Full Breakdown
Photographers Who Captured September 11: 25 Years of Memory
By Drooid · · How we work
The Day the Images Were Taken
On the morning of September 11, 2001, photographers across the region found themselves thrust into an unfolding catastrophe. Phil Penman, a New York-based photographer, was cycling through Lower Manhattan when the north tower collapsed and took shelter in a J&R electronics store. In New Jersey, Donna Fisher drove from Allentown to Manhattan after hearing a plane had hit a building, positioning herself on Interstate 78 to photograph the smoke plume. Jim Kelel, a former FOX 2 photographer, drove toward the city despite bridge closures after a colleague asked, “see what’s going on in New York?” Craig Bell documented candlelight vigils and campus gatherings at Bowling Green State University as news spread. Jim Veneman captured a reservist with an American flag, describing the scene as a “cross” of faith and patriotism. Aaron McLamb, an amateur photographer, climbed to the top floor of his workplace in Brooklyn and shot a fire truck crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, later learning that all six crew members on Ladder 118 perished when the south tower collapsed.
Who Was Behind the Lens
- Phil Penman – New York City photographer; donated his 9/11 work to the 9/11 Museum.
- Donna Fisher – Former *Morning Call* photographer; captured the skyline’s smoke from I-78.
- Jim Kelel – Former FOX 2 photographer and volunteer first responder; covered Ground Zero.
- Craig Bell – Bowling Green State University photographer; recorded campus vigils.
- Jim Veneman – Baptist Press photojournalist; photographed the reservist’s flag moment.
- Aaron McLamb – Amateur photographer; photographed Ladder 118 on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Personal Reflections and Ongoing Impact
Penman now gives talks worldwide about bearing witness. Fisher recalls the “deep blue sky” of that morning and the shock of learning the attacks were intentional. Bell notes that the tragedy erased distinctions on campus, saying, “it didn’t matter if you were a student or you were the president of the university.”
Data & Statistics
The Independent reports 2,753 deaths in New York City, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 on United Airlines Flight 93, for a total of 2,977. Nearly 10,000 additional individuals have died from illnesses linked to toxic dust from Ground Zero.
Verbatim Quotes
- “See what’s going on in New York?” — Doug Benedict
- “Across into New York, they weren't letting anybody in,” — Jim Kelel
- “It didn’t matter if you were a student or you were the president of the university,” — Craig Bell
- “I knew that this was gonna be something really big,” — Aaron McLamb
What’s Next
Twenty-five years after the attacks, Penman’s photographs remain on display at the 9/11 Museum. Bell’s images are featured in a Memorial Photo Walk at Bowling Green State University. Veneman incorporates the “cross” photograph into his curricula. McLamb’s Bridge photo continues to appear in retrospectives of 9/11 journalism, reminding new generations of the fire department’s sacrifice. Together, these photographers ensure the visual record of September 11 endures.
