Iconic photos throughout history. - War and conflict.

Through history there have been photos that have shaped our world, changed views and inspired people to take action. I have compiled a list of some of the most famous and influential photos of war and conflict. 

'Home of a rebel sharpshooter' by Alexander Gardner 1863.

Gardner's known well for his photographic work during the United States Civil war. He later became open to criticism when he admitted to moving the dead body of the solider to add more emotional impact. (This was not uncommon of the time) Photography was still relatively young and the process was lengthy so this photo was one of the first to depict war.

'Death of a loyalist solider' by Robert Capa, 1937. 

The photo, depicting a solider of the Spanish Civil war being shot, shocked the nation and revealed the harsh brutality of war. Sceptics say that the image has been staged and there is little evidence of what actually happened. Whatever you chose to believe, you cannot ignore the fact that this photo had a real impact for its time. 

'Trang Bang' by Nick Ut in 1972

On June the 8th 1972 a South Vietnamese aircraft accidentally dropped bombs on the village of Trang Bang. The girl in the centre of the photo, ripped of her burning clothes  and ran from the destruction. There was controversy as to whether the photo should be published with a photo of a naked child. However many believed that it should be shown as a documentary and news piece. 

'Raising the flag on Iwo Jima' by Joe Rosenthal 1945

This is regarded as the most significant and famous images of war in history. The print has been reproduced countless times and there is even a statue of the composition near the Arlington National cemetery. 

'Kent state shootings' by John Filo in 1970. 

On May 4, 1970, four unarmed students were shot dead and nine injured by the Ohio National Guard. Some of the students had been protesting the Cambodian campaign. There was a significant response to the shootings with hundreds of colleges closing on strike. The raw emotion of the women on her knees is undoubtedly heart wrenching. 

  Nguyen Ngoc executing a Viet Cong prisoner by Eddie Adams - 1968

The story goes that the prisoner, on the right, was found near a ditch full of the bodies of 34 police officers and their relatives. The expression of the prisoner shows true terror her felt just before he died. The photo quickly became a anti-war icon. 

I was tempted to include the iconic image of the man standing in front of the tank in protest. However the image is taken from CCTV footage and therefore probably doesn't count as war photography, but it still deserves a mention! 

I will be doing more lists of 'Iconic photos' including Iconic fashion and editorial photos. 

Stay tuned!