On this All-Saints Day 2021 I thought it appropriate to post this image capturing the Tribute of Lights in Liberty State Park in all its ghostly glory…
Tribute of Lights
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Category Archives: Event
Remembering 9/11 20 Years Later
Remembering 9/11 20 Years Later
It was one of those events you remember exactly where you were when it happened. For me I was in all places Los Angeles, CA on a business trip. I had only arrived the evening before, and I typically try to stay on Eastern time for a couple of days if my trip will not be too long. So, I was up early by local time watching the national news on TV. I see one of the World Trade Center towers with smoke coming out of it. The television reporter says no one knows exactly what is going on but the thought is a small plane crashed into the tower. Then as I continue to watch this unfold on live TV, I see a second plane crash into the other tower. It was in the split instance I knew this was no accident and no small plane involved.
Thankfully, I knew of no one directly that lost their lives in this terrorist attack. But I was drawn to follow the news story with interest. Perhaps it was because I originally was a New Yorker. Perhaps it was because I have a cousin that was working in the basement of the same building when a bomb went off years earlier (he was OK).
I used photography to remember what happened. I can’t remember if I photographed the first tribute of light, but I was drawn to it light a moth to a flame. Then I realized it was possible to get close enough to photograph the remembrance I started to do it. I didn’t go yearly. Some years the weather was poor, or my schedule was busy. But it was nice when I was able to go.
I typically go to Liberty State Park in NJ along with thousands of others. On my bucket list is being able to get up close to the lights and photograph them from “within.”
As the years have gone by Liberty State Park added more memorials for everyone to remember what happened.
What’s you 9/11 story? How has it impacted your life?
Spirits of 9/11
Well, it’s 2020, and 9/11 has come and gone once again. I’ve visited the lights and shapes that commemorate 9/11 at Liberty State Park several times. People ask me why I go back more than once. “Don’t I see the same thing every time I go?” Never. This year was special.
Maybe it was because it’s the year of COVID 19 and a pandemic. Maybe it’s because the weather was beautiful this year on 9/11 – just like our weather was on 9/11/01. Maybe it’s because I’ve always lived in the NY/NJ area my entire life. Maybe it’s because I’m a member of my local fire department. Maybe it’s because I love creating images. Maybe it’s because of something else…
There’s steel from the World Trade Centers on display in many places including the Greenwich Emergency Squad right here in Stewartsville, NJ. Every time I see it, it gives me chills and goosebumps. I start to think of what this steel must have gone through to look like this. Then I think of what all the people that were in or under the towers must have gone through. Then I think of the families of the survivors…
The NYC sky line is what I’m drawn to first. Even though it’s very familiar to me, it hold a special importance. But this year I also wanted to create some images to put a spiritual connection to what happened here.
If you would like to see more and purchase any prints, please visit my gallery at: https://www.dabourphotography.com/Events/Spirits-of-911/
Do you have a special image size in mind and would love it customized with a mat? I’d love to create that for you! Here is an example of what I mean:
Philadelphia Flower Show 2019
Philadelphia Flower Show 2019
Spent a day at the 2019 Philly FLower Show. This year’s theme was flower power – 60’s edition. It’s just what the Dr. ordered to get everyone into a Spring mood! Many different displays and types of flowers as usual. This year I concentrated more on close-ups.
You can enjoy more images at: https://www.dabourphotography.com/Events/Philly-Flower-Show-2019/
Why you should hire a professional photographer to do your events
Should I Hire a Professional Photographer to Document My Event?
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to hire someone to photograph your event, consider these reasons:
Let’s say the event is a family reunion and you want to get a group photo of the whole family. You could do it yourself, but one of two things could happen then. A) You have someone take the photo for you, leaving a family member out of the photo because they had to take it. This could possibly offend that person or make them feel awkward for being excluded. Or B) You set a timer on your camera. This can be problematic because there are so many people in the photo that you will need to take several images to make sure everyone is looking and has their eyes open. You will have to take two to three times as long to get the photos done because you’ll have to keep resetting the timer, and you still might not have gotten the shot. Hiring a professional will eliminate all of this stress.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to go around all night taking selfies with my phone or camera with all of my friends and family members. I would much prefer to relax and enjoy the moment instead of trying to capture it. The quality of the photos will be much better than the selfies. Also, trying to take a selfie with a group of people is next to impossible when trying to get everyone inside the frame.
If the event is a birthday party, you don’t want to miss out on visiting with guests or helping your child open presents or cut the cake because you are too busy trying to take the photos. You want to be part of the action, not stuck behind the camera.
Another great thing about hiring a professional is that you don’t have to worry about editing and distributing the photos after the event is over. You just have to wait to receive them from your photographer.
Finally, it’s really a gift to have well lit photographs taking by a professional who preserve the memory of your event. Those images are going to be cherished by everyone for a very long time to come.
Our business motto is: Let’s us capture the moments so you can enjoy them.” These are words that were carefully chosen. We know lots of people have cameras today and enjoy taking photos. But at your own event, sit back and enjoy it. Let me capture and save the moments for you so you can enjoy them forever!
Dabour Photography 