September 11 Digital Archive

"Satan in the Smoke" Emails

Title

"Satan in the Smoke" Emails

Description

On the morning of September 11, immediately after two planes crashed into the World Trade Center in Manhattan, photojournalist Mark D. Phillips took a picture that would prove to be one of the most evocative and disputed images of that tragic day. Many peple later construed the image of the smoke in his photo of the burning buildings to compose the face of Satan. These e-mails related to this picture provide a revealing portal into Americans' responses to the attacks in the immediate aftermath of 9/11.

Items in the "Satan in the Smoke" Emails Collection

Attn: Mark D. Phillips   Just wanted you to know that I, my spouse and our two kids have seen your photo of the burning Towers with the face of Satan clearly visible.  We do not find it hard to believe that he was there that very day.  I'm sure he…

Dear Stellar Images,Has anyone pointed out the second face present in this amazing photo? I see a second face half-hidden by the more obvious image. The second face is darker and to the left. Half the face is hidden by the front image so only one…

In regard to the photo that everyone has viewed by the photographer Mark Phillips, I too saw the face every one was referring to.  But I have also seen something remarkable that no else has seen in the cloud of smoke at the WTC.   Sept, 24,  my…

In the color picture you can see more then one face. We have counted at least 3. I think they are of the evil hearts of those who  would do such a thing. Anyone who knows their BIBLE would tell you that satin is a beautiful creature. Not something…

Mark,I'd love to talk to you on the phone. What is your phone number or is it on the website? I am writing a textbook on multimedia journalism and I think it would be a fascinating study however it comes out. Yes, it is difficult to be in the middle…

SEE THE DEMONS.THE PICTURES YOU TOOK WERE ALL TO SCARRY. COINCIDENTALLY ABOUT A MOTTH AGO I DISCOVERED IMAGES VERY SIMILAR TO YOUR PHOTOS IN SOME OF MY MOMS ART WORK THAT SHE HAD LEFT ME AFTER HER PASSING. I HAVE HAD THE PAINTINGS FOR 6 YEARS NOW AND…

Mr Philips,I can see 2 faces in this picture.One is in his beard lower and it also has horns . Look closely his face is sideways.Just an observation.Thank youDominique Ledoux, Montreal

After seeing this photo that people claim they see the devil, I was moved by what Mr. Phillips wrote about the events of that day and his experience of taking the photos. No matter what we see in these photos, we must always remember the loss of life…

Dear Mr. Phillips, I can't begin to imagine the terrible sights you have seen lately.  As stimulating and challenging as it might be to you as a photographer, I expect it is quite the opposite to you as a human being.  In the previous sentence…

TO mark phillips,  Mark I took a picture of the Holy father late in may off my television I have a picture of the Blessed Mother leaning over the Pope . Her gown is transparent . Pink in color. She has a Large Crown on her head.  So any thing is…

i dont know if you ve noticed or if anyone has brought it to your attention,but,there is another face there just to the top right ,do you see it? if you dim the screen contrast or brightness you can really make it out.just thought you like to know.

Just to put my two cents in regarding the photo of the trade center.... Could it be an eagle rising.... above the "face," I see the head of a bird with it's wings outstretched. What do you make of that? Kathy Rose Bridgton, ME

Mark,Thank you kindly for your note on your web page which I found via Poynter.org. As a high school journalism instructor I proudly explained that a professional photographer who associated himself with AP would not alter a photo, especially of this…

What about the first image that came out in color.  Was it a doctored image.  I noticed it is no longer coming up.  BR

Hi,I heard you on the radio this morning in Greenville, SC. I could feel the pain and disappointment in your voice this morning. I understand your profession and it is people like you that make us feel and see your pain from ground zero. Please…

Mark,I got your message. I need time to digest this matter. Be assured, I will do my best to respond to your request ASAP. Clyde MuellerNPPA President>Subject: devil photo controversy/I am photographer>Sent: 9/15/20 2:23 AM>Received: 9/18/01 9:08…

yes I am writing about the photo, my family and I studied the picture, and we think it looks like Bin Laden, if you will notice the darker smoke under the face looks like a beard, we said that it is very erie.…

I THINK YOU ARE A PROFECIONAL AND YOU DID JUST YOUR JOB RIGHT

Hi. I have been looking for the perfect photo of the World Trade Center to post on my tribute page that I have on my website. Your photograph showing the Statue of Liberty in front of the towers is absolutely wonderful. I wanted to ask permission to…

Dear Mr. Phillips:I just want to thank you for your honesty.  I for one believe whole-heartedly this photograph was not doctored.  I have looked at it 100 times and find it incredible.  You have given us the opportunity to see the face of evil, but…

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