15 Most Famous Photos In History Of Photography

We are about to step into the world of powerful images that have left a mark on history. In this post, we present 15 of the famous historical photos taken so far. We have chosen each of these images because of their own backstory and influence, not only documenting history but also shaping the way we see the world!

So, come along as we embark on a journey to view life from a different perspective and honor the moments that help us understand the world!

Icons of History and Human Experience Through Photography

1. The Steerage by Alfred Stieglitz (1907)

This photo shows us passengers on a ship from the USA to Europe and highlights the gap between social classes. Stieglitz captured this scene spontaneously, and it became famous, so it was even printed in a 1911 photography magazine. 

Stieglitz himself expressed the profound value he placed on this work, stating, “If all my photographs were lost and I were represented only by The Steerage, that would be quite all right.” This sentiment underscores the deep impact of the photograph, which was further highlighted by its sale for $14,000 in 2018, a testament to its enduring legacy and influence.

2. Place de l’Europe Gare Saint Lazare by Henri Cartier-Bresson (1932)

This iconic photo, recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential images, showcases a man frozen in mid-air as he jumps over water, his shadow and a nearby fallen ladder beneath him. The scene is further enriched by background posters that echo the subject's dynamic leap. 

The unique framing of this image was a result of Cartier-Bresson working within constraints; he was looking through a plank fence that partially obscured his view. He shared, "There was a plank fence around some repairs behind the Gare [Saint] Lazare, and I was peeking through the spaces with my camera eye... The space between the planks was not entirely wide enough for my lens, which is the reason the picture is cut off on the left." This narrative adds depth to our understanding of Cartier-Bresson's philosophy of the "decisive moment.

3. Lunch Atop a Skyscraper by Unknown (1932)

This iconic photo captures eleven construction workers enjoying lunch on a high steel beam above the streets of New York City. Taken during the Great Depression while building the Rockefeller Center's GE Building, it symbolizes American resilience. 

These workers, perched high above the city, embody determination and hope during tough times. The photographer's identity, whether Charles C. Ebbets, Thomas Kelley, or William Leftwich, remains uncertain. Yet, this image stands as a powerful reminder of strength amidst adversity, highlighting the extraordinary courage of ordinary people during challenging times.

4. Migrant Mother by Dorothea Lange (1936)

Dorothea Lange took this haunting image during the depths of the Holocaust. The tent camp shows a distressed mother surrounded by her children. The look in her eyes says it all – hard times, endless anxiety, but also strength. How much a photograph that once sold for $270,000 can say about an era! This piece of history is now hanging in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

5. The Roaring Lion by Yousuf Karsh (1941)

Yousuf Karsh captured this picture of Winston Churchill when he was looking as tough as nails. The twist? Churchill was actually a bit annoyed because Karsh took away his cigar right before the shot! This moment of surprise gave us the famous scowl that sold for $6,500 years later. This portrait shows Churchill’s spirit captured in a flash!

6. The Tetons and the Snake River by Ansel Adams (1942)

Ansel Adams captured this stunning shot of Teton Falls with the River flowing below. The details are amazing – you can see every mountain, every ripple in the water. It sounds like you can step right into the situation. This is not just a map; It is a celebration of the wild beauty that surrounds us. Adams shows us how wonderful our world can be.

7. Albert Einstein by Arthur Sasse (1951)

Who knew Einstein had such a playful side? In a fortuitous moment on his 72nd birthday after being caught by Arthur Sasse, Einstein stuck his tongue out. The later, best-selling photo shows a different side of the scientist we all know. It’s a lighthearted moment that allows us to see the person behind the shine. Einstein himself got a kick out of it, ordering several copies!

8. Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw (1954)

This picture of Marilyn Monroe is legendary in Hollywood. It was taken during a late-night shoot for "The Seven Year Itch,"  and it shows Monroe standing on a subway grate in her famous white dress. The portrait mainly shows her charm and beauty but also shows the personal struggles that she faced. This well-known scene made Monroe a symbol of glamor and beauty!

9. The Burning Monk by Malcolm Browne (1963)

This intense and moving photo is of the monk Thich Quang Duc. It shows a peaceful monk on fire who stood up against government injustice. This photo reminds us of the lengths people go to for their beliefs, and it stands as a symbol of peaceful protest and bravery. It's so powerful that it made the world pay attention to Vietnam's struggles and later earned a Pulitzer Prize. 

10. Earthrise by William Anders (1968)

William Anders' photo from the Apollo 8 mission is truly one of a kind. Just imagine – there he was, far from home, and he captured this stunning view of Earth rising over the moon. This picture did more than just show us a new view; it became a symbol of the space race era. More than that, it made people think about our environment differently. Looking at this photo, you really get a sense of how small, yet incredibly precious, Earth is in the vast expanse of space. It's a powerful reminder of just how important it is to take care of our home planet.

11. Abbey Road by Iain Macmillan (1969)

This photograph photo of The Beatles walking across Abbey Road is famous worldwide. It seems like a simple shot of four guys crossing the street, but it turned a regular crosswalk in London into a landmark and a symbol of the 1960s music scene. This moment captured in time shows how a single image can play a huge role in the history of pop culture!

12. Woman Falling From Fire Escape by Stanley Forman (1975)

Stanley Forman's photo is a tough one. It captures a woman and a child falling from a fire escape during a fire in Boston. This heartbreaking image won a Pulitzer Prize and pushed for better safety in buildings. It’s a stark reminder of the dangers people can face in everyday situations.

13. Afghan Girl by Steve McCurry (1984)

Steve McCurry's "Afghan Girl" is a photo you won't forget. Her bright green eyes tell a story of war and life in a refugee camp. This picture made people notice what was happening in Afghanistan and became famous on the cover of National Geographic. It shows how one photo can make a big difference in understanding important things.

 14. Starving Child and Vulture by Kevin Carter (1993)

Kevin Carter's photo is incredibly heartbreaking. In it, you see a starving child with a vulture nearby during the Sudan famine. This image made the whole world pay attention to the crisis. It's a stark reminder of how devastating famine can be and how much it affects people.

15. Falling Man by Richard Drew (2001)

Richard Drew's "Falling Man" photograph from 9/11 is undeniably haunting. It captures the heartbreaking moment when someone had to make the unthinkable decision to jump off the World Trade Center and escape the thick flames and smoke but also meet death. This image serves as a sobering reminder of the precious lives we lost that tragic day.

Crafting Timeless Images with Luminar Neo

If you want to become a photographer who captures the most famous pictures of all time, editing can significantly improve your art! Luminar Neo, an AI photo editor, serves as a universal black-and-white photo maker,  and it allows you to effortlessly transform your color images into timeless classics!

Furthermore, Luminar Neo excels in old-picture restoration, making it easy to breathe new life into cherished memories. You can remove stains, splotches, and scratches, revitalizing your old photos. Now, enhancing your photos will be 10X more accessible! 

Conclusion

So, we conclude our journey through the most influential photos of all time, and we encourage you to explore the captivating world of famous photographers and their work. Also, you may discover valuable insights on how to restore old pictures, preserving cherished memories for generations to come.

If you dream of creating iconic photographs, remember the impact of editing with Luminar Neo. This powerful tool can turn your images into timeless classics. Embrace the art of photography, capture history, and leave your mark on the world!