Accept the Witness—Richard Drew and "The Falling Man"

B&H Photography Podcast · Sep 7, 2017 · 52m

"The Falling Man" is the name that has been given to the photograph of a man falling from the north tower of the World Trade Center during the attacks of September 11, 2001. The image depicts a lone figure falling headfirst against the backdrop of the vertical lines of the twin towers. As an image, it is a striking composition and the casual position of the man's body bisecting the two towers, has even been described as graceful. These visual elements mask the horror of its immediate context and perhaps add to the upsetting response that often accompanies this image.

Unlike other photographs…