Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we are able to capture even the most unbelievable moments for posterity. But there was a time when you’d have to lug around heavy equipment just to take photos. Nonetheless we are thankful that these images have been caught on film. Some have even become so legendary that they still resonate decades after they were shot.

Here are some of those moments:

“Lunch Atop a Skyscraper”

Published anonymously 80 years ago, this iconic photograph atop the RCA Building in New York, became one of the defining photographs of the Big Apple.

MacArthur’s Return

As promised, General Douglas MacArthur returned to the Philippines during WWII. It’s being debated upon whether this photograph was taken on a Philippine beach, but it did not matter: it became an iconic photograph of the victory of Allied Forces against the Japanese.

Man on the Moon

Neal Armstrong took this photo of fellow astronaut Buzz Aldrin on man’s first moon landing. They say this was just a “lucky shot”, albeit one that became iconic over the years.

John Lennon

Taken by photographer Bob Gruen in 1974, Lennon was immortalized in this portrait with New York as backdrop. Not only did the photo become iconic, the shirt also became famous.

Epic Selfie

Ellen DeGeneres hosted the 2014 Oscar’s, and in one inspired moment, she decided to take a selfie with famous movie stars. The result was one of the most epic selfies of all time.

Steve Jobs

Photographer Albert Watson was conversing with Steve Jobs in between setting up for this portrait in 2006. They were talking about the future of communications, and Watson was not so convinced he’d like his music library be accessed through a miniature device. Wonder what he thinks now.

Mount Pinatubo

Photographer Alberto Garcia took this photo in 1991, when Mount Pinatubo unleashed its fury. It is now hailed as one of the greatest photograph of all time.

Afghan Girl

Steve McCurry is regarded as one of the best photographers in the world. This portrait of an Afghan girl he shot in 1984 made him a legend.

Know of any other such photos? Share them with us below!