Robert Hirsch once said ” The reason we make photographs is because words cannot always provide a satisfactory way to describe and express our relationship to the world. He follows that by saying pictures are essential to how humans observe, communicate, celebrate, comment, express, and most of all, remember.

Yesterday was the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attack on the United States. An event where almost 3,000 people died, countless were injured, countless families were shattered, and a nation was left in disarray when 19 hijackers from the organization al-Qaeda, led by Osama Bin Laden, committed murder-suicide via planes as they attacked the Pentagon and the World Trade Center, aka the Twin Towers, in New York City.

I must admit, at 9 years old, I remember the event just as easily at age 31. From what I remember, when the news broke, it was the chaos of the day. The chaos of the moment, the gripping fear of what was happening but not knowing what was next To be clear, we were in school, and by 8:46 AM, teachers began to get calls on their phones. The intercom rang for some to be released to the library for an emergency while teacher’s aid and personnel made their way to the classrooms. Students are being checked out in large quantities over the next hour. Teachers are returning in disarray. You could tell some had begun to cry. Hearing whispers and chatter fill the rooms, I look up at the sky out of the windows. Knowing something was happening.

Early releases happened out of fear of what was to happen to any of us. We could hear that the president had to land in Louisiana to refuel, and we could hear chatter about whether they could bomb our chemical and plastic plants next. As we all got home to SEE our parents and to see the connection between the chatter and what was really happening, it was UNFATHOMABLE. We had learned in school about the different wars and battles this country faced, but here was history in the making, a war ensuing in a way we hadn’t thought of. This attack FELT real, and seeing it happen made you almost hold your breath through it all.

Minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years of chaos, disbelief, and shock A time of uncertainty filled the air for many. I received news live, in real-time, and pictures hours, days, and months later. For me, remembering the feeling is easy, and remembering the imagery that circulates is a core memory. The feeling and the changes that have occurred since on school campuses, hospitals, and airports have affected how we move, how we shop, and most of all, how and what makes us feel secure. Is very much present. But also, it reminds me of some of the good. Like how our nation banded together in this time of tragedy. ALL the memories flood my mind.

For some of you, You get the impact of the event mainly through imagery and video. And even watching and viewing that imagery is still just as heart-wrenching.

So I ask, was Robert Hirsch correct in explaining why we photograph, what this style does, and how it impacts our lives? Is this why documentary photography plays a role in our remembrance? How is it that a picture can heighten an experience or feeling? How is it that even those who cannot remember can still feel the feelings and emotions simply by looking at a picture?

THE POWER AND THE IMPACT OF IMAGERY IS BEYOND WHAT WE READ OR THINK!