2023 in photos: NPR station photographers share memorable moments

By Estefania Mitre

Published December 26, 2023 at 11:54 AM EST

The Wahweap Marina, squeezed by the dropping and encroaching shoreline of Lake Powell on the Colorado River behind the Glen Canyon Dam outside Page, Ariz., on Feb. 20, 2023. The bathtub ring marking the once-high level of the lake is visible on the red rock formations in the distance. Full story <a href="https://www.cpr.org/2023/04/18/colorado-river-in-photos-parched/">here</a>. — The Wahweap Marina, squeezed by the dropping and encroaching shoreline of Lake Powell on the Colorado River behind the Glen Canyon Dam outside Page, Ariz., on Feb. 20, 2023. The bathtub ring marking the once-high level of the lake is visible on the red rock formations in the distance. Full story here.

Each year, we recognize the work and importance of local journalism through the lenses of the member and affiliate NPR stations. Photographers have covered pivotal moments throughout the year; that's why we asked them to share memorable events they covered this past year.

Reflecting on the photos... I'm struck by the recurring theme of large gatherings of people. Whether in joy, prayer, protest or grief, it seems 2023 was a year where the desire to be around others was particularly palpable.

Some of the events included the East Palestine train derailment, the leak of classified U.S. intelligence documents, Texas women challenging the state's abortion bans, the end of the nation's COVID-19 immigration emergency order, the controversy around Title 42, the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling to end race-conscious admission programs at colleges and universities across the country and calls for a cease-fire in Gaza in several U.S. cities.

From moments of joy for concertgoers with Beyoncé's return to the stage to grief in vigils for the deaf and hard of hearing victims of a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine.

Migrants and asylum-seekers cross into the United States from Tijuana, Mexico, through the El Chaparral crossing, walking up its iconic white ramp on their way to make their asylum claim on May 12, 2023. Full story <a href="https://www.kpbs.org/news/border-immigration/2023/05/12/border-remains-in-relative-calm-as-title-42-ends">here</a>. — Migrants and asylum-seekers cross into the United States from Tijuana, Mexico, through the El Chaparral crossing, walking up its iconic white ramp on their way to make their asylum claim on May 12, 2023. Full story here.

Wood Street resident Mayana Sparks cries while watching the city of Oakland begin to evict an encampment on April 10, 2023. Full story <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11945984/oakland-begins-evicting-unhoused-residents-at-wood-street-commons">here</a>. — Wood Street resident Mayana Sparks cries while watching the city of Oakland begin to evict an encampment on April 10, 2023. Full story here.

An estimate of over 10,000 protestors rallying during the All Out For Palestine Rally held at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023 in protest of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Sophia Lewis, 13, of Maryland Heights, Mo., helps hoist a giant rainbow flag down Market Street on June 25, 2023, during the St. Louis PrideFest Parade in downtown St. Louis.

Kieyira Flintroy poses for a photo while waiting in line to see Beyoncé on her Seattle stop of the Renaissance World Tour on Sept. 14, 2023, at Seattle's Lumen Field. Full story <a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/beyonce-fans-dress-to-impress-in-seattle">here</a>. — Kieyira Flintroy poses for a photo while waiting in line to see Beyoncé on her Seattle stop of the Renaissance World Tour on Sept. 14, 2023, at Seattle's Lumen Field. Full story here.

The Mitotiliztli Yaoyollohtli Aztec dance company lines up for a march for Santos Rodriguez, a 12-year-old shot by a Dallas police officer in 1973, during a 50th anniversary commemoration on July 23, 2023, in downtown Dallas. Full story <a href="https://www.keranews.org/news/2023-07-24/for-santos-rodriguez-the-12-year-old-boy-shot-by-a-dallas-cop-50-years-ago-a-march-to-remember">here</a>. — The Mitotiliztli Yaoyollohtli Aztec dance company lines up for a march for Santos Rodriguez, a 12-year-old shot by a Dallas police officer in 1973, during a 50th anniversary commemoration on July 23, 2023, in downtown Dallas. Full story here.

Dulce De Leche performs on Columbus Avenue during the event San Francisco is a Drag, a series of outdoor performances on Dec. 2, 2023. Full story <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11968864/is-sf-a-drag-the-drag-queens-and-kings-say-yes">here</a>. — Dulce De Leche performs on Columbus Avenue during the event San Francisco is a Drag, a series of outdoor performances on Dec. 2, 2023. Full story here.

Surrounded by security, Aimee Kotek Wilson (left), and her wife, Gov. Tina Kotek, prepare to enter the inaugural proceedings at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, Ore., on Jan. 9, 2022. Full story <a href="https://www.opb.org/article/2023/01/09/tina-kotek-oregon-governor-inauguration-speech/">here</a>. — Surrounded by security, Aimee Kotek Wilson (left), and her wife, Gov. Tina Kotek, prepare to enter the inaugural proceedings at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, Ore., on Jan. 9, 2022. Full story here.

From each corner of the country, these photographers have documented the events that have shaped the stories from their states and cities. "Through photos, I sought to convey the distinct tapestry of the place I call home, highlighting both the realities that demand attention and the aspects we cherish," said KQED's photojournalist Beth LaBerge.

These images from across the country represent some of the year's most remarkable stories: