And yet, in many cases it still unable to convey the entire story.
In 2015, there were some heartbreaking moments -- from desperate refugees drinking rainwater to hippos out on the street, to children running from death in Syria.
Reuters photographers tell the story behind some of the most iconic pictures of the year.
A dead child, a world gone mad
The 'nowhere people' of Myanmar
Why cities like Paris and Mumbai are victims of terror
HDIL, Wadhawan Group in mega realty deal
Blatter to fight eight-year FIFA ban, vows to be back