The photographers' story: Part six

The photographers' story: Part six

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In the last of a six-part series, Reuters photographers tell the story behind some of the most iconic, unusual and breathtaking pictures of 2014 in sports, news and entertainment.

Above, Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari gestures to Bernard during their 2014 World Cup semi-finals against Germany.

Reuters photographer David Gray: “After Germany had scored an amazing six goals to none from Brazil, I thought I should start keeping an eye on Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. He is always very animated during a game, and this moment resulted as he was yelling to a player to come off the field.

The number ended up being extremely symbolic, as Germany went on to defeat Brazil by 7 goals. I had a split-second to capture this moment.”

. Mogadishu, Somalia. REUTERS/Feisal Omar

Three men found guilty by a Somali military court of killing civilians and masterminding a recent attack on the Presidential Palace stand tied to poles shortly before they were executed by a firing squad.

Reuters photographer Feisal Omar: “I was covering the execution of three Somali men who were accused of being members of Islamist militant group al Shabaab.

I took the photo while the men were still alive and tied to poles. Once they were shot, I could see blood gushing from their heads, chests and stomachs. They died within seconds, but we were not allowed to take pictures of their dead bodies.

It was shocking to see men just waiting to be killed and unable to escape because they were tied tight to strong poles.

The story really affected me and I panicked because I was watching human beings being executed. It was terrible to see their blood as they writhed, and to hear them scream.”

. KIEV, Ukraine. REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko

Pro-European integration protesters take cover from water sprayed from a fire engine at the site of clashes with riot police.

Reuters photographer Vasily Fedosenko: “Every day protesters moved up to the barricades made from burnt buses and cars to clash with police. It was winter and cold, and police used water hoses to turn the streets to ice.

This went on for many days. Petrol bombs were everywhere — in the air, being thrown at the police and behind barricades ready to be used. The Ukrainian flag was seen everywhere, and one song was heard many times a day — the Ukraine anthem.

To shoot pictures in a bulletproof vest and helmet, while walking among piles of burnt tires and trying to dodge rubber bullets was an every day challenge.

I was surprised by the strong desire of the protesters to change something in their life, how they helped each other — many people, including the elderly, brought them warm clothes and hot food.”

. JAKARTA, Indonesia. REUTERS/Darren Whiteside

Indonesian police use tear gas and water cannon to disperse supporters of presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto.

Reuters photographer Darren Whiteside: “After Prabowo Subianto’s supporters had been taunting the police who were holding the barricade, the police launched a very quick and violent strike to disperse them.

I had a helmet on so I was able to stand my ground for a few seconds while sticks, rocks and tear gas flew through the air. On top of that, I had attack dogs right behind me.

The clash was fast and decisive. The supporters were not expecting such a response and dispersed. It was all over in a few minutes.”

. NIAGARA FALLS, Canada. REUTERS/Aaron Harris/Files

The U.S. side of the Niagara Falls is pictured in Ontario.

Reuters photographer Aaron Harris: “I was out on a specific assignment to photograph the partially frozen Niagara Falls. There was a lot of angry muttering under my frozen breath that day, mostly asking myself why I lived there in winter.

I wasn’t outside for very long, but taking photographs in such a bitter-cold temperatures was challenging. I was dressed appropriately for the weather, but the bone-cracking cold still pierced through all the layers. I had only brought two cameras and two lenses knowing there was no way I’d be changing anything out there.

For such a static landscape image I thought it was strong, and from what I’ve seen and heard, it was widely published. I didn’t think the image would strike the chord it did, as I’ve never photographed a weather feature generating so much of a reaction.

I think it was a testament to how strongly people felt about the miserable winter we had to endure.”

Video

Photographer Gene Blevins talks about shooting the picture of a tornado in Texas.