It’s heeerree! Over the past year, @natgeo photographers have captured thousands of moments from across the globe. From that incredible work, we’ve selected 25 images that truly moved us for Pictures of the Year 2025. Cover 📸 by the incredible Anand Varma. I’m deeply grateful to have played even a small part in this project. It reminded me that humans are resilient—and we’re not separate from nature, but deeply connected to the beasts and wild places that share this planet with us. These stories show that truth in ways words can’t. From the planet’s largest land migration to a rare chimney bee, a polar bear dining on a sperm whale, and even breakthroughs in nuclear fusion—these images celebrate life, discovery, and our shared existence. Thank you to everyone who contributed —@afarrar (👑) @nathanlump , @davidylee , Claire Caple, Emma Safford, Madison Tessler, Elena Sheveiko, Tammi Loach and especially to ALL of the incredible photographers who work diligently to bring wonder to our world every day. Link in bio to see the incredible pictures and interactives on our site. Bigger the screen the better the experience!
Just wrapped a new short motion piece: Hollow — a suspenseful, atmospheric thriller trailer I directed as a personal spec project, starring Michael Abbott Jr. (The Last of Us, Killers of the Flower Moon). We filmed on a rainy afternoon at the hauntingly beautiful Meadow Croft Estate in Sayville, NY — letting the weather, location, and Michael’s powerful performance shape the tone.
It’s a moody, cinematic experiment — and I’d love to know what you think.
Director/Editor - @rickwenner
Director of Photography - @iam_motta
Talent - @michaelabbottjr1
Grooming - @rozdoeshair
Wardrobe - @eehay
Logistics - @heartattackack
💋🌴 THIS SUNDAY! South Floridians, NOT ROD will be playing as part of the LDUB Short Film Festival in Lake Worth.
Unfortunately, Alex and I can’t make it, but go check it out if you can. 🎥🍿🎟️ TIX: /event-details.php?e=2287
When I first started @natgeo in November, the team was already knee deep on creating this truly inspiring issue, #NatGeo33. What the world needs now, is LOVE and INSPIRATION. The honorees featured here are wildly inspiring, and all of the various contributors poured their creativity into creating these portraits alongside us. Check it out at the link in my bio. Special shout out the the fantastic photo crew @lianablum_@julie_hau and Claire Caple, and editor Ben Paynter.
