From where he sat, he says, the experience was remarkable, the panorama unforgettable - so much so that Ross found a way to capture forever those bird's-eye views of the city that never sleeps.

He became an aerial photographer, and his work went on dramatic display at www.skyviewpictures.com.

Now, Ross' photographs have become a part of history. That's because, with very few exceptions, they include the once-majestic twin towers of the World Trade Center.

``Yes, this is my business, it's who I am, what I do. But I would never, ever send out solicitations ... or raise my prices because of Tuesday's tragedy,'' says Ross, of Rockland County, N.Y. ``And yet, I suppose people realize they will never again see New York the way it was. I've heard from people all over the world.''

It's a realization that could significantly affect the art and collectible markets. In fact, by early Wednesday, galleries and retailers throughout the Tampa Bay area were getting requests for art of any kind depicting the twin towers.

At the same time, the online auction sites eBay and Yahoo Auctions had begun to remove merchandise related to the Pentagon or World Trade Center disasters, particularly those boasting banners such as ``DEBRIS FROM THE WORLD TRADE CENTER DISASTER!!''

Kevin Pursglove, eBay senior director of communications, said more appropriate memorabilia - such as calendars and works of fine art - would likely be listed after Oct. 1.

Sunny Barash didn't want to wait.

She visited south Tampa's Nuance Galleries on Thursday, eagerly purchasing two three- dimensional serigraphs by New York artist Charles Fazzino. This brought to four the number of Fazzino pieces Barash owns.

Among these is a work called ``Wassup New York,'' showcasing the city's harbor along with the World Trade Center.

``We just wanted to grab them now,'' says Barash, a Buffalo, N.Y., native whose husband is also from New York. ``I don't think the New York skyline will ever be the same, and to see it without those buildings is inconceivable. And besides, we wanted to do something.''

Indeed, Barash's purchases will benefit victims of the tragedy. Gallery owner Robert Rowen is donating a portion of the proceeds from sales of Fazzino's works.

``I feel strongly about wanting to do something for the fire and police [personnel]. The picture of them going up that stairwell will never leave my mind,'' said Rowen.

Similarly, Fazzino, who created the NFL-sanctioned serigraph for Tampa's Super Bowl XXXV, feels the need to help the city that dominates his art. He, too, plans to donate to humanitarian efforts.

``From the beginning, that's been my thing: painting New York City and the skyline,'' says Fazzino, whose work is distributed in 20 countries. ``It's the strangest thing. I've painted Tokyo for the Japanese, streets scenes of Paris for Parisians, but anything featuring New York City are best sellers.''

Photographer Ross, meanwhile, has contacted the Federal Emergency Management Agency, volunteering to fly medical supplies anywhere they're needed. He also is a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight, an organization dedicated to transporting needy patients to distant medical facilities.

``I will be up and shooting as soon as the law permits me to,'' says Ross, who describes his work as cosmetic aerial photography, distinguishing it from more antiseptic, geological images.

``I can't wait to get in the air and photograph so that we have a historical record. Who could have dreamed this would happen?''

Reporter Jennifer Barrs can be reached at (813) 259-7832.