Two Towers— Part One

Capturing An Amazing— And Emotional— Moment

Each Picturephant Photo Blog provides stories, tips, techniques, and settings. For my photo entitled, “Two Towers,” Part One will tell the story behind the photo, while Part Two will explain the settings and techniques used to capture the moment.

An Incredible Experience

My camera enables me to see things many people can’t see. On May 1, 2018, when I journeyed to see the Statue Of Liberty for the first time, I had an incredibly moving experience.

I will tell more about my Statue Of Liberty experience in a later Blog post. Seeing her from up close was fascinating. But even before I got to Liberty Island, I saw something special.

Statue Of Libery Close-up In Blue Sky May 1, 2018

A close-up of the Statue Of Liberty, showing the iconic crown atop the woman's face, clad in copper that is weathered bright green, amidst a clear blue sky May 1, 2018.

Ellis Island American Flag Waving In Blue Sky May 1, 2018

The Ellis Island American Flag proudly waves in a blue sky, photographed from aboard the Miss New Jersey ferry while docking at Ellis Island May 1, 2018.

Old Glory

One of my goals was to photograph the American Flag in front of Ellis Island, because that was the first American Flag my ancestors and so many others saw when they arrived in America.

The wind that day meant the American Flag blew towards the left as I approached Ellis Island from aboard the Miss New Jersey ferry. To capture the American Flag blowing towards the right, I had to wait for the ferry to pass it.

As the ferry approached the dock, I turned behind to photograph the American Flag standing in front of Ellis Island. I took this wonderful shot of Old Glory.

Then I got something more.

A Surprising Sight Appeared Through My Lens

I stayed zoomed in so I could only see the Flag. As the ferry came close to the dock, I suddenly found One World Trade Center appearing behind the Ellis Island American Flag.

I took this powerful shot of One World Trade Center behind Old Glory.

And then I saw even more.

Close-up Of Ellis Island American Flag In Front Of One World Tra

The American Flag on Ellis Island flies in front of One World Trade Center, photographed from aboard the Miss New Jersey ferry while docking at Ellis Island May 1, 2018.

Two Towers: the American Flag on Ellis Island beside One World Trade Center, surrounded by the Manhattan skyline, photographed from aboard the Miss New Jersey ferry while docking at Ellis Island, May 1, 2018.

Two Towers

I zoomed out to fully take in what I was seeing. It was an incredible sight. I discovered I was looking at Two Towers— One World Trade Center, plus the Ellis Island American Flag right beside at the very same height.

I will never forget that moment.

I share this to remind you to Never Forget everyone we lost on September 11, 2001, and that Freedom is something we must cherish.

We must never, ever forget.

Stay tuned for the Two Towers— Part Two Blog post to learn how I got the shots.

General Settings

Statue Of Liberty: ISO 400, Aperture f11, Shutter Speed 1/640th Second

Ellis Island American Flag: ISO 400, Aperture f11, Shutter Speed 1/640th Second

Ellis Island American Flag And One World Trade Center Close-up: ISO 400, Aperture f9, Shutter Speed 1/1,250th Second

Two Towers— Ellis Island American Flag Beside One World Trade Center: ISO 400, Aperture f9, Shutter Speed 1/1,600th Second

Photo Tips

One may never experience what I saw, because I was at the right place and time on the top deck of a docking ferry as I focused behind me at the Ellis Island Flag while One World Trade Center appeared through my lens. But the main lesson for you to take from this is to be ready to change your settings to capture the moment.

Some believe photography is reactive, where you merely react to what your subjects do. I totally disagree. To be the best photographer you can be, you must be proactive— not reactive. You do this by preparing (dialing in the right settings) and posturing (either keeping yourself still, or in my case using my legs to cushion movement on a docking boat). By being ready with your camera, you can capture what you see rather than merely react to what happens.

Review & Refine! Keep checking your shots to see if your settings are good enough. The more you’re willing to improve your settings, the better a photographer you will be!

atue Of Liberty In Detail May 1, 2018 6-Photo Composite

6 photos show the Statue Of Liberty, including her face, crown, and torch, photographed May 1, 2018.

Experience The Statue of Liberty 5 By 30 Inches Storyteller Photo.

This composite of 6 photos celebrates the Statue Of Liberty in all her glory.

A close-up of an American Flag, revealing the vibrant white stars on the navy blue Canton, or Union, surrounded by a Field of red and white stripes.