Most Memorable Photographs of All Time

Since the beginning of photography, man has been able to immortalize images for mankind. Without saying a word, the images capture a moment in time that is priceless. The photo can say it all; happiness, sadness, love, reflection, or moments that elude the comprehension of human compassion. Here is a look at some of the most memorable photographs in history.

The Home of the Dead Rebel Sharpshooter

In times of war, the losses on both sides are innumerable. For the first time, the images of the cost of warfare were being captured. One of the most famous death scenes was the image of a confederate soldier. Captured by Alexander Gardner, the picture gained serious criticism. Gardner had claimed that the soldier received an injury to the head, and lay down upon a blanket to await his death. Far from home was this soldier, who lay in agony, whilst the carnage of the day's events slowly faded from his view. It was later revealed that Gardner had moved the corpse around to obtain a “better” artistic image.

Kim Phuc

This photo (taken by Nick Ut), has become memorable throughout history. It shows the innocence of human suffrage, the victim of war and brutality. She runs through the streets, with burns on her back from a napalm attack on her village by the Vietnam Air Force. The crying children fleeing from a grisly attack, mars the human mind.

The Raising of the American Flag

On February 23, 1945, U.S. Marines of the 28th Regiment, 5th Division, raised an American flag on Mt. Suribachi. The photo symbolizes victory, after one of the bloodiest campaigns in American battles. Taken by Joe Rosenthal, this iconic photo has become a lasting impression in the minds of many.

Tiananmen Square Protester

In 1989, students, intellectuals, and activists led an uprising against the People's Republic of China in Tiananmen Square as a hunger strike by students turned into an insurgence for reform. An unknown individual walked in front of tanks in a manner of defiance, representing the feelings of all activists involved in the uprising. What became of the unknown man is still a mystery, and many speculate that he was assassinated shortly after the uprising.

The Burning Monk

One of the most disturbing images is the photo of Vietnamese monk Thich Quang Duc. The monk ignited himself at a busy intersection in protest. The photographer, Malcolm Browne clicked the famous photo in 1963. Spectators stood in shock while wailing, as the peaceful monk burned in quiet composure.

Boy Raising His Hands

In the Warsaw Ghetto a frightened, young boy raises his arms, as a German soldier points a gun. It is one of the most recognizable photos of the Holocaust, symbolizing the horror that was to come. It represents the unnecessary slaughter of millions of innocents, and serves as a reminder of what we should not to repeat.

Earth

Taken in 1972 by the Apollo 17 crew is the picture of Earth. Seeing it from the perspective of space gives one the sense of how fragile and minuscule our world really is. The beauty and serenity of such a sight makes one appreciate what we have.

Execution

In 1968, the execution of a Viet Cong guerrilla was captured on film. Nguyen Ngoc Loan, South Vietnam's police chief aimed his gun at the prisoner right as Eddie Adams clicked the camera.

Birmingham

In 1963, Birmingham became a focal point for civil rights. The city became a pivotal role in the quest to stop segregation in a town that met frequent antagonism between blacks and whites. The innocence of the blacks being pummeled by the watering hoses rallied support for the desperate predicament that many black Americans faced during the 1960's.

The Kiss

One of the most famous photographs ever captured (by Alfred Eisenstaedt), was taken in Times Square on August 14, 1945 on Victory Day. In a moment of hurried anticipation, Eisenstaedt followed a sailor through the streets as he was grabbing and kissing many a girl. He then noticed the sailor locking lips with a nurse, and clicked the image that has become infamous throughout history.