Photography Research - Famous Press Images

There have been some iconic press photographs over the years, and these have both inspired and shaped views on stories and events since the conception of the still image. These images have been taken for the press, so I will need to know about them.

Thich Quang Durc

During the Vietnam War, there was a Buddhist uprising, who naturally disagreed with the violence going on around them. This monk decided to be a martyr to raise attention to their cause, took out a petrol can and smothered himself in gasoline. Malcolm Browne was there to immortalise the moment as the man's body began to burn and wither. A similar image to this won the 1963 World Press Photo of the Year, though this became the most famous version.

Phan Thj Kim Phuc

Also from the Vietnam War during the seemingly needless bombing of civilians in the country, this image shows the moment napalm was dropped on a small village. Children are photographed by Nick Ut burnt and in pain as they run away from their destroyed homes. This image has won the Pulitzer Prize, making it one of the most iconic press images to date.

 Raising The Flag on Iwo Jima

This iconic image shows the moment Joe Rosenthal captured American troops erecting a flag at Iwo Jima in Japan. This image is recognised worldwide for its legacy; the war memorial named after it in Arlington.

Despite being in black and white, the colour of the image still has an impact, where the darker blacks and greys create a dark, momentous feel to the image. The subject of the image; the people and flag connote team work, something that would have been a theme throughout WW2.

 Vulture Stalking a Child


Kevin Carter went to Sudan in the early '90s and took this iconic photo of a vulture sitting waiting for a poverty-stricken toddler to die. This image is iconic because it shows one small girl as a representation for poverty and a continent in fear. The photographer did scare the bird away from the toddler, and also won the Pulitzer Prize, however he committed suicide three months later having sold the photo to the New York Times and came under increased criticism for waiting 20 minutes for the bird to spread its wings for better effect.

These images, while on a bigger and more international scale than my project, are still useful and valuable resources in terms of the way I can use photography in my own work. I now know some of the basics in terms of making an iconic image; the black and white of some of the above, giving the impression it is from older times (and they are), and the action shot used in the Raising The Flag on Iwo Jima gives a sense of togethness, passion and national pride - something I could exploit my readers with in terms of emotion.