Photographing the 9/11 Tribute Lights
I was going to call this post “One Day in September,” but I’m still working on images from this past Saturday (the 20th anniversary of 9/11), hence, for now, here are a few shots I captured the night of September 11, 2021.
A few things I’d like to mention:
I’ve always wanted to photograph the Tribute Lights from the WTC Observatory. This year, on the 20th anniversary of September 11, that dream became a reality. It was spectacular! That said, and while the views are breathtaking, it is quite frustrating photographing through the glass, while trying to minimize reflections and squeeze your way through the crowd.
Aerial view of the blue Tribute Lights in Lower Manhattan, NYC, on September 11, 2021. ©Alina Oswald. All Rights Reserved. 
Aerial view of September 11 Tribute Lights over NYC and NY Harbor on 9/11/2021. ©Alina Oswald. 
Aerial view of September 11 Tribute Lights over NYC and NY Harbor on 9/11/2021. ©Alina Oswald.
Note on photographing from the WTC Observatory: in order to minimize reflections, place the lens against the glass (if possible) and/or find a spot as close as possible to the edge of the window(s) from where to photograph. It can be challenging, but not impossible.
Also, take your time while at it. No need to rush. If you have to, move around and photograph through different spots/windows, and go back to a spot that offers the best vantage point possible.
One more thing: Try to photograph the city, New York City, and the surrounding area when on top of the world the World Trade Center Observatory. The aerial views from #OneWTC, especially around/during the sunset hour, are truly magnificent.
Also, here are a few images photographed around the 9/11 Memorial:
All images were captured either with my Nikon Z6, 24-200mm lens, or with my iPhone. I’ll post more soon.
More September 11-related images can be found here.
I hope you had a wonderful weekend and wish you all a great week ahead.
As always, thanks for stopping by,
Alina Oswald 