“I started photography in June 2009. At the time, I was searching for a way to express both the rigorous scientist and the creative artist in me. There are few hobbies that let these two approaches work together, so I really was enthusiastic about it: I am now spending all my free time studying various techniques, contemplating others' fantastic work, and of course, making pictures”. – Christophe Kiciak. Photo: “The Hero”. (Photo by Christophe Kiciak)

Contestant Emilce Lezcano, center, prepares for the evening gown portion of the “Miss Gordita” beauty contest in Asuncion, Paraguay, Saturday, April 25, 2015. In their elegant evening gowns and elaborate hair styles, the contestants defy the conventional idea that only skinny women can be beautiful. (Photo by Jorge Saenz/AP Photo)

As an American in 1990s Cuba, Tria Giovan risked being branded a traitor. But the photographer continued to visit and, from the dance hall to the hair salon, she captured the resilient spirit of the Cuban people. The 120 images in Tria Giovan’s “The Cuba Archive” are from the period in the 90s when, as an American, travel to Cuba could have seen her branded a traitor, as the country was subject to a US trade embargo. Her trip required lots of planning – and patience. (Photo by Tria Giovan/The Guardian)

Russian pop art photographer Sergey Chilikov captures a nation liberated from the social oppression of late-era Soviet rule – at parties, in the streets, and bouncing high. His exhibition, Photoprovocations, will be at Photo London, 19-22 May. Here: Yoshkar-Ola, Matrosova Street (1995). (Photo by Sergey Chilikov)

Tattoo enthusiast Lauren Brock poses to display her body art work during the International London Tattoo Convention in east London, Britain September 26, 2015. (Photo by Neil Hall/Reuters)

Born in 1958 in Abbazia, Italy, Frank Horvat is considered one of the founding fathers of French fashion photography. Frank Horvat: Storia di un Fotografo is on at Palazzo Chiablese Musei Reali, Turin, until 16 June. Here: Prostitutes, Bois de Boulogne, 1956. (Photo by Frank Horvat/The Guardian)

People are seen near a Christmas decoration installed on city Square for the upcoming New Year and Christmas season in Skopje, Macedonia December 23, 2016. (Photo by Ognen Teofilvovski/Reuters)

The Mercedes Simplex concept car, inspired on its original 1903 Mercedes-Simplex, is displayed at the LA Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, U.S. November 20, 2019. (Photo by Lucy Nicholson/Reuters)