09/13/2026
The 9/11 25 Years Later album is now live on SmugMug. I always seem to leave events like this with some degree of regret. I put a lot of pressure on myself to capture everything. I arrive with photographs already framed in my mind, and inevitably there are moments I miss or compositions I never quite execute the way I imagined. This year, access was more limited with the memorial closed to the public for much of the day. Still, I was finally able to check off a few photographs I had envisioned for a long time. Most notably the The Oculus at the World Trade Center “wedge of light” around 10:28 a.m. and the preserved markings along the E train corridor.
One of the most unexpected moments happened when I got into a line thinking public access to the memorial area had reopened. Instead, I found myself entering St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. After going through security, the elevated position gave me a completely different view over the memorial. While I was photographing, I suddenly heard a rapid burst of camera shutters behind me. Photographing wildlife, especially eagles at the dam, has taught me that when every camera around you suddenly starts firing, something important just happened. I turned around Archbishop Elpidophoros of America was passing by. I followed the moment as the entourage moved down the steps toward the motorcade. I captured several frames, but still missed the one I wanted most: him walking directly toward me. Another photograph that will probably live in my head longer than it ever lived in my camera.
Later, I headed to Edge more than 1,000 feet above Manhattan, hoping to photograph the city as the light faded. And again, tunnel vision got me. I was so focused on finding a composition for the Tribute in Light that I missed other details I had wanted. The illuminated firefighter helmet and American flag displayed across nearby skyscrapers.
By the time I made it back to the ferry, the schedule had been delayed. Instead of calling it a night, I kept shooting. And maybe that delay was exactly what I needed. The final hours were spent Viewing the New York skyline from across the water, photographing the skyline, the people around me, and finally the Tribute in Light rising above the city. I didn't capture everything I imagined. I probably never will. But looking through the finished collection now, I realize the photographs I came home with tell a different, and perhaps more honest story than the one I had planned. Never Forget — September 11, 25 Years Later is now available to view on SmugMug.
🇺🇸 September 11, 2001–2026. Never Forget.
https://toptobonhamphotography.smugmug.com/Top-to-Bonham-Collection/Photography/Events-Documentary/Never-Forget-September-11-25-Years-Later
Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, New York City continues to remember. This collection documents the 25th anniversary through the people, places, and quiet moments that continue to carry the weight of that day. From American flags hanging inside the Oculus and memorials surrounding Ground....
