The Most Beautiful Photograph in the World, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the photograph you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 7, 2024 06:19

Capturing the world's beauty through the lens of a camera is an art that has been perfected over the years by countless photographers. Each photograph tells a unique story, evoking emotion and capturing moments that are both fleeting and timeless. Voting for the most beautiful photograph allows these moments to be celebrated and appreciated by a wider audience, helping to acknowledge the skill and vision of photographers globally. By participating in this ranking, you contribute to a global appreciation of beauty as captured in still images. Your votes help highlight what resonates with people from various cultures and backgrounds, offering a snapshot of the collective tastes and preferences of a diverse world. This process not only elevates the work of talented individuals but also enriches our understanding of what universally appeals to the human eye in the realm of photography.

What Is the Most Beautiful Photograph in the World?

1

75
votes
"The Afghan Girl" by Steve McCurry

Steve McCurry

This photograph is often cited as one of the most iconic and beautiful photographs in the world. The piercing green eyes of the young girl staring directly at the camera are haunting and captivating.
The Afghan Girl is a iconic photograph taken by Steve McCurry in 1984. It features a young Afghan girl with piercing green eyes, draped in a red headscarf. The photograph was taken in a refugee camp near Peshawar, Pakistan, during the Soviet-Afghan War. The girl's expression is intense and her eyes captivate the viewer, making it one of the most recognizable and powerful images of all time.

Year: 1984

Location: Peshawar, Pakistan

Subject: Afghan girl

Expression: Intense

Eye color: Green
"The Afghan Girl" by Steve McCurry in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful picture ever taken
2

40
votes
NASA/Bill Anders · Public domain

"Earthrise" by William Anders

William Anders

This photograph, taken by astronaut William Anders during the Apollo 8 mission in 1968, shows the first view of Earth from space. The image captures the beauty and fragility of our planet.
The photograph titled "Earthrise" by William Anders captures a stunning view of the Earth rising above the lunar horizon during the Apollo 8 mission in 1968. It is considered one of the most iconic images in the history of photography, showcasing the beauty and fragility of our planet from a unique perspective in space.

Year: 1968

Mission: Apollo 8

Location: Lunar orbit

Camera: Hasselblad 500EL

Film: 70mm color transparency
"Earthrise" by William Anders in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful picture ever taken
3

26
votes
Dorothea Lange · Public domain

"Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange

Dorothea Lange

This photograph, taken during the Great Depression, depicts a young mother and her children in a migrant camp. The image is powerful and emotive, and has become an iconic representation of the struggles faced by ordinary people during this time.
The 'Migrant Mother' is a powerful black and white photograph captured by Dorothea Lange during the Great Depression in the United States. It depicts Florence Owens Thompson, a 32-year-old mother and farmworker, with her children huddled together. The photograph has become an iconic symbol of resilience and the hardships faced by Americans during that era.

Title: Migrant Mother

Year: 1936

Location: Nipomo, California, United States

Medium: Gelatin silver print

Dimensions: 17.8 cm × 12.7 cm (7 in × 5 in)
"Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful picture ever taken
4

15
votes
Victor Jorgensen · Public domain

"The Kiss" by Alfred Eisenstaedt

Alfred Eisenstaedt

This photograph, taken in Times Square on V-J Day in 1945, shows a sailor kissing a nurse in celebration of the end of World War II. The image captures a moment of pure joy and spontaneity, and has become a symbol of hope and optimism.
The Kiss is a black and white photograph captured by Alfred Eisenstaedt in 1945. The image depicts a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square, New York City, during the celebration of V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) at the end of World War II. The photograph has become an iconic symbol of the joy and relief that came with the end of the war. The image is spontaneous and candid, capturing a genuine moment of emotion and passion.

Title: The Kiss

Creator: Alfred Eisenstaedt

Year: 1945

Location: Times Square, New York City

Subject: Kissing sailor and nurse
"The Kiss" by Alfred Eisenstaedt in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful picture ever taken
5

20
votes
"The Falling Soldier" by Robert Capa

Robert Capa

This photograph, taken during the Spanish Civil War, shows a soldier in the moment of his death. The image is controversial and has been the subject of much debate over its authenticity, but it remains a powerful and haunting depiction of the horrors of war.
The Falling Soldier is a photograph taken by Robert Capa during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. It captures the final moments of a Spanish Republican soldier, Federico Borrell García, as he is fatally hit by a bullet and falls to the ground. The image has become an iconic representation of the horrors of war.

Year: 1936

Location: Cerro Muriano, near Córdoba, Spain

Medium: Black and white photograph

Camera: Leica 35mm rangefinder

Film: 135 Film
6

10
votes
"Bliss" by Charles O'Rear

Charles O'Rear

This photograph, used as the default wallpaper for Windows XP, shows a verdant green hillside in California. The image is simple but beautiful, and has become one of the most recognizable photographs in the world.
Bliss is a photograph captured by Charles O'Rear and is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful photographs in the world. The image features a vibrant green hillside, adorned with rolling hills and a clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds. In the foreground, there is a curving road lined with tall, lush trees. The photograph exudes tranquility and serenity, encapsulating the beauty of nature. The simplicity and beauty of Bliss have made it an iconic piece of art that has resonated with people from all walks of life.

Title: Bliss

Year: 1996

Location: Sonoma County, California

Composition: Landscape

Color Palette: Green, Blue, White
7

9
votes
Alfred Stieglitz · Public domain

"The Steerage" by Alfred Stieglitz

Alfred Stieglitz

This photograph, taken in 1907, shows passengers on a ship traveling from New York to Europe. The image is notable for its composition and use of light and shadow, and is considered a masterpiece of early modernist photography.
The Steerage is a black and white photograph taken by Alfred Stieglitz in 1907. It captures a group of passengers onboard a ship, specifically those in the lower steerage area. The composition is divided into two parts - the upper deck, which is filled with wealthy passengers, and the lower deck, where the less fortunate passengers are seen. The photograph is famed for its striking contrast between the classes, as well as its depiction of the socio-economic divide of the time.

Year: 1907

Dimensions: 6 1/4 in. x 4 7/8 in. (15.9 x 12.4 cm)

Medium: Photogravure

Location: New York, United States

Style: Pictorialism
8

8
votes
"Napalm Girl" by Nick Ut

Nick Ut

This photograph, taken during the Vietnam War, shows a young girl running naked down a road after being burned by napalm. The image is graphic and disturbing, but its impact on public opinion helped to turn the tide of the war.
The "Napalm Girl" is a photograph taken by Nick Ut, a photographer for the Associated Press, during the Vietnam War. The image captures the aftermath of a napalm bomb attack on a village in Vietnam in 1972. The central focus of the photograph is a naked nine-year-old girl named Phan Thi Kim Phuc running in agony, while other children and soldiers are seen in the background. The image is known for its powerful depiction of the horrors of war.

Title: Napalm Girl

Year: 1972

Location: Trang Bang, Vietnam

Photography Medium: Film

Camera: Leica M2
9

8
votes
"Tank Man" by Jeff Widener

Jeff Widener

This photograph, taken during the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989, shows a man standing in front of a line of tanks. The image is a symbol of defiance and courage in the face of oppression, and has inspired countless people around the world.
The "Tank Man" photograph by Jeff Widener images an unidentified Chinese man standing alone in front of a line of military tanks during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing, China. The image has become an iconic symbol of nonviolent resistance and bravery.

Title: Tank Man

Year: 1989

Location: Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China

Event: Tiananmen Square protests

Subject: Unidentified Chinese man
10

4
votes
"Moon and Half Dome" by Ansel Adams

Ansel Adams

This photograph, taken in Yosemite National Park, shows the moon rising over the iconic Half Dome rock formation. The image is a testament to the beauty and majesty of nature, and is considered one of Adams' finest works.
Moon and Half Dome is a breathtaking black and white photograph taken by Ansel Adams. The photograph captures the grandeur and serenity of Yosemite National Park, showcasing the moon rising over the iconic granite formation known as Half Dome. The composition is beautifully balanced, with the moon positioned just above and to the right of the peak. The contrast between the stark white moon and the dark tones of the landscape creates a mesmerizing effect. The photograph evokes a sense of awe and wonder, drawing viewers into the stunning natural beauty of the scene.

Title: Moon and Half Dome

Year: 1960

Location: Yosemite National Park, California

Medium: Black and white photograph

Dimensions: Unknown

Missing your favorite photograph?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful photograph

Composition

The arrangement of elements in the photograph should be visually pleasing and well-balanced, leading the viewer's eye through the image. Consider how the rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry, and patterns are used in the photograph.
Lighting

The use of natural or artificial light can greatly affect the mood and atmosphere of a photograph. Pay attention to the quality, direction, and color of the light and how it enhances or detracts from the subject matter.
Subject Matter

The subject matter should be interesting, engaging, and capable of eliciting an emotional response from the viewer. It should be something that can capture the viewer's attention and hold it for more than just a moment.
Technical Aspects

The photograph should be technically sound, with a well-focused subject, proper exposure, and appropriate depth of field. Attention should also be paid to the choice of lens, shutter speed, aperture, and other camera settings.
Creativity and Originality

A truly beautiful photograph should offer a unique perspective on its subject matter, or present it in a way that is fresh and unexpected. Look for images that break the mold or offer a new way of seeing the world.
Emotional Impact

The best photographs are those that evoke strong emotions in the viewer, whether it be joy, sadness, surprise, or awe. Consider how the photograph makes you feel, and why it elicits that response.
Storytelling

A great photograph should tell a story or provide a glimpse into the lives of its subjects. Look for images that give insight into a time, place, or culture, or that capture an important moment in history or the human experience.
Color and Tonal Range

The colors and tones within a photograph can greatly impact its overall mood and appeal. Look for images with a wide tonal range and strong, vibrant colors that complement the subject matter.
Post-Processing

While editing and post-processing techniques can enhance a photograph, it's important to consider how these adjustments contribute to the overall beauty and impact of the image. Overly processed or manipulated images can detract from the natural beauty of the subject.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful photograph in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or photo is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1940 views
214 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each photo once every 24 hours. The rank of each photo is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Trendings topics

Don't miss out on the currently trending topics of StrawPoll Rankings!

Photography

More information on most beautiful photograph in the world

Photography has always been a medium that captures the beauty of the world around us. Every day, millions of photographs are taken, but only a few stand out and are considered to be the most beautiful ones. The beauty of a photograph lies not only in its composition but also in the emotions and memories it evokes. From stunning landscapes to intimate portraits, the world is full of breathtaking photographs that have captivated people's hearts for years. In this article, we will explore some of the most beautiful photographs in the world that have left a lasting impression on viewers. So sit back, relax, and let's take a journey through some of the most awe-inspiring photographs ever captured.