Most powerful images: The year 2015 has been one filled with controversy, triumph and change. It was a time that encompassed shocking actions, consequences due to political decisions and some of the most unexpected surprises that left us with our mouths open. The world is changing and seems to have become so extreme in all facets.

The following images help capture the world we are living in presently. These photos draw an array of mixed emotions with every pixel. They can cause deep empathy making you want to jump right in the picture and help. They can make you feel proud and joyful at the accomplishments being made. They can also spark rage and anger at the injustices happening.

Photos do have the ability to tell a story without saying one word. Like they say, pictures say a thousand words. They allow us to have an experience even if we’re not actually there. With social media platforms such as Instagram, not only are we able to see what is going on across the world through images but we’re also able to express ourselves through them.

The following photos depict 2015 in all its glory and downfalls. Photos last forever and future generations will get to see what was going on because of what was captured by many, all over the world. Open your eyes and check out the most powerful images of 2015 below.

10. Mick Fanning Shark Attack

Via christianpost.com

Mick Fanning is a professional surfer who was competing in the J-Bay Open competition in South Africa when he came face to face with a great white shark. This Australian native fought for his life on live television for half a minute with the shark. All professionalism went out the window as the anchors swore and were in complete shock with the audience not knowing if he was okay. The crowd erupted in screams and rescuers rushed to the scene.

Amazingly enough, Fanning escaped without a scratch thanks to the quick actions of the rescue team. The shark bit off the surfboard’s leash and thrashed around. Many believe that the shark’s actions were exploratory and that it got caught in the leash causing it to bite it off. Fanning didn’t freeze up in fear and his survival instincts kicked in as he continually punched the shark in the back to remain safe. “I had this instinct that something was behind me, all of a sudden I started getting pulled under water,” Fanning states. Thankfully, there were no injuries but that was one scary, close call!