1/13/2011

A Picture = A Thousand Words

“ A photograph always has a history. It denotes a time and a place & is able to halt life, if only for a second.” ~ Rodney Smith

When speaking of loss, language is threatened by clichés. But photographs tell us more about all that is, and all that could not be. This photo is a record of one such loss.

This shot of the NYC skyline was captured by ace photographer Rodney Smith before 9-11. On his blog he mentions how this picture was quite popular before 9-11 and since then went on to become an icon, being purchased by people all over the world but strangely by no one in NYC.

Almost looks like those people with umbrellas are waiting for the planes to crash into the towers and the rain,a sign of doom.

Notice the symmetry in Smith’s shot… the man’s hat falling right in between the twin towers. On this side of 9-11, I find this sort of perfect symmetry rather disturbing. Much like the calm before the storm.

Such a potent picture, no?

{image credit: Rodney Smith}

11 comments:

  1. No words, Persis.
    Awesome.

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  2. So amazing and surrealistic! Wonderful captured!

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  3. A 1000 words and more. You are so right.

    Thank you for commenting on my post. I really apreciate it. I just started posting in english one 5 days ago, so comments makes my day! (to use a clichè..) :)

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  4. it's absolutely stunning ! Well, I am not an American, so I can't exactly feel the impending doom through it, but I guess it means a lot more for people who have suffered the loss of their loved ones. One thing is for sure though, those who can read through this photo in a different way, can find a bit of comfort in it_ I love it!

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  5. I think that it would make NYC'ers sad. I think that is how I would feel if - something awful happened to a San Francisco landmark, I believe I'd find it hard to bear looking at pictures of it.

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  6. I like the shot but the symbolism is making me a little sad!

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  7. So stunning and oh so moving. Hope you're doing well, Persis xoxo

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  8. This is so lovely!! Thanks for sharing :)
    *´¨)
    ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
    (¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Sending you much love and best wishes in this 2011!
    xoxo
    Giovanna
    Boho Market Blog

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  9. Great example of how a picture can say a thousand words...

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  10. black & white.... hemmm... need to try my hand at this

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  11. this is called picture perfect
    poignant n potent:-)
    thanks for sharing

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