If you have your Picture This Photography NYC Calendar this is your September 2024 image “A Tribute to NYC”
Every year on 9/11 NYC lights up in tribute to those lost during the horrific attacks of 2001. The Tribute in Light is an art installation created in remembrance of the September 11 attacks consisting of 88 vertical searchlights arranged in two columns of light to represent the Twin Towers & stands 6 blocks south of the World Trade Center on top of the Battery Parking Garage.
September 2024 marks 23 years since the tragic events of 9/11 and I remember it like it was yesterday. I lived in Bermuda and as the day unfolded and the scale of the tragedy was realised many flights en route to The USA from Europe & beyond were diverted to Bermuda. As the airport shut down and I realised I literally had no place else to go as lived on a tiny, isolated 21 sq mile island in the middle of nowhere (ironically almost the same size as Manhattan at 22 sq miles where I lived for 14 years, but worlds apart)
This image was captured from a newer location (to me) and it one of my favourites for many reasons, mainly it shows a rarely seen perspective of both One World Trade & The Empire State Building relatively close to each other plus the Tribute in Light all in one shot. The location is quieter compared to other scenic view points and the complementary lighting schedule for ESB on this particular year added with the colour from The Bank of America Tower & of course the long exposure waving flag makes for a harmonising colour palette at night.
While the memories & scars fade & remain simultaneously NYC has shown its continued strength by bouncing back with resilient spirit and a New York tough attitude. The Tribute in Lights is an annual reminder of the horrific attack and is always a sombering view despite the number of years passed.
📷 This image was captured with a 55-210mm zoom lens at approx 170mm
Location-Postcards Memorial, Staten Island
Time of Day-Night
Camera Settings-Tripod, Depth of Field at f/8, Shutterspeed 20 seconds, Fluorescent Warm White Balance for cool, clear light, ISO - 100, Focus on the foreground.
Insider Tip-Check the Tower Lights schedule for colourful Empire State Building views!
If you are in NYC on Sept 11 be sure to take a moment to observe the lights & never forget the reasons behind "A Tribute to NYC"