We have all heard the expression “A picture is worth a thousand words”. It's the simple fact that an idea can be conveyed with a single image. We encounter tons of unfiltered images every day, whether we see them in newspapers or magazines. These images touch us, they have an impact on some of us, deep within ourselves. When a photograph directly impacts an individual, they will recount an image long after seeing it. The photograph that sticks in my mind forever is the New York Times image “The Falling Man” from the terrorist attacks. on September 11, 2001. This is a photo and an article that appeared on the very front pages of the New York Times, a few days after the terrorist attacks. It was the first time I saw the image. Then I saw it again when CNN did an interview with Richard Drew, almost a month after the photo was published. This photo is quite simple, but it has so much meaning. It is a photograph of a man in black pants and a flesh-colored jacket, falling headfirst 1,300 feet from the North Tower of the World Trade Center. This man was trapped on the upper floors of the skyscraper during the attack. It is not known for certain whether the man accidentally fell out of a window or whether he intentionally jumped from the tower to avoid being burned alive. The man who fell had no identity and, twelve years later, he has still never been officially identified. This photograph of a man free-falling to his death was taken by photojournalist Richard Drew. What's so scary about this specific photo among the other photographs Drew took that day is the way the man is falling. This photo is a calm and simple image. There's not much else to see in the photo except the man. What's different... middle of article ......the fghani refugees went through -- an experience that no words could adequately describe. Fear shows in his eyes. Guila's eyes were "destined to become the symbol of the Muslim world" (National Geographic). Although fear is evident in Guila's expression, her expression is ambiguous. There is also strength and courage in his eyes. There is great depth in this photograph. Sharbat Guila sends a symbolic message about refugees that cannot be ignored. We live in a world filled with images, not words. Pictures are so unique because they leave a more lasting impression than words. Sometimes, the images convey an idea that greatly affects the viewer. When a photograph has a direct impact on the viewer, they will relate to an image long after seeing it. At least for me, images are vivid and more effective than words. Ultimately, pictures speak louder than words.