‘Hold My Legs’: How Ernie Sisto Shot the Empire State Building Disaster
When a B-25 bomber crashed into the Empire State Building in 1945, a Times photographer leaned far out to get close up.
The story behind Ernie Sisto's iconic photograph of the Empire State Building disaster is a testament to the bravery and dedication of photojournalists. On July 28, 1945, a B-25 bomber crashed into the building, killing 14 people and injuring many more. Sisto's photograph, taken in the midst of the chaos, captures the devastating moment when the world witnessed the vulnerability of an iconic American symbol.
What's remarkable about this story is the context in which it was taken. The 1940s were a pivotal time for photojournalism, with publications like The New York Times pushing the boundaries of storytelling through images. Sisto's photograph not only conveyed the shock and horror of the event but also humanized the experience for readers. The fact that he had to be held by his colleagues to prevent him from falling while taking the shot adds to the drama and highlights the risks that photographers take to get the shot.
As we look at this story, it's essential to consider the impact of such iconic images on our collective memory. The photograph has become an enduring symbol of the event, and its influence can be seen in the work of photojournalists who followed in Sisto's footsteps. What's next to watch is how the industry continues to evolve, with new technologies and social media platforms changing the way we consume and interact with news photography. Will the art of photojournalism continue to thrive, and what will be the next iconic image that captures the world's attention?
Originally reported by nytimes.com. MyNews adds analysis for general news readers.