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On this, the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I thought I would take today’s post and speak about a reason I am where I am with my career in photography. There are many people that I have to thank for helping me in my career, but today’s post is about one man who I can’t.
The fact is, I’ve never even met the man that I am writing about, probably couldn’t even point out a picture of him if I had to. But to dismiss his importance to my career would be wrong.
The man I am speaking of is Bill Biggart.
Author’s Note: This post was originally published in 2017, on the 16th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. This morning, I woke up with Bill’s name on my mind, and the sincere hope that his memory and sacrifice never be forgotten.
I would like to thank Wendy, Bill’s widow, for her permission in using his images and support for this article. My heart and prayers go out to you and I am forever in debt to you.
Bill was a photojournalist who was passionate about his work, loved to photograph conflicts, and worked both in the US and abroad. He was someone who created images that contain creativity and focus, all while bullets flew over head. In truth, he was the photographer I wished I would turn into…
On September 11th, 2001 Bill was in New York City, cameras around his neck, photographing in the shadows of the smoking twin towers of the World Trade Center, creating images that defined chaos yet contained strength. Not knowing that his time was limited, he photographed a frame of the remains of Tower Two, an image that no one else did nor could have captured. In the end, the image that cost him his life.
However, it wasn’t the image from Bill’s camera that caught my eye, but the cover of American Photo featuring his gear, destroyed yet still identifiable. I remember seeing it and thinking of the human loss behind the camera, but at the same time thinking what incredible images that camera helped to capture before its destruction.
In all honesty, the idea behind what Bill did inspired me. I saw passion and courage behind his actions, and it was from that point I knew I would be a photographer. Upon seeing his crushed Canon D30, I decided that I too would buy that camera; after all, it’s was what the heroes used.
Each year, on the anniversary of that unfortunate day, I will take a moment to think and be grateful to all those out there like Bill who lived with passion and inspired people they will never know.
Thank you Bill
About the author: Blair Bunting is an advertising photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. You can see more of his work on his website, blog, Facebook, and Instagram. This post was originally published here.
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