Social media platforms have turned photography into an almost universal skill —everyone is taking photos, editing them and trying to stand out. Our standards are higher than ever and we’ve become harder to impress.
But there are still some images that manage to stop us in our tracks — whether it’s the first moon landing, the Wright brothers’ first flight, or just a random picture of a soldier playing with a butterfly.
Recently, netizens were asked to share some of the most powerful photos that left them speechless, and honestly, their replies did not disappoint.
Not all of these iconic photos are perfectly framed or taken by professionals. Some are taken by amateurs, some are blurry and some technically imperfect.
What makes these photos so incredible is that everything just clicks at the right moment — the timing, the emotions and the people behind the camera.
#21
The astronaut who took this photo is the only human, alive or [not] that isn't in the frame of this picture, pretty amazing when you think about it.
Photo taken by astronaut Michael Collins.
Photo taken by astronaut Michael Collins.
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98points
#23
The image used as proof that advanced shutter technology worked.
I saw this during a random trip to the Wisconsin Dells. Taken in 1886, the photographer had his son jump between two rock formations to prove his new photography invention actually worked.
I'm speechless when I see it now and I can't even imagine how I would feel if this was the first moving image I had ever seen.
I saw this during a random trip to the Wisconsin Dells. Taken in 1886, the photographer had his son jump between two rock formations to prove his new photography invention actually worked.
I'm speechless when I see it now and I can't even imagine how I would feel if this was the first moving image I had ever seen.
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93points
#24
Before and after picture of a town after a tornado ripped right through it. Always makes you realize how powerful nature can be sometimes. Despite all of humanity's achievements, we're ultimately little specks of dust that can be wiped out at any time.
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91points
#25
Woodstock. All of these people... All of them coming together for the sake of music amazes me.
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88points
#26
Pale blue dot.
Just the fact that all of life as we know it, and everybody's problems and loved ones are in this little tiny dot in a huge universe.
Just the fact that all of life as we know it, and everybody's problems and loved ones are in this little tiny dot in a huge universe.
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74points
#27
The text of the speech Nixon planned on giving to the American people if the crew of Apollo 11 were stranded on the moon.
It's chilling to think of the collective sorrows of an entire planet going up at that news.
It's chilling to think of the collective sorrows of an entire planet going up at that news.
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73points
#28
On a lighter note, this is believed to the oldest documented wheelie. Some soldiers coming home in 1936.
And it makes me happy to no end.
And it makes me happy to no end.
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70points
#30
After winning the coin toss but crashing the plane on his attempt, Wilbur Wright looks on as his brother Orville makes history.
I love the body language that Wilbur has as he watches his brother make the first heavier-than air, powered, manned flight (very specific, yes, but also pretty historic). You can see the footprints he left in the sand as he ran along, holding the wing of the glider up during its takeoff run. The photo has amazing quality, given the circumstances it was taken under.
I love the body language that Wilbur has as he watches his brother make the first heavier-than air, powered, manned flight (very specific, yes, but also pretty historic). You can see the footprints he left in the sand as he ran along, holding the wing of the glider up during its takeoff run. The photo has amazing quality, given the circumstances it was taken under.
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65points
#31
D day troops landing on the beaches.
You can see the cliffs ahead, and coupled with the fog it really gives you a sense of oncoming [doom]. Capa was by far one of my favorite photographers.
You can see the cliffs ahead, and coupled with the fog it really gives you a sense of oncoming [doom]. Capa was by far one of my favorite photographers.
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62points
#33
"The pictures that were put on the voyager spacecraft. If the human race manages to [destroy] itself, this is the only thing other life in the universe will be know about us. This would be the imprint we leave on the entire universe."
All 116 images.
All 116 images.
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59points
