View of Manhattan, 9:23:01, 1 PM Gregg Brown
View of Manhattan, 9:23:01, 1 PM Gregg Brown

In the early hours of September 15, 2001, Gregg Brown received a call that would forever change the trajectory of his art. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requested his skills for an urgent mission: aerial photography of the smoldering remains of the World Trade Center site. With a camera in hand and courage in heart, Gregg embarked on a daily journey over the ruins aboard a New York City Police Department helicopter.

Gregg captured the fires and shifting debris piles daily, aiding the New York City Fire Department in their rescue and cleanup efforts. His lens became the eye through which the city and the world could witness Ground Zero’s transformation.

The process was intense. After each day’s work, the exposed film was developed, the contact sheets produced and time-stamped, and the photographs printed. These prints were then delivered to the NYFD and later to the New York City Department of Design and Construction, which hired Gregg to continue the project as the cleanup proceeded.

The documentation extended to the Fresh Kills Landfill in Staten Island, where most of the debris was transported. By May 2002, Gregg had captured approximately 30,000 frames of film, printed 643 contact sheets, and produced thousands of color photographs.

This unique archive was showcased in a significant museum exhibition at The International Center of Photography with its poignant reminders of a world-altering event. The show Above Ground Zero at The International Center of Photography provided a rare aerial perspective of the devastation and recovery of 9/11.

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Photograph of 'Fallen Hope', a coincidental double exposure image by Gregg Brown, displayed at the International Center of Photography.
Gregg Brown’s ‘Fallen Hope’ – a poignant coincidental double exposure image capturing the resilience and renewal after 9/11, exhibited at the International Center of Photography.
Wide shots of Ground Zero captured by Gregg Brown, exhibited at the International Center of Photography.
Gregg Brown’s wide shots of Ground Zero, exhibited at the International Center of Photography. These images offer a broad perspective on the aftermath of 9/11.
Photograph of Gregg Brown's works titled 'Winter Garden Atrium', 'Lower Level Cleanup', and 'WTC 6' displayed at the International Center of Photography.
A glimpse into Gregg Brown’s ICP exhibit featuring his photographic works – ‘Winter Garden Atrium’, ‘Lower Level Cleanup’, and ‘WTC 6’. Each image provides a unique perspective on the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
Photograph of Gregg Brown's works titled 'North Tower', 'South Tower', 'Winter Garden', and 'Lower Level Cleanup' displayed at the International Center of Photography.
A snapshot of Gregg Brown’s ICP exhibit featuring his photographic works – ‘North Tower’, ‘South Tower’, ‘Winter Garden’, and ‘Lower Level Cleanup’. Each image documents a different facet of the 9/11 aftermath.
Photograph of Gregg Brown's work titled 'South Tower' displayed at the International Center of Photography, alongside his original 35mm film contact sheets.
A snapshot of Gregg Brown’s ICP exhibit featuring his photographic work – ‘South Tower’ and his original 35mm film contact sheets. Each image documents a different aspect of the 9/11 aftermath and recovery efforts.
Photograph of Gregg Brown's works titled 'Fresh Kills Landfill' and 'The Fritz Koenig Sphere' displayed at the International Center of Photography.
A snapshot of Gregg Brown’s ICP exhibit featuring his photographic works – ‘Fresh Kills Landfill’ and ‘The Fritz Koenig Sphere’. Each image documents a different aspect of the 9/11 aftermath and recovery efforts.
Picture of Gregg Brown's 'Wintergarden Atrium' exhibit at the International Center of Photography.
Gregg Brown’s ‘Wintergarden Atrium’ exhibit at the International Center of Photography. The collection of images narrates the story of a significant landmark during the 9/11 recovery efforts.
A series of photographs from the Fresh Kills Landfill by Gregg Brown, exhibited at the International Center of Photography.
Gregg Brown’s Fresh Kills Landfill series, as displayed at the International Center of Photography. Captured are the crushed rescue vehicles and personnel in hazmat suits, giving a stark view of the aftermath.