The Best International Press Photos of 2011 Arrive in Sydney

There is nothing quite like a good snap to capture a moment. And nothing quite like good photojournalism to add a personal touch to the news stories that dominate our headlines.

Every year the World Press Photo exhibition collects the very best press photos from the very best photojournalists and assembles them into one very impressive exhibition, which then travels to over 45 countries and is seen by an estimated 2 million people worldwide. And right now it's our turn.

The photography is as exceptional as it is disturbing. At the beginning of the exhibition there is a warning that some of the images are unsuitable for children. And while the quality of the photography really makes the exhibition worth a visit, even adults would be wise to steel themselves before entering. With photos of Haiti's earthquake, Thai protesters and Indonesian volcanoes (and they are the lighter topics), World Press Photo 2011 demonstrates both mother nature and human nature at their extremes.

But it's not all hard going. There's a lovely nature collection, a sports section and some intriguing shots of Irish travellers, B-grade Mexican film stars and Bolivian women in traditional dress, made even more intriguing by the fact that they are pro wrestlers.

World Press Photos is on at the State Library of New South Wales until July 24.