Iconic Photographs We Should Know

Although I am a lover of words, I think we can agree photography has the ability to capture moments and tell stories in a way that words cannot. Throughout history, there have been many iconic photographs that have had a profound impact on society and the way we view the world. By learning about them, we can gain an appreciation for the history and impact of photography, as well as be inspired to use photography as a tool for both creative expression and social change. These photographs are not only beautiful and powerful, but they also tell important stories about our world and our place in it. Here are some of those special and important photographs.

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THE SALUTE by Unknown Photographer

This photograph shows John F. Kennedy, Jr. saluting the coffin containing his father as it is taken from St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

OMAYRA SANCHEZ by Frank Fournier

This photograph, taken during the aftermath of the 1985 Nevado del Ruiz volcano eruption, captures the tragic death of a young girl trapped in the rubble of her home. It is a reminder of the power of natural disasters and the importance of disaster relief.

VIEW FROM THE WINDOW AT GRAS by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce

In 1827, the very first photograph was taken. This is is. The scientist Nicéphore Niépce (1765-1833) was enthralled by the burgeoning craze for Lithography and decided to place polished pewter plates coated with a light sensitive chemical called bitumen of Judea inside a camera obscura. Niépce took this famous picture from his house in Saône-et-Loire. The exposure took eight hours. Once the plate was removed from the camera he used a mixture of lavender oil and white petroleum to develop the image.

EARTHRISE by William Anders

This photograph, taken during the Apollo 8 mission, captures the first image of the Earth rising above the moon. It is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet.

EXECUTION OF NGUYEN VAN LEM by Eddie Adams

This photograph, depicting the execution of a Viet Cong guerilla fighter, was taken during the Vietnam War. It captures the brutality and inhumanity of war and has become a symbol of the atrocities committed during the conflict.

THE FACE OF AIDS by Therese Frare

This photograph, taken in 1990, captures the heartbreak of David Kirby, a young man dying from AIDS, and has become a symbol of the struggle against the disease.

BLISS by Charles O'Rear

This photograph, taken in 1996, captures the idyllic beauty of the California countryside and has become one of the most recognizable computer desktop backgrounds.

THE BEATLES CROSSING ABBEY ROAD by Iain Macmillan

This photograph, taken in 1969, captures the playful and creative spirit of the Beatles and has become one of the most iconic album covers of all time.

RAISING THE FLAG ON IWO JIMA by Joe Rosenthal

This photograph, taken during World War II, captures the moment American soldiers raise the flag on the island of Iwo Jima. It is a symbol of American patriotism and sacrifice.

NAPALM GIRL by Nick Ut

This photograph, taken during the Vietnam War, captures the aftermath of a napalm attack on a village, including a young girl running naked and screaming. It is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war.

LUNCH ATOP A SKYSCRAPER by Charles C. Ebbets

This photograph, taken during the construction of Rockefeller Center, captures a group of construction workers sitting on a steel beam high above the city. It is a symbol of the courage and determination of the working class.

TANK MAN by Jeff Widener

This photograph, taken during the Tiananmen Square protests, captures a man standing in front of a line of tanks, refusing to move. It is a symbol of peaceful resistance and the fight for freedom.

THE BURNING MONK by Malcolm Browne

This photograph, taken during the Vietnam War, captures the self-immolation of a Buddhist monk in protest against the war. It is a powerful symbol of the sacrifices made by those who stand up for their beliefs.

AFGHAN GIRL by Steve McCurry

This photograph, taken during the Soviet-Afghan War, captures the haunting and beautiful eyes of a young Afghan refugee girl. It has become an iconic image of the plight of refugees around the world.

THE KISS by Alfred Eisenstaedt

This photograph, taken at the end of World War II, captures a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square. It is a symbol of the joy and relief felt by Americans at the end of the war.

MIGRANT MOTHER by Dorothea Lange

This photograph, taken during the Great Depression, captures the desperation and hardship faced by migrant workers in California. It has become a symbol of resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

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UNLINKEDMary MayMay 11, 2023