9/11 Tribute In Lights Photo Walk
The Tribute in Light is an art installation created in remembrance of the September 11 attacks. It consists of 88 vertical searchlights arranged in two columns of light to represent the Twin Towers. It stands six blocks south of the World Trade Center on top of the Battery Parking Garage in New York City. Tribute in Light began as a temporary commemoration of the attacks in early 2002, but it became an annual event, currently produced on September 11 by the Municipal Art Society of New York.
On clear nights, the lights can be seen from over 60 miles (97 km) away, visible in all of New York City and most of suburban Northern New Jersey and Long Island. Each year, about 30 technicians, electricians, and stagehands work for about ten days to install the lights. During a testing phase of several days, observers in Brooklyn, Staten Island, New Jersey, and uptown Manhattan help make sure that the beams are adjusted accurately. The lights shine from dusk to dawn.
My first experience of seeing the Tribute lights shining over Manhattan was in 2020. It was awe-inspiring and very moving. Most of us remember where we were when we first heard about the attacks, and we sat speechless, glued to the television for days and weeks as rescue efforts took place around the clock. Never forget. What a wonderful way to honor all those who lost their lives and those who worked so hard to rescue them-than to witness the Tribute In Light in person.
If you love capturing the beauty of cityscapes at night-or would love to learn, then join us for this breathtaking photographic event.
We will photograph the skyline from several locations in New Jersey. We will likely also visit the Teardrop Memorial-which is also a 9/11 tribute nearby. The group will meet by 6pm to be on location to photograph the New York skyline during the golden hours before during and after sunset. We will continue to shoot through blue hour into dark. Specific details for where we meet and photograph from will be sent to participants after registration.
Instruction will be shared throughout the event on how to expose for tricky lighting conditions-especially as it gets dark, when camera meters are no longer able to give accurate exposure readings. Instruction will also be given on composition, creative long exposures, and how best to convey such a moving and meaningful scene. Event will be great for beginners as well as more advanced enthusiasts. Participants should come with a decent understanding of their camera gear, and be comfortable with changing basic settings-especially in darker environments. An informational email, as well as Zoom meeting will be held prior to the Photo Walk.
Registration will be limited and will likely fill fast. Don’t wait to sign up to join us for this inaugural event!
Updated Terms & Conditions – Valerie A Hoffman Photography (March 2023)
As we live in our new ‘normal’, the following updated policies are being put in place to protect the health and wellbeing of all workshop attendees, as well as those who we will come in contact with during events.
That being said, here is what you need to know and comply with:
- Anyone who is sick with COVID like symptoms or has a fever over 100 degrees must not attend the event. Amount paid may be put towards a future workshop, or can be refunded in full if notice is given in advance. Suggest checking your temperature BEFORE leaving home. By registering for an event, you also agree to a touchless temperature check at the initial gathering for any workshop or trek.
- Face Masks are optional unless otherwise specified.
Cancellation Policy:
Two (2) weeks notice is required to receive a full refund. 75% refund of the Trek fee with only one (1) week notice. NO refund will be given if less than one (1) week notice is given for cancellation. Must call to cancel. We reserve the right to cancel the Trek at our discretion. Minimum number of participants is necessary to run event.