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AP Photographer Richard Drew Recalls Shielding “Falling Man” Shot

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 8:16 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

AP photographer Richard Drew captured the iconic “Falling Man” image during the twin-tower collapses.
Drew said his camera acted as a wall, shielding him from horror while he kept shooting.
AP reporter Karen Matthews left her plans to document the crashes while holding her three-year-old daughter.
Photographer Amy Sancetta left a U.S. Open assignment to shoot south-tower collapse; her photo ran on September 12 with headline “NIGHTMARE.”

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Story summary

AP photographer Richard Drew captured the iconic “Falling Man” image during the twin-tower collapses.
Drew said his camera acted as a wall, shielding him from horror while he kept shooting.
AP reporter Karen Matthews left her plans to document the crashes while holding her three-year-old daughter.
Photographer Amy Sancetta left a U.S. Open assignment to shoot south-tower collapse; her photo ran on September 12 with headline “NIGHTMARE.”