s just as powerful to be able to unify people with a funny photo.

To end this year (and this decade), we want to make sure we remember the good in the world. There is a great deal of beauty to reminisce about and cherish. From the poignant portrait of a teenager leading a generation of climate activists to the silly snapshot of a cub playfully pouncing at a “ball,” this year has ran the gamut of emotion in photographs. Majestic undersea worlds, the pure unencumbered joy of children at play, the iridescent wings of a hummingbird, phenomenal meteorological conditions, macro and micro views of our galaxy, hidden figures found in shadows, heartwarming mother-and-child portraits, and more have made the list this year. Scroll down to see the wondrous 12 months we’ve all shared via these photographers’ images.

This year has been filled with beauty, adventure, laughs, and wanderlust. Let’s take a look back with the best photos of 2019.

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