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Photography plays an important role in understanding history. It provides a view and context for certain situations, and shows what it actually looked like, so people don't have to rely solely on their imaginations, which can majorly skew things.

What's also interesting is that while some pictures become popular representations of certain events, other angles of it do not get the same flowers — even though they show just as much of an important, if not more so, context for the situation. So, today we're shining a light on these pictures of various historical events that are so under-appreciated that only very few people saw them.

#1

Nasa's Camera From A Million Miles Away Took A Photo Of The Moon In Front Of The Earth

Earth and its moon captured from space showing alternative angles and unseen perspectives in a celestial view with clouds and landmasses.

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    #3

    Young Actors Danny Lloyd And Lisa & Louise Burns In Between Takes Of The Shining At Elstree Studios, 1978

    Two girls and a boy laughing and interacting outdoors, captured from alternative angles in an unseen moment.

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    Peppy
    Community Member
    4 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m so happy to know those kids were unaware of the trauma they inflicted on me

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    Ever since photography was invented back in 1839 (nearly 200 years ago!), it basically changed the world as it is. The possibility of capturing a moment in time became possible. It has become an integral part of how we view the world and interact with it. 

    Now, there was no need to rely on painters to depict a person, an item, or a moment — it all can be done with a photo camera. It gave a chance for common people — not only rich ones who could afford the paintings — to be remembered.

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    #5

    Photo Of A Hiker Watching The Eruption Of Mt. St. Helens From Mt. Adams, About 37 Miles To The East. Photo From Mt Adams By John V. Christiansen Around 8:32 Am Local Time On May 18, 1980 & Published In A 1981 National Geographic Magazine

    Hiker with an orange backpack capturing alternative angles of an active volcano erupting with unseen ash clouds.

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    It opened a window to the lives of the people who came before us and gave us a chance to empathize with them better — after all, it’s way easier to put yourself in someone’s shoes when you can see them, rather than just imagine. 

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    Basically, there was nothing that could not be captured in a photo. Historical moments are no exception. 

    Nowadays, there’s a whole genre of photography that lets us get a glimpse into the past, and into the events that shaped the way the world is. 

    #7

    Charles Ebbets Photographing “Lunch On A Skyscraper”, The Famous Picture Of Workers In NY Eating Their Lunch On A Hanging Steel Beam

    Man with camera and cigarette crouches on construction beam with city skyline in background, photos alternative angles unseen.

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    #8

    The Twin Towers Just After Construction, Showing Their Revolutionairy Near Hollow Architecture

    Sunset casting shadows on skyscrapers with a city skyline viewed from alternative angles in a dramatic photo.

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    G A
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That didn't work out well, in retrospect but no one expected a bunch of loonies to slam planes into them.

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    Here, Wikipedia even has a whole page dedicated to “photographs considered the most important.” In there, you can find such gems as the famous Abraham Lincoln photo, an atomic cloud rising over Nagasaki, and even the first cell phone picture. And these are just a few of plenty — a lot has happened since photography was invented. 

    The thing is that, most of the time, when any of these important historical pictures were taken, there was more than one. Yet, usually just one of them becomes popular, while the extras are forgotten by history. Or, at least forgotten by many, but not all. 

    #10

    Lady Liberty

    Aerial drone photo showing unseen alternative angles of the Statue of Liberty torch and crown area at sunrise.

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    DowntownStevieB
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The U.S. really should give it back to France until the Trumpsterfire is out of the office and we recover.

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    #11

    Darth Vader Without Helmet

    Behind-the-scenes photo showing alternative angles of actors in sci-fi costumes on a set with futuristic equipment.

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    CD King
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always remember Darth Vader being the tallest ( besides Chewbacca) most imposing person in Star Wars. Now, seeing the actor beside Harrison Ford totally destroys that image… also the helmet thing.

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    So, from time to time, someone brings up another angle of an already famous historical photo, which oftentimes adds more context to the situation, shows it from an alternative perspective, and just basically enriches the experience of its more popular counterpart. 

    As you might have understood from the title, today’s list is made up of photos like this — alternative angles to popular shots. 

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    #14

    Star Wars Episode Iv Opening Crawl

    Technician in a red plaid shirt adjusting a robotic arm with alternative angles of photos in a dimly lit studio setting.

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    G A
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The original version didn't include 'A New Hope' as the subtitle. That was added on the re-release.

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    Without spoiling too much, we’re going to say that, on this list, you’ll find a plethora of various historical events shown in a way you likely never saw before. From the way the Lincoln Memorial looked before the reflecting pool to the airing of the last episode of the hit sitcom “The Office.” You know, no matter what kind of historical moments you’re into, you’re likely to find something you like here.

    Do these pictures enhance your historical knowledge? Do you think these moments needed this extra context the pics provided? Share these and all your other take in the comments!

    #16

    George Bush Flying Over 9/11

    Man inside helicopter showing stress while looking out window at city burning, captured in photos alternative angles unseen.

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    G A
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And then he started a war on the wrong people and we are still dealing with the impact 20 odd years later

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    #19

    The Mechanical Shark Used For The Movie ‘Jaws’

    Mechanical shark model in water showing alternative angles with unseen interior structure exposed.

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    G A
    Community Member
    4 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bruce! One of several versions-left or right side, one dragged on a sledge, plus mechanical bitey head..

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    #20

    Prince William Giving “Middle Finger” After Prince Louis’ Birth

    Man in a suit seen from alternative angles outside a black car with a crowd in the background unseen by the camera.

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    #21

    Lincoln Memorial Before The Reflecting Pool

    Black and white photo showing alternative angles of a historic monument partially obscured by grassy terrain and rocks.

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    #23

    Construction On The Gateway Arch, 1965

    Arch under construction with cranes at the top, showcasing alternative angles of this unseen engineering feat in the city.

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    Robert Trebor
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They had to wait for just the right moment to insert the last piece, as the heat opened or closed the gap.

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    #25

    Nirvana During The Photo Shoot For Their Album Nevermind, Which Was Released 30 Years Ago, 1991

    Three young men underwater holding musical instruments, showcasing photos alternative angles unseen in creative setting.

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    #26

    Behind The Iconic Scene From Coppola's 'The Godfather' (1972)

    Two photos showing alternative angles of men whispering secrets in classic and modern settings with an unseen perspective.

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    #27

    The Back Of The Iconic “Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign

    Iconic retro roadside sign under clear blue sky, captured from alternative angles showcasing unseen perspectives and vibrant surroundings.

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    #29

    The Front Door Of The White House - From The Inside

    Spacious room with polished checkered floor, ornate chandelier, and red draped curtains showcasing alternative angles unseen.

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    Gunný Petersen
    Community Member
    4 days ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    #30

    '10 Years Ago Today The Office Series Finale Aired And We All Said Goodbye To Dunder Mifflin'

    Group of people observing through window blinds, capturing photos from alternative angles in an unseen setting.

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    Chuck the Cat
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    London Paris, no you wouldn’t rather do that than watch The Office. How could you shave anything with a piece of broken glass anyway?

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    #31

    Underneath A Music Festival Stage

    Support structure under a large platform showing alternative angles of metal scaffolding and concrete blocks unseen.

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