The Stories Behind These Iconic Photos

Woman standing in front of a tornado, 1989

Tornadoes aren’t uncommon in some parts of the country, and while the normal reaction would be to run away from the devastating wind twister, this woman had a different instinct – taking a picture. She’s not posing in front of a screen, but this is a real tornado behind her.

This photo was taken in Nebraska in April 1989 and received attention for obvious reasons. This woman had her mother take this shot. The tornado eventually did cut across the family’s farm, swiping away a barn structure, but the important part is they got this beautiful picture out of it.