This video feature from Guardian Australia showcases a curated selection of the publication’s most striking photographs from May, as chosen by picture editor Carly Earl.The segment highlights three standout images that reflect both visual artistry and the editorial decisions behind contemporary photojournalism.

Among the selections is a moody and shadowed portrait of Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, which uses lighting and composition to emphasise tone and political presence rather than straightforward documentation.

Another featured image is described as a Vogue cover-worthy street style photograph, capturing fashion, personality and urban expression in a way that elevates everyday street photography into a stylised visual narrative.

The third key image introduces a more sensitive subject, focusing on the ethical complexities involved in documenting the return of individuals linked to Islamic State from Syria.

This part of the feature explores how photographers and editors must balance the public’s right to visual information with considerations around dignity, safety, and the potential impact on vulnerable communities.

Throughout the segment, Carly Earl reflects on the craft of photography, including framing, timing, and compositional choices that turn moments into compelling visual stories.

The video collectively demonstrates how news photography operates at the intersection of politics, culture, and ethics, showing that each image carries both aesthetic intention and journalistic responsibility.It also underscores the role of editorial curation in shaping how audiences interpret current affairs through visual media.