From President Obama's tribute to Martin Luther King to a controversial performance at MTV's Video Music Awards, the past week has brought images that evoke a wide range of reactions. TODAY's Picture Perfect series takes a look at the stories behind some of the week's most powerful photos.
1. Obama at the anniversary of the march on Washington
On Wednesday, Obama paid tribute to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on the 50th anniversary of the "I Have a Dream" speech. Obama exclaimed that King's words "belong to the ages" and cited laws, social change and even his own election as examples of how far the country has come since that day in 1963.
2. Rim fire
For nearly two weeks, wildfires have raged on in central California. This photo helped capture the enormity of what is currently the sixth largest wildfire in the state's history.
3. Miley Cyrus at the VMAs
Miley Cyrus caused a stir with her controversial VMA performance on Sunday, leading to a nationwide debate over whether her performance was too provocative. While many declared their outrage, others came rushing to Cyrus' defense, including Justin Timberlake, who said: "It's the VMAs, what did you guys expect?"
4. A marine and his wife
This image of former Marine Jesse Cottle and his wife went viral this week, as the picture taken at a family photo shoot struck the hearts of the nation. Cottle lost his legs while fighting in Afghanistan in 2009. The photographer Sarah Ledford suggested the couple take a photo with Jesse Cottle on Kelly's back, and the photo went viral almost immediately after it was posted to Facebook. For more from the photographer, check her out on Facebook here.