3 Powerful Photos that Shook the World
Despite how divided we are, there are times when humanity as a whole comes together for the betterment of the world. This is something that every photojournalist aims to achieve. The skill to unite people and evoke empathy within their hearts.
Throughout history, multiple instances of photographs have made people stop and reflect on humanitarian issues. Many have even prompted action from everyone as they helped through donations and volunteer work. Here are some pictures that made millions of people stop and reflect.
The Vulture and The Little Girl – 1993
In the year 1993, photographer and journalist Kevin Carter was in Sudan, covering the story of the civil war and the devastating ways it has troubled the country's locals. It was then that he took a picture which later won him the coveted Pulitzer Prize and became the reason many people donated to the Sudanese relief programs.
The image showed a little girl in a desert, hunched over. Her body was frail, and her bones protruding, insinuating the lack of energy was due to starvation. However, the most harrowing part was the vulture right behind her, watching her closely like a prey. This showcase of helplessness and pain tugged at the hearts of millions worldwide. It brought recognition to the Sudanese people's plight and even prompted many to donate to the cause.
Tank Man – 1989
Photos of protest and defiance always spark pride in people’s hearts. Following the Tiananmen Square riots in Beijing, tanks were deployed by the government against protestors. Despite many acts of defiance, the Tank Man was the most iconic; an unknown man stood in front of and blocked Chinese army tanks. Although nothing has since been found about the man or his identity, the single moment of sheer bravery became the face of the Tiananmen Square protests and of the resilience found within the protestors.
How Life Begins – 1965
As photographic technology progressed, so did the inquisitive mind of photographers. Photography moved from being a leisurely activity to being used for scientific documentation and discovery. And one of the defining moments also became the 1965 front cover of Life magazine!
The very first image to be taken from an endoscope, “How Life Begins," showed mankind what a child is like in their mother's womb. The image looked almost mystical and brought a great level of fascination with it, as many would look at something which moments ago was a mystery. The magazine sold nearly 4 million copies in the first four days!
Have your own set of historical pictures that you think can make a lasting impact? Head on over to Heritage and get your faded photographs retouched and digitally scanned! We offer premium photo restoration and retouching services in Houston. Contact us today for more information.