The 9/11 photo essay tells a story, revealing the before, during, and after of a tragic event. Much like a written story where the pages are intended to be read consecutively, only one image can be viewed at a time in this essay. The reason why this essay is structure the way it is, is to make sure that no picture is overlooked. This essay brings a past event to life so that it can be experience by anyone who chooses to view it.  By analyzing each individual image separately, this essay can evoke a variety of emotions which is important because then one can feel further connected to a culturally significant event. 

The first picture is bold and chaotic representing how the people of New York felt that day, like they were thrown into the fire without any warning. It is as though the destruction had not hit yet; the buildings surrounding the eruptions have not yet been effected by the explosion. The structured lines on all the buildings create contrast to the explosion in the center of the picture (Natchwey). Also the fact that the cross is still standing during this tragedy supposes that people depended on God and the church during their time of desperation. The cross is considered the dominant focal point because it is in the center of the picture and is the first thing that draws your high since it is contrasted against the surrounding explosion.

As the essay progresses from the first explosion, the focal point adjusts to the firefighters and those who initially rush the scene (Natchwey). Colors of caution fill the picture with elements of yellow firefighter suits and somber flames in the distance. The space between the firefighters and the flames indicate that they are on opposing forces. The fire is the source of something evil and the firefighters represent something noble. The third image flows right in with the same theme: several firefighters carry out their Chaplin who died in a fire as stated in the blurb below the picture (Natchwey). The curved edges contrasted with the sharp lines of rubble on the ground makes the firefighters look trapped. As the firefighters struggle to carry the Chaplin they have to maneuver through obstacles which is clearly a strain because of desperation shown on their faces. At this point in the essay there is a reoccurring theme of how America, as a nation, is rallying around those who were injured.  The raw emotion that was captured on the firefighter's faces is a declaration for future American's to be willing to sacrifice for those who have fallen.

The next image represents how the destruction of 9/11 has grown, showing an entire building collapsing while firefighters search for victims within (Natchwey). Because the size of the building is so big in proportion to the size of the firefighters, one can see that this disaster is actually larger than life. In addition, this image induces a dark emotion of despair through the overwhelming color of gray. One feels lost and alone just looking at the picture which is intentional because people were lost and trapped inside collapsed buildings. Finally, the texture of the smooth fuzzy clouds contrasted against the jarring edges of the building creates an alignment of chaos. It is crazy to think that living human beings are trapped inside the wreckage.

As the story progresses, the scene narrows in on a few victims who have been rescued (Natchwey). This image is one of the most powerful in the essay because it is the first time that the victims' emotions are documented. Just the facial expression alone on the victim's faces convey exactly what the photographer wants. Instead of being busy, the simplicity of the image makes one feel heavy inside because he or she takes the image in for what it is. Each person in this photo is comforted by a loved one, sharing a special bond because of the tragedy that they endured together. The repetition of space between each group of victims in this essay reveal that not everyone was rescued at once, and that there might still be more lives within. With all the emotion taken in on this photo, the next image in the story pans out with a picture of the city (Natchwey).

The importance of this seventh image is to give perspective on how much damage 9/11 has created. This image is strategically half way through the essay to make sure the reader stays engaged (Natchwey). With sharp edges enclosing the picture, it gives off the feeling of being trapped with the sunset in the back representing hope for the future. Fortunately for the American culture, one can see repeating elements of hope throughout the essay proving America's resilience. This perspective allows those who view this essay to sympathize with the wounded. Another significant element of this picture is the scale of sizes; because this photo was taken at an aerial angle, one can see how small the people are in relation to the destruction that surrounds them. A common theme in this essay is that whether it is affected citizens or the rescuers, a victims is almost always the center focal point of the picture. 

As the essay begins to close, the story shifts to the remembrance of victims and the affect it left on the American nation. The eleventh image shows a picture of a firefighter who lost his life when the twin towers collapsed broadcasted on a bulletin board in New York (Natchwey). The bright lights and colors of patriotism surround the image and to let the world know that the firefighter is what America should represent. All though this picture did not have the story of the firefighter posted, the image spoke for itself: everyone knew that that man had sacrificed his life to save another. That firefighter will serve as a reminder to the American people and what they stand for. 

One of the last photos displayed shows how the tragedy of 9/11 left a lasting impression on those who were affected. This twelfth image shows a man looking at a board of missing persons (Natchwey). The man in the picture has his back turned to the camera therefore one cannot identify who he is. This can be related to the hundreds of missing persons shown on the board in front of him because no one is sure if those people are alive or not. The photographer makes a point to show a recurring image of "the unknown" because no one was sure of anything after the terrorist attack. All of that information can be gathered just from looking at the picture, there is no need for words because the image speaks for itself. It is important to show the lasting effects of this terror attack because it will forever serve as a reminder as to how America deals with national crises. 

This collection of images allows one to get a glimpse of the tragedy that occurred, with each picture evoking a strong emotion, taking them a journey of the wounded. It is important to look at each picture individually so that one can understand the importance of each image so that he or she is not overwhelmed by a surplus of images at once. Also the importance of how the pictures are order chronologically of how the events happened so that the viewer feels as though they have experienced something with the essay. As far as American culture, this essay represents a tragedy in a different way but allows anyone to connect with it so that they will remember how America rallied around the wounded during this time of desperation.

