Richard Drew’s photograph, The Falling Man (2001) is hauntingly beautiful. The composition of the photograph is incredible because of the symmetry, contrast, and lines. If you look at the falling man, he separates One World Trade Center and Two World Trade Center, which provides the contrast between one side of the photograph and the other. The left side of the photograph is darker while the right side is lighter. Lines play a significant role in the photo as well. The windows of the buildings make up the lines, run parallel to the body of the falling man. The photograph is a one-of-a-kind as this was happening in real time so there was no staging, set ups, or do overs. The Falling Man is an organic photograph that captures the last moments of a man’s life in a tragic event, acting in desperation. Drew’s photograph created controversy as viewers felt as though the photograph was exploitative and invasive of the man’s death. This photograph encapsulates what I have learned about the history of photography by showing that sometimes the most beautiful and influential photographs happen by accident. 
        Drew’s photograph is significant to me because of the historical and social impact it has created. When the events of 9/11 took place, there was a level of uncertainty within the country. The Falling Man depicts facing the unknown as he falls to his death and the rest of the country faces a post 9/11 world. Although just a kid, I understood the severity of the event, but not the social impact it has created. Almost twenty years later as an adult, I understand the social impact of not only 9/11 but of The Falling Man as well.