to the moon.

July 16, 2009
people-watching-launch-of-Apollo-11-520
today marks the 40th anniversary of apollo 11’s liftoff to the moon. the new york times blog, lens, and smithsonian magazine are showcasing the photographs of david burnett, a 22 year-old, recent college grad who, in 1969, on a mission from time magazine, decided to photograph the people watching the rocket rather than the rocket itself. in his words: “at 9:32 a.m. on july 16, the rocket’s engines ignited amid a plume of smoke and flame. i didn’t see it. i was looking into the faces of my proud, expectant countrymen.” i hope you enjoy the photos as much as i did!
{here’s a link to the smithsonian article, written by david burnett himself. and here, one to the lens blog}.

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10 Comments

  • Reply Stacey July 16, 2009 at 3:58 pm

    Great photo, I love it that he chose to photograph a completely different perspective of the occasion, and one that is just as, if not more interesting since no one else thought to do that.

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  • Reply Simply Mel July 16, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    I love what happens when people take the road less traveled! Look at their faces….the awe and amazement of such a huge moment!

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  • Reply Vivian July 16, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    what an interesting point of view!!! i love it.

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  • Reply down and out chic July 16, 2009 at 4:46 pm

    oh wow, that's a smart photographer.

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  • Reply Amanda Nicole July 16, 2009 at 5:14 pm

    I always have this problem. I tend to watch the people watching a concert, movie, play… It's just more interesting, seeing people's spontaneous reactions. These are so neat!

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  • Reply Rebecca July 16, 2009 at 5:31 pm

    these pics are so cool. i love to people watch:)

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  • Reply Ali July 16, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    Incredible.

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  • Reply the real mia July 16, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    What a beautiful idea to turn the lens on the faces of spectators. I LOVE this photo. Thanks for sharing it.

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  • Reply A. July 16, 2009 at 7:22 pm

    I love that he did that. It's like looking at the groom instead of the bride.

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  • Reply Nicole Marie July 17, 2009 at 2:07 am

    wow so cool!

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