15 of the Most Incredible Photographs Ever Taken
There are photographs that have transcended history, generating emotion, surprise, and awe in people when they were released. These pictures were taken at the exact moment of a historical event and capture instants in which something extraordinary happened.
The photographers who obtained these images were exposed to danger or were present at the right moment to record an event from World War II, the dropping of an atomic bomb, or a visit by an American president to China.
These photographs show events that occurred in the last century and continue to generate repercussions because of what these photos convey.
Mexico City, Mexico, 1968
American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, along with Australian Peter Norman, during the award ceremony of the 200 m race at the Mexican Olympic games. Smith and Carlos protested against racial discrimination. Mexico City, Mexico, 1968.
New York City, 14 August 1945
A U.S. Navy sailor embracing and kissing a total stranger on Victory over Japan Day. New York City, 14 August 1945.
Washington D.C., 2011
Barack Obama and his national security team in the White House Situation Room during the killing of Osama bin Laden. Washington D.C., 2011.
Berlin, Germany, 2 May 1945
The raising of the Soviet flag during Battle of Berlin. Berlin, Germany, 2 May 1945.
Washington D.C, 1979
The triple handshake in the peace treaty signing between Israel and Egypt on the White House. Washington D.C., 26 March 1979.
Richard Nixon & Zhou Enlai
Richard Nixon with Premier Zhou Enlai of the People's Republic of China. Beijing, China. 26 February 1972.
Marylin Monroe
Marilyn Monroe while her white dress blows upwards during a shot for a scene in the film The Seven Year Itch. New York City, 9 September 1954.
Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger on stage at the Altamont Rock Festival watches as Hells Angels cross the stage during a melee to help fellow motorcyclists. December 6, 1969.
Joe Louis & Max Schmeling
Louis knocks out Schmeling, Bronx, New York, United States, 1938.
Berlin, Germany
An East German soldier running away over barbed-wire in Berlin. 15 August, 1961.
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson being sworn into office aboard Air Force One at Love Field Airport two hours and eight minutes after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Dallas, Texas. 22 November 1963.
Mao Zedong
Chairman Mao swims in the Yangtze River in 1966 in Wuhan, Hubei, China.
Buzz Aldrin
Buzz Aldrin on the Moon, 21 July 1969 during Apollo 11, the first crewed Moon landing.
Bonnie & Clyde
Bonnie and Clyde during their hiding place in 1933.
Nagasaki, Japan
Atomic cloud rises over Nagasaki, Japan, 9 August 1945.
