Welcome to Photo of the Week, where we feature amazing images every Sunday, picked by our editors. Today features a peek into Europe’s old-growth forests. Plus, a close-up with the masters of metamorphosis and a look at Eid al-Fitr celebrations all over the world.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ORSOLYA HAARBERG

In 2022, photographer Orsolya Haarberg ventured into some of Europe’s old-growth forests to document their beauty, value and fragility. The photo above is from a laurel forest in Maderia, Portugal. 

Haarberg recounts her experience here: “Hiking off-trail through the foggy laurel forests of Madeira, I was enveloped by trees that may have been up to 800 years old and whose trunks provided me with shelter when clouds released a sudden downpour. It felt like entering a holy space.” 

Related:
—Why old-growth forests matter
—A rare look at fireflies that blink in unison, in a forest without tourists
—What we can learn from trees

PHOTOGRAPH BY SAM JAFFE

Before they transform into their final, winged form, caterpillars have one job: survive at all costs. And they do, as Sam Jaffe’s images show, through mimicry, defensive adaptations, and partnerships with plants. What species of caterpillar is pictured in the image above? 

A. Poplar sphinx caterpillar
B. Lace-capped caterpillar
C. Cecropia caterpillar
D. Common looper caterpillar

PHOTOGRAPH BY SERGIO RICCARDO

Muslims across the globe are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, with celebrations filled with prayer, feasts, and community. Click for beautiful images of celebrations around the world.

BEFORE YOU GO: Don't miss these adorable baby animal photos.

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter, which was edited and curated by Jennifer Baik and produced by Alisher Egamov. Did someone forward this to you? Sign up here to catch next week’s Photo of the Week newsletter.