OWTC 222

One World Trade Center, Fulton St. NYC, New York

The idea behind this photograph was to capture the iconic One World Trade Center in a -leading perspective style-, using the street as a guide to lead the viewer's eye toward the focal point of the shot.

After scouting various locations, I ultimately settled on Fulton Street for the perfect vantage point. As I was deciding on the photograph's composition, something caught my eye that added a new layer of personal significance to the image.

The Broadway 222 building, with its large number sign, reminded me of my brother, who had passed away years before while traveling to a small town in Veracruz, Mexico, to help those in need.

You see, my brother was the 2nd son of my father's 2nd marriage and was born on the 22nd day of February (the 2nd month of the year). So the number 2 has always held a special meaning for my family and me.

But the connections to the number 2 didn't end there. As I learned more about the history of the One World Trade Center and its place in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, I discovered that the New York City Fire Department had added 22 names to the wall of those who had died in the tragedy. These 22 firefighters had lost their lives due to illnesses related to their work in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center. They were true heroes.

And then there was my brother, who died in a car accident while traveling to help others in need. He became a hero to the people he was helping and all who knew him.

This photograph became much more than another shot of an iconic building. It is a tribute to the heroes of 9/11, my brother, and the enduring power of love and connection.