Ep 6. Steve McCurry - 9/11

In season 1 episode 6 of Contact, acclaimed photographer Steve McCurry reflects on his experience capturing some of the most iconic images of the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

The episode begins with McCurry discussing his early career as a photographer and his time in Afghanistan during the Soviet-Afghan War. He then speaks about his relationship with National Geographic, and how it led him to be in New York City on the day of the attacks.

McCurry describes his journey to the World Trade Center after the first plane hit, and his experience photographing the aftermath of the second plane's impact. He notes the chaos and panic surrounding him, and the difficulty of capturing the tragedy while also respecting the privacy of the victims and their families.

Throughout the episode, McCurry shares several of his most notable images from that day, including the "dust lady" and the "frozen moment" of a man falling from the towers. He discusses the emotional toll of being present for such a traumatic event and the impact it had on his work and life.

In addition to his personal experience, McCurry reflects on the broader impact of the 9/11 attacks on American culture and politics. He addresses how his photographs have been used in various contexts, from memorializing the victims to promoting war in the Middle East.

The episode concludes with McCurry emphasizing the importance of documenting history through photography and the responsibility that comes with representing such a significant event. He encourages viewers to never forget the human cost of the attacks and to continue working towards a more peaceful world.

Overall, this episode of Contact provides a powerful and poignant reflection on one of the most significant events of the 21st century through the lens of a renowned photographer.