There are billions of photographs taken every single day, but only a small handful can be considered the best in the world. These are the photographs that make us stop and stare, that make us feel something, that tell a story.
To be considered one of the World’s best photographs, a picture must be more than just technically perfect. It must have emotion, it must have soul.
And while there are many incredible photographers out there, only a select few have managed to capture that perfect combination of art and emotion that makes a truly great photograph.
Here are 10 of the World’s best photographs, each one more perfect than the last.
1. The Blue Marble
This photo, taken by astronaut Ron Garan during a spacewalk in 2011, shows our planet in all its glory. The vivid blue of the oceans, the swirls of white clouds, and the browns and greens of the land masses all stand in stark contrast to the blackness of space. It’s a reminder of just how beautiful and fragile our planet is.
2. The Afghan Girl
This haunting portrait of a young Afghan girl, shot by National Geographic Photographer’steve McCurry in 1985, is one of the most iconic images of the 20th century. The girl?s piercing green eyes seem to stare into your soul, and the photo has become a symbol of the human costs of war.
3. The Falling Man
This photo, taken by Richard Drew in the moments after the 9/11 attacks, is one of the most disturbing and haunting images of our time. It’shows a man falling from the World Trade Center, his body contorted in a desperate attempt to save himself. The photo is a stark reminder of the horror and devastation of that fateful day.
4. The Tank Man
This photo, taken during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, shows a lone man standing in front of a line of tanks, courageously defying the Chinese military. The photo became an iconic image of resistance and was a key factor in rallying international support for the protesters.
5. The Vulture and the Little Girl
This photo, taken by Kevin Carter in 1993, shows a vulture stalking a starving Sudanese child. The photo caused outrage when it was published, with many accusing Carter of being a heartless voyeur. Carter committed suicide a few months after the photo was taken, and the photo remains a powerful reminder of the human costs of war and famine.
6. The Kiss
This photo, taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt in 1945, shows a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square after hearing news of the Japanese surrender and the end of World War II. The photo captures the joy and relief of the moment, and has become an enduring symbol of the power of love.
7. The Burning Monk
This photo, taken by Malcolm Browne in 1963, shows a Buddhist monk sitting in lotus position as he is consumed by flames. The monk, Thich Quang Duc, was protesting the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese government, and his self-immolation shocked the world. The photo helped rally international support for the Buddhist protesters and ultimately led to reforms by the government.
8. The Raising of the Flag on Iwo Jima
This photo, taken by Joe Rosenthal in 1945, shows U.S. Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi after a fierce battle with the Japanese. The photo became an iconic image of American victory in World War II, and was later used in the famous ?Iwo Jima? war bond drive.
9. The Hindenburg Disaster
This photo, taken by Sam Shere in 1937, shows the Hindenburg zeppelin bursting into flames as it attempted to land in New Jersey. The photo, which was taken just seconds after the disaster began, captures the horror and devastation of the event. The photo helped end the era of airship travel, and is a reminder of the dangers of technology.
10. The Falling Man
This photo, taken by Richard Drew in the moments after the 9/11 attacks, is one of the most disturbing and haunting images of our time. It’shows a man falling from the World Trade Center, his body contorted in a desperate attempt to save himself. The photo is a stark reminder of the horror and devastation of that fateful day.
