Brooklyn, New York · September 12, 2026

Tribute in Light from Brooklyn

Photographing Tribute in Light, remembering September 11, and trying to find a moment between passing boats.

Brooklyn Bridge crossing the East River toward Lower Manhattan at blue hour, with the twin Tribute in Light beams above the skyline and boat light trails across the water — Tribute in Light and the Brooklyn Bridge, September 11, 2026Original photograph · Three-exposure HDR merge (±1 EV)

Recorded exposure from the HDR sequence

Aperture: f/8
Shutter: 2.5 seconds
ISO: 200
Focal length: 34mm
Technique: Three-exposure HDR merge (±1 EV)

Camera and capture details

Camera: Canon EOS R1
Lens: RF24–70mm F2.8 L IS USM
Support: Tripod
Process: Three-exposure HDR merge (±1 EV)

When I had more time and energy, I used to photograph Tribute in Light every year. I was learning a lot about photography then—and I’m still trying to learn.

The lights commemorate the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. I can still remember where I was when it happened, and how it felt. It’s one of those experiences that stays with you.

For this photograph, I used a tripod and merged three bracketed exposures at −1, 0, and +1 EV.

I’m not sure what I would change about the picture. Maybe I wish there had been less harbor traffic. With a long exposure, it’s hard to get through the photograph without a boat passing by.

I also made a reel from that day. Watch it on Instagram.