Hope Springs Eternal: Photo series from seven amazing photographers around the world

See things from a different perspective.

The saying “hope springs eternal” from Alexander Poper’s An Essay on Man seems rather poignant today—centuries after the poem was published in 1733—in a time where people are hopeful for the best, even in the face of adversity. For this special photo series, we asked seven photographers around the world to depict hope in the midst of uncertainty.

It’s not an easy ask, but one that inspired a diverse collection of images that would hopefully spark an elusive emotion to those who gaze upon them. From the picture of a newborn in Japan to a Polish friendship that blooms in spring, hope takes on a range of different forms, reminding us that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to happiness and sometimes all we need to do is to look at things from a new perspective.

Amani Azlin

“The series Harvest 2021 featuring Shan Shan Lim aims to visualise the fruitful moments after a mental block. To let faith and trust take lead in order for ideas to flow. At the end of the day, there will always be bloom.”

Brent Chua

“I see the optimism and movement of hope in pushing forward collectively and making sure that we care for each other while taking care of ourselves and those who may need it. This photograph represents the feeling of hope and the relief, a new life, and even reaffirming faith in oneself and others.”

Ferry Mohr

“For me, hope is the decision you can make every morning to start your day with confidence without worrying too much about the past or future. The picture shows a misty morning on the Balearic island of Mallorca, shot in February, 2020. It is from a part of my ongoing series Abstract Landscapes.”

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Michal Polak

“This is a picture of my friend Mateusz which I took this spring when it was in full bloom, although we were still in the middle of pandemic madness. Mateusz and I keep each other sane and on to a path of a good and happy life. I think a real friend is our hope. Here’s to friendship!”

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Natalia Holland & Ben Holland

“For us, hope is synonymous with dreams. This subtly surreal and dreamlike image of a girl with a half-shadowed face standing beneath tall trees stretching towards a half-shadowed moon is to remind you to always look on the bright side of the dark side of the moon.”