Digital Journal’s top photo essays of 2015

Oxo Tower Bassiere in London, by Tim Sandle

Lentil dhal dish, served at the Oxo Tower, London.

Tim Sandle

Try to get over your mouth watering as you tour this very trendy eatery. Take note of the very cool decor, and then admire the dishes Tim Sandle and his party got to enjoy, including lentil dhal, sea bass and roast duck.

Vancouver, by Igor I. Solar

Vancouver skyline and Burrard Inlet seen from North Vancouver.

Igor I. Solar

One of Canada’s largest cities gets an almost spiritual ode from Solar, who snapped gorgeous pictures of its skyline, waters, boats and more. Read between the photos to learn about its cultural attractions and a bit of history.

MALBA exhibition of Latin American art, Buenos Aires, Argentina, by Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Antonio Berni’s vision of Ramona Montiel, MALBA exhibition, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

This photo essay gives a vibrant look at Latin America’s colorful and wonderful art world, from the surreal to the abstract to the uncomfortably close.

Savoy Hotel in London, by Tim Sandle

One of the many seating areas at The Savoy. Each area is similarly decorated with a range of objet d’art.

Tim Sandle

The vibrant 125-year-old hotel looks too good not to visit in this photo essay. Sandle takes note of the trendy art, black-and-white decor, color co-ordination and even some of the hotel’s sweet treats.

Native art at Totem Bight Park, Ketchikan, Alaska, by Igor I. Solar

Eagle Grave Marker. Replica of the original from the old Haida village of Howkan, Long Island. The designs on the chest are interpreted as mountains, clouds, and creatures living there.

Igor I. Solar

The world’s largest collection of totem poles is in fact in Alaska. This essay goes through some of the gorgeous art.

Inca ruins in close proximity of Cuzco, Peru, by Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Fountains and aqueducts of Inca people sacred site of Tambomachay with crystal clear water by the road to Pisac, near Cuzco, Peru.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Cuzco is known for its ruins, but just outside the city you can see more that are off the beaten path. Boltrukiewicz leads us through the stones and greenery.

Manchester, England, by Tim Sandle

One of the older, Gothic style buildings of the University of Manchester, designed by Alfred Waterhouse and his son Paul Waterhouse.

Tim Sandle

You’ve no doubt heard of the city, but this thorough and comprehensive stroll through the city seems to capture all the highlights. See some of the city’s Gothic architecture, public transportation system, Chinatown, public gardens, shops and more.

Spanish-American religious culture in Colombia, by Igor I. Solar

Partial view of the city of Bogotá from Monserrate Mountain.

Igor I. Solar

Get a history lesson with this very informative and wide-ranging photo essay. Learn about the Sanctuary of the Fallen Christ, Monserrate Mountain and much more.

Wedgemount Lake, BC, by Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Mountains and peaks around Wedgemount Glacier in the area of Wedgemount Lake, between Whistler and Pemberton, BC, Canada.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Take a hike through an icy, natural paradise and take in glaciers, mountains and more.

Woburn Abbey gardens, England, by Tim Sandle

An area of intense color at Woburn Abbey. There are over 28 acres to explore.

Tim Sandle

This country house is pretty, but its gardens are on a whole other level. This photo essay absolutely bursts with color, with a variety of flowers and beautiful displays.

Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, by Kyle Ashmead

About to be hit with heavy rain, in the Red Deer River valley.

Kyle Ashmead

There’s a spooky majesty to this black-and-white photo essay that shows off some truly expansive scenery.

Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska, by Igor I. Solar

Mendenhall Glacier. Temperate forest surrounding Mendenhall Lake. In the left side of the picture is the start of Steep Creek.

Igor I. Solar

This illustration of Alaska’s starkly beautiful glacier also comes with an environmental message — it has been receding for quite some time and will apparently continue to do so. Admire this while you can.

Hotel Unique in São Paulo, Brazil, by Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Modern decoration of St. George fighting the dragon in the lobby of the Hotel Unique, São Paulo, Brazil.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Sometimes, if you want to see something cool, all you have to do is ask. This very unusual hotel looks very inviting in this photo essay.

Berlin, by David Silverberg

A piece of art at the Eastside Gallery, a 1.3 km long section of the Berlin Wall located near the centre of Berlin on Mühlenstraße in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

David Silverberg

Berlin is no less than an arts hub, as our own editor-in-chief showed with this photo essay. He took in the architecture, food, graffiti and so much more.

Royal Air Force Museum, London, by Tim Sandle

The aircraft was produced in both single- and two-seat versions, powered by a number of different engines and was widely used for competition and training purposes.

Tim Sandle

Take a tour through Britain’s airplane history and take in some beautiful vehicles, from a sleek red helicopter to a plane that brings to mind the first journeys of the Wright brothers.

Mumbai from a balcony, by Craig Boehman

Women filling water from the local tap in Mumbai.

Craig Boehman

Sometimes you don’t have to go far to capture the vibrant life of a city, as Boehman demonstrates with this photo essay from a single viewpoint. He captures daily life, construction and more.

Garibaldi Lake, BC, by Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Garibaldi Lake with its glacier at the back, BC, Canada.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Though we’ve already listed a photo essay illustrating BC’s beauty, this one is so stunning we had to include it too. Mountains meet lakes in this absolutely gorgeous trip.