Top 100 most influential photographs in history

Top 100 selection of photographs that are often regarded as highly influential and significant in the field of photography. Here are 10 examples:

"The Afghan Girl" by Steve McCurry (1984) - Iconic portrait of a young Afghan refugee.
"Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange (1936) - Powerful image depicting the struggles of the Great Depression.
"Earthrise" by William Anders (1968) - First color photograph of Earth from space.
"Tank Man" by Jeff Widener (1989) - Brave protester confronting tanks during the Tiananmen Square protests.
"The Falling Soldier" by Robert Capa (1936) - Controversial photograph capturing a soldier at the moment of death during the Spanish Civil War.
"Napalm Girl" by Nick Ut (1972) - Startling image of a young girl fleeing a napalm attack during the Vietnam War.
"The Kiss" by Alfred Eisenstaedt (1945) - Celebratory photo of a sailor and nurse kissing in Times Square at the end of World War II.
"Moon and Half Dome" by Ansel Adams (1960) - Iconic landscape photograph showcasing the beauty of Yosemite National Park.
"V-J Day in Times Square" by Alfred Eisenstaedt (1945) - Joyful photograph capturing the spontaneous celebration of the end of World War II.
"Omayra Sánchez" by Frank Fournier (1985) - Heartbreaking image of a young girl trapped in debris after the Nevado del Ruiz volcanic eruption in Colombia.
"The Steerage" by Alfred Stieglitz (1907) - A groundbreaking photograph depicting passengers on a ship, showcasing Stieglitz's mastery of composition and the emerging art form of photography.
"The Burning Monk" by Malcolm Browne (1963) - A shocking image capturing the self-immolation of Buddhist monk Thích Quảng Đức during the Vietnam War, highlighting the intensity of the conflict and the power of protest.
"Migrant Mother" (aka "Migrant Mother, Nipomo, California") by Dorothea Lange (1936) - An iconic photograph documenting the plight of a destitute mother during the Great Depression, symbolizing the hardships faced by many Americans during that time.
"Tank Man" by Charlie Cole (1989) - Another poignant image from the Tiananmen Square protests, depicting an unidentified man standing in front of a line of tanks, representing courage and resistance.
"The Pillars of Creation" by the Hubble Space Telescope (1995) - A breathtaking astronomical photograph capturing the majestic pillars of gas and dust in the Eagle Nebula, demonstrating the beauty and vastness of the universe.
"V-J Day in Times Square" (aka "The Times Square Kiss") by Alfred Eisenstaedt (1945) - An iconic photograph capturing the spontaneous celebration and joy of the end of World War II, as a sailor kisses a nurse in Times Square.
"Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima" by Joe Rosenthal (1945) - A Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph depicting U.S. Marines raising the American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima, symbolizing patriotism and victory.
"The Falling Man" by Richard Drew (2001) - A haunting and controversial photograph of a man falling from the North Tower of the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks, representing the tragedy and human suffering of that day.
"Nelson Mandela" by Yousuf Karsh (1990) - An iconic portrait capturing the strength and dignity of Nelson Mandela, the South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader.
"Molotov Man" by Susan Meiselas (1979) - A powerful image of a Nicaraguan rebel throwing a Molotov cocktail, symbolizing the political and social unrest during the Sandinista revolution. Again, this is just a small selection, and there are numerous other influential photographs throughout history.
"Raising a Flag over the Reichstag" by Yevgeny Khaldei (1945) - An iconic image of Soviet soldiers raising the Soviet flag atop the Reichstag in Berlin during World War II, symbolizing the victory of the Allies over Nazi Germany.
"The Afghan Girl" by Steve McCurry (1984) - A captivating portrait of a young Afghan refugee that became one of the most recognizable and impactful photographs in the world, shedding light on the plight of Afghan refugees during the Afghan-Soviet War.
"Guerrillero Heroico" by Alberto Korda (1960) - A striking portrait of Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara, which has become a symbol of revolution and rebellion worldwide.
"The Terror of War" (aka "Napalm Girl") by Huynh Cong Ut (1972) - A harrowing image capturing a young girl running naked and screaming after being severely burned by napalm during the Vietnam War, highlighting the devastating impact of war on innocent civilians.
"The March on Washington" by Marion S. Trikosko (1963) - A powerful photograph capturing the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, and showcasing the civil rights movement in the United States.
"Tank Man" by Stuart Franklin (1989) - Another influential photograph of the Tiananmen Square protests, depicting a lone protester standing in front of a line of tanks, symbolizing resistance against oppression.
"The Blue Marble" by the Apollo 17 crew (1972) - A photograph of the Earth taken from space, showing our planet as a beautiful and fragile sphere, which had a profound impact on environmental awareness.
"Lunch atop a Skyscraper" by Charles C. Ebbets (1932) - An iconic photograph depicting construction workers casually eating lunch on a steel beam high above New York City during the construction of the Rockefeller Center, symbolizing the resilience and daring of workers during the Great Depression.
"The Kiss of Life" by Rocco Morabito (1967) - A dramatic image capturing a utility worker giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a fellow worker who was electrocuted, illustrating the human capacity for heroism and compassion.
"Olympic Protest" by John Dominis (1968) - A photograph capturing the Black Power salute by African-American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the medal ceremony at the 1968 Olympic Games, representing their protest against racial discrimination and injustice. Remember that there are numerous influential photographs throughout history, and different individuals may have different perspectives on their significance.
"Marilyn Monroe" by Milton H. Greene (1954) - An iconic portrait of Marilyn Monroe, one of the most recognized and celebrated Hollywood stars, capturing her beauty, vulnerability, and allure.
"The Falling Man" by Richard Drew (2001) - A deeply poignant and controversial photograph of a man falling from the North Tower of the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks, representing the human tragedy and the unimaginable choice faced by some on that day.
"Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare" by Henri Cartier-Bresson (1932) - A striking photograph of a man leaping over a puddle behind a train station in Paris, showcasing Cartier-Bresson's mastery of capturing decisive moments.
"American Gothic" by Grant Wood (1930) - A famous painting that has become an influential cultural icon, depicting a stern-faced farmer and his daughter in front of a Gothic-style house, representing rural American values.
"Tank Man" by Charlie Cole (1989) - An iconic image from the Tiananmen Square protests, showing an unidentified man blocking a line of tanks with his shopping bags, symbolizing the individual's defiance against oppressive regimes.
"The Beatles Abbey Road" by Iain Macmillan (1969) - A photograph of the Beatles crossing Abbey Road in London, capturing their cultural significance and becoming one of the most recognizable album covers in music history.
"The Burning Monk" by Malcolm Browne (1963) - A powerful image of Buddhist monk Thích Quảng Đức self-immolating during the Vietnam War, representing the Buddhist crisis and bringing attention to the conflict's impact on religious freedom.
"Pulitzer Prize-Winning Photo" by Eddie Adams (1968) - A photograph capturing the moment a South Vietnamese general executes a suspected Viet Cong prisoner during the Vietnam War, highlighting the brutality and complexity of war.
"Tank Man" by Jeff Widener (1989) - An influential photograph from the Tiananmen Square protests, showing a lone protester confronting a line of tanks, symbolizing the struggle for freedom and human rights.
"The Falling Soldier" by Robert Capa (1936) - A controversial photograph taken during the Spanish Civil War, capturing the moment a soldier is shot and killed, raising questions about the ethics of war photography and authenticity. Please keep in mind that these are just a few examples, and there are many more influential photographs throughout history.
"D-Day - Into the Jaws of Death" by Robert F. Sargent (1944) - A striking photograph taken during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, showing American soldiers wading through the water towards the shore, capturing the intensity and bravery of the Allied forces.
"Napalm Girl" by Nick Ut (1972) - A powerful image depicting a young girl running naked and burned from a napalm attack during the Vietnam War, highlighting the human cost and devastation of war.
"The Situation Room" by Pete Souza (2011) - A photograph capturing President Barack Obama and his national security team during the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the fight against terrorism.
"Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange (1936) - An iconic image of Florence Owens Thompson, a migrant worker and mother of seven, representing the hardships faced by families during the Great Depression.
"The Beatles" by Richard Avedon (1967) - A series of photographs capturing the individual personalities of each member of the Beatles, showcasing their cultural impact and influence on music and popular culture.
"The Falling Man" by Richard Drew (2001) - A haunting photograph of a man falling from the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks, symbolizing the tragic loss of life and the collective trauma experienced on that day.
"Tank Man" by Stuart Franklin (1989) - An influential photograph from the Tiananmen Square protests, showing a protester standing in front of a line of tanks, representing resistance against authoritarianism.
"The Blue Marble" by Apollo 17 crew (1972) - An iconic photograph of Earth taken from space, highlighting the beauty and fragility of our planet and fostering a sense of global unity and environmental awareness.
"Dali Atomicus" by Philippe Halsman (1948) - A surreal photograph featuring Salvador Dalí, cats, and flying water droplets, capturing the artistic imagination and innovation of both the photographer and the painter.
"Mandela and Winnie" by Louise Gubb (1990) - A photograph of Nelson Mandela and his former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela raising their fists together shortly after his release from prison, symbolizing their resilience and dedication to the anti-apartheid movement. Remember that the selection of influential photographs can vary, and there are countless more images that have made a significant impact on history and visual culture.
"The V-J Day Kiss" by Alfred Eisenstaedt (1945) - A famous photograph capturing a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square to celebrate the end of World War II, symbolizing joy and relief.
"Guernica" by Robert Capa (1937) - A powerful photograph capturing the aftermath of the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, highlighting the devastating impact of war on civilians.
"Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange (1936) - An iconic image of a mother and her children during the Great Depression, representing the struggles and resilience of the American working class.
"Pillars of Creation" by the Hubble Space Telescope (1995) - An awe-inspiring photograph of towering gas and dust pillars in the Eagle Nebula, showcasing the beauty and vastness of the universe.
"The Face of AIDS" by Therese Frare (1990) - A poignant photograph of a young man named David Kirby on his deathbed, highlighting the human toll of the AIDS epidemic.
"Tank Man" by Charlie Cole (1989) - An iconic image from the Tiananmen Square protests, showing a protester standing in front of a line of tanks, symbolizing resistance against oppression.
"Afghan Girl" by Steve McCurry (1984) - A captivating portrait of a young Afghan refugee, which became an emblematic image depicting the plight of refugees worldwide.
"Molotov Man" by Susan Meiselas (1979) - A powerful photograph capturing a Nicaraguan rebel throwing a Molotov cocktail during the Sandinista revolution, symbolizing resistance and political upheaval.
"The Flag Raising on Iwo Jima" by Joe Rosenthal (1945) - An iconic photograph depicting U.S. Marines raising the American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, representing valor and patriotism.
"The Dust Bowl" by Dorothea Lange (1935) - A photograph documenting the severe drought and soil erosion during the Dust Bowl in the United States, highlighting the environmental and social impact of the period. Remember that the selection of influential photographs is subjective, and there are countless more images that have had a significant impact on history, society, and the art of photography.
"The Hindenburg Disaster" by Sam Shere (1937) - A dramatic photograph capturing the moment the German airship Hindenburg caught fire and crashed, marking the end of the era of airship travel.
"Tank Man" by Jeff Widener (1989) - A powerful photograph from the Tiananmen Square protests, showing a lone protester standing in front of a line of tanks, representing the struggle for democracy and human rights.
"Rhein II" by Andreas Gursky (1999) - A photograph depicting the Rhine River in Germany, which became one of the most expensive photographs ever sold and influenced the genre of contemporary landscape photography.
"The Blue Marble" by Apollo 17 crew (1972) - An iconic photograph of Earth taken from space, showing our planet as a fragile and interconnected entity, prompting environmental awareness.
"The Napalm Girl" by Nick Ut (1972) - A powerful image of a young girl running naked and burned after a napalm attack during the Vietnam War, highlighting the devastating impact of warfare on civilians.
"The Times Square Kiss" by Alfred Eisenstaedt (1945) - A joyful photograph capturing a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square to celebrate the end of World War II, symbolizing relief and jubilation.
"The Falling Man" by Richard Drew (2001) - A haunting image of a man falling from the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks, representing the immense tragedy and loss experienced on that day.
"Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange (1936) - An iconic photograph of a mother and her children during the Great Depression, symbolizing the struggles and resilience of the American working class.
"Afghan Girl" by Steve McCurry (1984) - A striking portrait of a young Afghan refugee girl, which became one of National Geographic's most famous covers, raising awareness about the plight of Afghan refugees.
"V-J Day in Times Square" by Alfred Eisenstaedt (1945) - A jubilant photograph capturing a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square to celebrate the end of World War II, symbolizing victory and hope. Remember that the selection of influential photographs is subjective, and there are numerous other impactful images throughout history.
"The Afghan Girl" by Steve McCurry (1984) - A captivating portrait of a young Afghan refugee girl with piercing green eyes, symbolizing the human face of conflict and displacement.
"Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima" by Joe Rosenthal (1945) - An iconic photograph depicting U.S. Marines raising the American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, representing patriotism and triumph.
"The Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange (1936) - A powerful image of Florence Owens Thompson, a migrant worker, capturing the hardships faced by families during the Great Depression and becoming a symbol of resilience.
"The Falling Soldier" by Robert Capa (1936) - A controversial photograph capturing the moment of death of a Republican soldier during the Spanish Civil War, raising questions about the authenticity and ethics of war photography.
"Gandhi at the Spinning Wheel" by Margaret Bourke-White (1946) - An iconic photograph of Mahatma Gandhi at his spinning wheel, symbolizing his commitment to nonviolent resistance and Indian independence.
"Tank Man" by Stuart Franklin (1989) - A powerful image from the Tiananmen Square protests, showing a protester standing alone in front of a line of tanks, representing individual bravery and resistance.
"Earthrise" by William Anders (1968) - A photograph taken by the Apollo 8 mission, showing the Earth rising above the lunar surface, highlighting the fragility and beauty of our planet.
"The Beatles Crossing Abbey Road" by Iain Macmillan (1969) - An iconic photograph of the Beatles crossing Abbey Road in London, becoming an enduring image of the band and popular culture.
"Tank Man" by Charlie Cole (1989) - An influential photograph capturing a protester standing in front of a line of tanks during the Tiananmen Square protests, symbolizing the struggle for freedom and human rights.
"Vulture Stalking a Child" by Kevin Carter (1993) - A haunting photograph showing a vulture watching a starving child during the Sudanese famine, raising ethical debates about photojournalism and the responsibilities of the photographer. Please keep in mind that the selection of influential photographs can vary, and there are countless more images that have made a significant impact on history, society, and the art of photography.
"The Tennis Girl" by Martin Elliott (1976) - A famous photograph of a young woman lifting her tennis skirt, becoming an iconic image of sport and youthful rebellion.
"The Last Jew in Vinnitsa" by Unknown Photographer (1941) - A chilling photograph showing a member of the Einsatzgruppen execution squad aiming his rifle at a Jewish man, representing the horrors of the Holocaust.
"Mao Zedong Swims in the Yangtze River" by Unknown Photographer (1966) - An influential image of Chinese leader Mao Zedong swimming in the Yangtze River during the Cultural Revolution, symbolizing his connection with the people.
"The Falling Man" by Richard Drew (2001) - A haunting photograph of a man falling from the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks, representing the unimaginable tragedy and the human cost of terrorism.
"Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston" by Neil Leifer (1965) - An iconic photograph capturing Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) towering over a fallen Sonny Liston during their heavyweight title fight, symbolizing Ali's dominance and charisma.
"Tank Man" by Stuart Franklin (1989) - An influential photograph from the Tiananmen Square protests, showing a lone protester facing a line of tanks, symbolizing individual defiance against a repressive regime.
"Lunch Atop a Skyscraper" by Charles C. Ebbets (1932) - A famous photograph capturing construction workers having lunch on a steel beam high above New York City, symbolizing the courage and resilience of the working class during the Great Depression.
"D-Day Landings" by Robert Capa (1944) - A series of photographs capturing the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day during World War II, providing a gritty and realistic portrayal of the intensity and chaos of war.
"The Situation Room" by Pete Souza (2011) - A photograph capturing President Barack Obama and his national security team during the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, representing a historic moment in the fight against terrorism.
"Tank Man" by Jeff Widener (1989) - An iconic image from the Tiananmen Square protests, showing a protester standing in front of a line of tanks, symbolizing resistance and courage in the face of oppression. Please note that the selection of influential photographs is subjective, and there are many more images that have had a significant impact on history and visual culture.
"The Beatles' First US Visit" by Harry Benson (1964) - A photograph capturing the Beatles having a pillow fight in a hotel room during their first visit to the United States, symbolizing their youthful energy and the height of Beatlemania.
"The Flag Raising on Iwo Jima" by Joe Rosenthal (1945) - An iconic image depicting U.S. Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, representing courage and patriotism.
"Afghan Girl" by Steve McCurry (1984) - A powerful portrait of a young Afghan refugee girl with striking green eyes, capturing the resilience and humanity of individuals affected by conflict and displacement.
"Tiananmen Square Tank Man" by Stuart Franklin (1989) - A defining image from the Tiananmen Square protests, showing a lone protester blocking a line of tanks, symbolizing resistance and defiance against oppressive regimes.
"Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange (1936) - An iconic photograph of Florence Owens Thompson, a mother during the Great Depression, highlighting the struggles and determination of Americans affected by economic hardship.
"Nelson Mandela Released" by Louise Gubb (1990) - A photograph capturing Nelson Mandela walking hand in hand with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela after his release from prison, representing hope and the end of apartheid in South Africa.
"The Blue Marble" by Apollo 17 crew (1972) - A photograph of Earth taken from space, showing our planet as a fragile and interconnected ecosystem, fostering environmental awareness and a sense of unity.
"Tank Man" by Charlie Cole (1989) - An influential photograph from the Tiananmen Square protests, depicting a lone protester facing a line of tanks, symbolizing individual resistance and the struggle for freedom.
"The Burning Monk" by Malcolm Browne (1963) - A shocking image of Buddhist monk Thích Quảng Đức self-immolating in protest against the Vietnamese government, capturing the power of nonviolent resistance.
"The Kiss" by Alfred Eisenstaedt (1945) - A jubilant photograph of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square at the end of World War II, symbolizing the joy and relief felt by many as the war came to a close.