The term ‘iconic’ can be defined as something or someone that is widely recognised or well-established, usually relating to a wider subject or matter such as a certain ideology or movement. In terms of photography, an image can be iconic in the same way, as it captures a certain time, movement, event or artistic style. Iconic images can be recognisable regardless of time and how old they may be.

In my opinion, any image that accurately represents an event or certain movement, whether political or artistic, can be described as an ‘iconic image’ as it serves as evidence for that subject/ event. In addition, the media theorist, C S Pierce, also defined an ‘iconic sign’ to be ‘A physical representation of what it stands for’. Meaning that any image (signifier) that accurately represents an event (the sign) could be labelled iconic.

This idea, would therefore make most images, especially candid, iconic images as they are representative for what they are displaying. However, many of the images that are defined as ‘iconic’ are ones that are heavily politically charge, conveying a strong message to its viewers. Therefore, a key component that WOULD make an image iconic would be the context behind that image, when was it taken, why was it taken and who is in the photo? Are there any metaphorical messages? what does the image represent – what themes are present? And finally, is the image reactionary or radical?
(does it support or oppose the dominant ideologies)

For example, the following viral image was taken by Reuters photojournalist Dylan Martinez.

In this images there are many controversies and themes present. Overall, I would describe this image as Radical, as it goes against the dominant ideology of the white man being superior, as here it is evident that a black man is actually saving a white man – the roles ‘reversed’. One reason this image can be defined as ‘iconic’ as it represents change and strength; the man (ex-police officer) was attending a far-right demonstration, but is being saved by a man that he has strongly discriminated against. Instead of fighting against him for opposing him, he is trying to save him, a powerful message which also makes the image iconic. Evidently, this image is candid, not staged, taken in real time, expressing real and raw emotions.

Therefore, In order to answer the question ‘What makes an image iconic?’ there is a certain key that may help analyse images. Political conveyances, Any metaphorical messages, Power, Change, Conflict, Style (Candid) and primary context such as Who, What, When, Where and Why. All of these factors can be used to analyse an image in order to determine whether it is iconic and if so, how much. Overall, an iconic image may depend on the viewer, based upon their ideologies and societies influence on them on person may be emotionally moved by the top image however, some may not be and may oppose it.