Photojournalist Angus Mordant, whose images have been published in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, said he feared the merger would “create a monopoly that only stands to hurt photographers.” Mordant, who has not shot on assignment for Getty Images, echoed the criticism that the company has paid notoriously low rates over the years.

The rise of artificial intelligence has likely played a role in the merger; the combined assets of Shutterstock and Getty are a treasure trove of training data for AI companies

Every year we compile a list of Staff Favorites. We try to avoid “Best Of” lists as appreciation for the arts is so subjective and eveyone has a different opinion. The wide variety of selections featured today speaks to books, exhibitions, and artists (and a few recipes) that have resonated with our amazing staff.