Here Are the 100 Photos That Defined the Past Decade

Here Are the 100 Photos That Defined the Past Decade

As photographers, we have the power to change the world through our images. As the decade comes to a close, CNN takes a look back at the 100 photos that defined the last decade in our ever-changing world. 

If you talk about all that has happened in the last 10 years, what comes to your mind? Natural disasters? Violence? Peace? Presidencies? This striking selection of images covers all that ground and more. A multitude of things have happened in the past decade, and the photojournalists of our generation were able to be there on the front lines, preserving these moments forever. 

When we think of a great and profound image, a lot of times, it is not the most technically perfect picture, and the moment trumps any camera settings. In the selection of images, that notion is consistently implemented. The images featured go deeper than the surface and provoke change or feeling. Ultimately, that is the goal of any photograph. 

In January of 2017, the newly elected president of the United States, Donald Trump, walks out to his podium to address the nation and be sworn in.

Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead

To see the full set of the 100 photos that defined the past decade, head over to CNN's website. 

Lead image by Pete Souza, White House Photographer.

Eli Dreyfuss's picture

Eli Dreyfuss is a professional portrait photographer based in sunny Miami, Florida. He focuses on making ordinary people look like movie stars in his small home studio. Shortly after graduating high school he quickly established himself in the art world and became an internationally awarded & published artist.

Log in or register to post comments
9 Comments

Powerful, disturbing and inspirational images.

Agreed 100%. Truly riveting stuff

I miss Pete Souza's shot of Obama looking back at the White House from a helicopter after his term ended. Quite a powerful one.

Too many good ones from Souza

According to CNN...

Was just thinking that.

Should probably add a warning that apparently to get on this list you have to get some pics of murdered or dead children and put evil people in the spotlight with a nice portrait of them doing evil shite. Could be considered a Top 100 list of most violent images. Triggered.

These are the news, what do you expect a fashion model as part of the best images? This is the world we live in....

This is the horrible shite that has happened. Because people don't pay attention unless you shock, horrify or scare them with news.