I wanted to make a thread where people post some pictures which they feel are important images. I am going to get the bal rolling with 2. A picture truely does paint a thousand words, transcend language and can touch us in ways words never can. They symbolise so much, so clearly and have the power to move us to our very core. This is a good chance to get to see and discuss powerful images taken over the years.

1 -

Taken from the Apollo 8 crew. The people who took this were amongst the very few creatures who ever existed in the history of the planet Earth to witness this. Words could never describe what they must have felt, gazing at the Earth in all its glory. It is humbling to see the planet, set in some context against the dark backdrops of outer space.

Take some time to imagine what it must feel like to witness this. This surely has to be one of the greatest sights a person can see, indeed the greatest sight, I can think of no other experience possible that could ever compare to the glory of the Earth. Some of you might be indifferent to this, but if you have taken the time to read this far, I urge to to contemplate what this image is. Think about it. How can you not be moved?


2 - Whilst I firmly believe that 1 would be the greatest experience a person could ever have, I believe this next one to be the most important, most powerful image I have ever seen:



A row of tanks on the way to greet protesters. A massacre would ensue. One man stepped out from the crowd, into the path of these machines and said no. No matter where you are in the world, what language you speak, the meaning and power of this picture transcends all words, everyone can understand it and be moved. One man, a sole hero, an unknown rebel making a solitary stand against injustice, in the face of certain death he steps up to the altar of greatness and takes his place in history.

What do we know about him? There are certain theories, but to the best of my knowledge, his fate was uncertain. I have never met this man. I do not know what he looks like. I do not know his name or where he lived. I can only hope, and plead to any notion of justice in this world, that he is ok. This image manages to crystalise all that is great and terrible about out species. The metal death wagons on their way to massacre their fellow country men and women, and the lone hero making a stand against this injustice and saying "stop".

The bravery that this took is monumental. It is an inspiration to all who look upon it. It makes me proud that this man is a human being, like me. That we can be this brave, in the face of our terrible other, gives me hope and faith in the human race, which all to often is attacked and brought to the brink. Then I look at this. It is a blessing that this photograph was taken,

for it changed the world.