Iconic News Photographs to Know for News Photography

Iconic news photographs capture powerful moments that shape public perception and evoke strong emotions. From wartime struggles to everyday resilience, these images tell stories that resonate across generations, highlighting the role of photography in documenting history and influencing society.

1. "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima" by Joe Rosenthal (1945)

   • Captured during World War II, this photograph symbolizes American patriotism and resilience.
   • The image depicts U.S. Marines raising the flag on Mount Suribachi, becoming an iconic representation of victory.
   • It was widely reproduced and became a rallying point for the American public during the war.

2. "The Terror of War" (Napalm Girl) by Nick Ut (1972)

   • This photograph shows a young girl, Phan Thi Kim Phuc, running from a napalm attack during the Vietnam War.
   • It powerfully illustrates the devastating impact of war on civilians, particularly children.
   • The image contributed to changing public opinion about the Vietnam War and highlighted the horrors of conflict.

3. "Tank Man" by Jeff Widener (1989)

   • Captured during the Tiananmen Square protests, this photograph features an unknown man standing in front of a line of tanks.
   • It symbolizes individual courage and resistance against oppressive regimes.
   • The image became a global icon of peaceful protest and the struggle for democracy.

4. "The Falling Man" by Richard Drew (2001)

   • This haunting photograph shows a man falling from the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks.
   • It captures the tragic human cost of terrorism and the chaos of that day.
   • The image raises ethical questions about the portrayal of suffering and the limits of photojournalism.

5. "Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange (1936)

   • This photograph depicts a destitute mother and her children during the Great Depression.
   • It humanizes the economic struggles of the era and evokes empathy for the plight of migrant workers.
   • Lange's work played a significant role in raising awareness and influencing social policy.

6. "V-J Day in Times Square" by Alfred Eisenstaedt (1945)

   • Captured on Victory over Japan Day, this photograph shows a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square.
   • It symbolizes the joy and relief of the end of World War II.
   • The image has become a representation of love and celebration in the face of hardship.

7. "The Vulture and the Little Girl" by Kevin Carter (1993)

   • This photograph depicts a starving child in Sudan being watched by a vulture.
   • It starkly highlights the famine and suffering in Africa during the 1990s.
   • The image sparked global outrage and discussions about the responsibilities of photojournalists.

8. "Earthrise" by William Anders (1968)

   • Taken during the Apollo 8 mission, this photograph shows Earth rising over the lunar horizon.
   • It emphasizes the fragility and beauty of our planet, fostering a sense of global unity.
   • The image has become a symbol of the environmental movement and space exploration.

9. "Afghan Girl" by Steve McCurry (1984)

   • This portrait of a young Afghan girl with striking green eyes became iconic after appearing on the cover of National Geographic.
   • It represents the plight of refugees and the impact of war on innocent lives.
   • The photograph has become a symbol of resilience and the human spirit.

10. "Lunch atop a Skyscraper" by Charles C. Ebbets (1932)

    • This photograph shows construction workers casually eating lunch on a beam high above New York City.
    • It captures the spirit of the American workforce during the Great Depression and the era of skyscraper construction.
    • The image symbolizes both the dangers of industrial labor and the determination of workers.