What makes an iconic image? Learn What Makes 3 Famous Photos Special

Tue 1 Dec 2020

1. What Students Pursuing a Master’s in Photography Online Can Learn From Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima
2. V-J Day in Times Square: Conveying Emotion in Photography
3. A Breakdown of Che Guevara’s Famous Portrait for Students Pursuing Accredited Online Photography Degrees

What makes a truly iconic image? Should it capture a historic moment, or a famous public figure? Should it tell a story, or convey an emotion? Does it take hours of careful planning, or do the best pictures simply happen by chance?

In its relatively short history, photography has already given us some of the most inspirational, beautiful, and poignant images humanity has ever seen, with  many of the most famous photos as instantly recognisable as world-renowned works of art.

For students looking to develop their talents by pursuing an MA in photography, analysing the composition and techniques used in these images can provide valuable insights into how to make their own photos more memorable. Here are just a few of the most prominent photos in history and some of the characteristics they share.      

1. What Students Pursuing a Master’s in Photography Online Can Learn From Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima

One of the most iconic photos of all time almost didn’t happen. On February 23 1945, photographer Joe Rosenthal raced up Mount Suribachi in the aftermath of the Battle of Iwo Jima, but he was too late. Looking up, he saw that the victorious US troops had already raised their flag.

As he reached the top, however, he spotted another group of marines, who had been instructed to replace the first flag with a larger one. With just one opportunity to get his shot, Rosenthal not only captured an iconic moment in history, but a beautifully composed and framed image.

As former Associated Press photo editor Hal Buell said, “It’s exquisite. You have this strong, diagonal line made by the flag staff. You have the flag snapping in the breeze. You have the pyramid-like shape of the Marines pushing the flag up. The men obviously are separate, but they appear as one.”

masters in photography

Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima was even the model for the Marine Corps War Memorial

2. V-J Day in Times Square: Conveying Emotion in Photography

Less than six months later, another World War II photo that students completing their master's in photography online might recognise was captured in Times Square. Taken by legendary Life Magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt, V-J Day in Times Square depicts a jubilant sailor sharing a spontaneous, passionate kiss with a nurse.

The image perfectly sums up the euphoria people felt as the war finally came to an end. Like the flag staff in Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, the bodies of the kissing couple create a strong diagonal line. In addition, while the photo was taken in black and white, the lighter shades of the nurse’s uniform and the sailor’s cap create strong contrasting colours. This was particularly important to Eisenstaedt, who later said, “If she had been dressed in a dark dress I would never have taken the picture.”

3. A Breakdown of Che Guevara’s Famous Portrait for Students Pursuing Accredited Online Photography Degrees

Guerrillero Heroico was taken by Alberto Korda at a public memorial service in 1960. As a staunch socialist, the photographer never sought royalties for the picture, and as a result, it has become one of the most widely reproduced images of all time, adorning everything from t-shirts to the sides of buildings.

iconic master of photography

Guerillero Heroico is one the world’s most recognised images

A former fashion photographer, Korda used his low viewpoint to capture Guevara in an almost statuesque stance, gazing into the distance. Students pursuing accredited online photography degrees will be interested to note that the most widely used version, which comes from a 1968 poster designed by artist Jim Fitzpatrick, has been edited slightly, with Guevara’s eyes raised further upwards.       

Want to learn more about the secrets to capturing a perfect shot?

Contact Falmouth today for information about our online master’s degree in photography programme.  

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