Prayers, ash, and shutter clicks: the shot that defined 9/11 and more (Video)

Veteran photojournalist Matthew McDermott recounts his 27-year career documenting some of the most harrowing and historic events around the world. From photographing 9/11 ground zero, Hurricane Katrina, and the Haiti earthquake, to facing life-threatening encounters in places like Darfur and the Bronx, McDermott shares raw, emotional stories of courage, trauma, and purpose. He emphasizes the emotional toll and intensity of the job, while also highlighting the moments of resilience and humanity he’s captured through his lens. Through it all, he reflects on the sacrifices, dangers, and deep sense of mission that come with a life dedicated to telling the world’s most urgent stories.