Photography Assignment #1 / Vanessa Espin

Stepping Through the Ashes
Reflection in a Window of the Staten Island Ferry – 2002

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 4: The Manhattan skyline is reflected in the window of the Staten Island Ferry on January 4, 2002 in New York, New York. Noticeably absent are the Twin Towers, which were destroyed on September 11, 2001. By Eugene Richards

This photograph is part of one of Eugene Richard’s book called, “Stepping Through the Ashes”. The book captures how we feel about 9/11, how we feel about the country, and how we feel about those who were lost. This particular image was taken at the Staten Island ferry in 2002. The image is a reflection on a window inside the ferry that captures the people inside and the view they have of the Manhattan Skyline. By capturing both you are able to see the missing piece in the landscape and the faces of Americans whose words seem to be silent but thoughts seem to travel deep. This image captures what seems to be the people reflecting on what has happened and what the loss means to them and to the entire country. This image has a sad, gloomy feeling to it.

The photograph uses three elements. The first one is leading lines, in which it helps lead the viewer to the light at the end of the ferry. This creates depth in the photo. This depth is what gives the image that sad feeling. The second is Contrast; the right side of the image in comparison to the left side is darker. It creates emphasis on the women standing outside and the people sitting on the right. Creating space between the landscape and the viewer. The third one is Rule of Thirds, this is seen mostly on the horizontal lines. It divides the image into 3, the Manhattan skyline, the river, and the ferry’s fence. Creating space and distance . Although the image is challenging to the eye because it’s a reflection, this three lines seem to help the viewer mentally organize what they are seeing.