Madison Herrema // Iconic Images

Madison Herrema

Phrene Hoeksema

Photojournalism

February 13, 2018

Iconic Images

The Falling Soldier

Time period: 1936, during the Spanish Civil War.

Photographer: Robert Capa- (Friedmann Endre Erno), from Hungary. He was a war photojournalist who got up close and personal with his images. “If your pictures aren’t good enough, then you’re not close enough.” Picture Post termed him "the greatest war photographer in the world" in 1938.

Story behind the photo: During one charge, Capa held his camera above his head and clicked the shutter. The result is an image that is full of drama and movement as the shot soldier tumbles backward. Robert took this photo without looking through his viewfinder. This was taken at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War.

Why is it considered an iconic image?: Widely considered one of the best combat photographs ever made, and the first to show battlefield death in action. This shows the sudden death moments in war. It brought war up close and personal for everyone to see.

Flag Raising on Iwo Jima

Time period: 1945, on Iwo Jima.

Photographer: Joe Rosenthal- Son of Russian Jewish immigrants. Looked for work during the Great Depression and took interest in photography. Became employed as a photojournalist for the Newspaper Enterprise Association.  

Story behind the photo: In February of 1945 The Allies needed a base near the Japanese shore. They scouted out an area named Iwo Jima. After months of fighting and the loss of many Japanese lives, The U.S. gained control of Iwo Jima. After the victory, 4 U.S. Marines planted our stars and stripes on the Japanese territory. This began the strenuous campaign of the eventual defeat of the Japanese.

Why is it considered an iconic image?: The photograph of six men on a tiny island in the pacific was immediately a symbol of victory and heroism, and became one of the most famous, most reproduced photographs of all time.

The Situation Room

Time period:  May 1, 2011

Photographer: Pete Souza- Freelance photographer in the Washington D.C.  The Chief White House Photographer.

Story behind the photo: In 2011, our most important politicians sit in the situation room. What they are watching will be remembered in American history of years to come. This group sits and watches the operation of Seal Team Six assassinating Osama Bin Laden

Why is it considered an iconic image?: The photo is iconic because it shows the behind the scene emotions of our most important leaders. This is what Americans do not see, the thoughts and expressions of those that draw up these plans. This point is extremely iconic because it is the point when our nation destroys the man who put our country in mayhem. This one death was the revenge of thousands of the innocent Americans that lost their lives in that devastating attack in 2001.