Photographer Reflects on 9/11 Hero in the Aftermath of Osama Bin Laden's Death

NEW YORK, NY, May 11, 2011 (Press-News.org) National photographer Paul Mobley reflects on his time photographing one of the September 11 heroes. Rochelle or "Rocky" as she is called by her peers is a battalion chief in one of New York's fire departments. She is now the highest ranking female chief in New York. His portraits of the the first female fire chief of the FDNY in 2003 are just a few of the portraits that are documenting American life in it's glory, turmoil and strength.

Mobley writes in his latest blog, "As the nation watched President Obama deliver a speech that would mark the end of one of our country's greatest enemies , I'm reminded of the heroes who thrive behind the scenes. Civil servants like the police force and scores of firemen. Men and women who devote themselves unconscionably to maintaining peace, order, and protecting our safety. It's these people who usually put themselves in harm's way, reacting to trouble wherever they're needed."

He continues, "Recently, I was honored with the chance to photograph Rocky in her Firehouse. They say "in a photograph, It's the eyes, It's always the eyes." I could tell immediately that Rocky's eyes still carry the powerful memories of September 11th. I remember her saying, "people talk about closure. I don't think there's such a thing. The effects of this are lifelong. We lost 343 firefighters in one day. You can never forget. Since 9/11, I have a very specific goal. I have to be strong. I have to show a bunch of young kids that you don't quit when something bad happens"."

About Paul Mobley
With the tremendous success of his coffee table book, American Farmer, Paul Mobley is establishing himself as a natural born storyteller, and one of the most important and simply lyrical photographers working today. Paul began his training as a photographer at Detroit's College for Creative Studies, and continued in the New York studios of Annie Leibovitz and David Langley, where he apprenticed for many years before embarking on his own career.

Whether working for advertising, editorial or corporate clients Paul's photography vividly describes the dignity and inherent grace of humanity as he sees it. Paul's sold out international workshops and seminars are further testimonial that his photography conveys content that just begins with the "unforgettable image." Paul truly is America's Photographer and continues to work with both the highest level of celebrity, musician and model to those who many otherwise never be seen through the lens of a professional photographer. One of his most recent works was a photo shoot with oldest living man, Walter Breuning, just weeks before his death.

For more information, visit www.paulmobleystudio.com or www.mobleyshoots.com. Follow on Twitter at @paulshoots.