We'd planned to go to the 9/11 memorial this morning, but with the guys not making it, I was able to get an early flight out today. They honored our tickets, though, and Junko and I spent time there yesterday afternoon. I hadn't thought about it being Valentines Day and what was already a very emotional site -- literally brings tears to your eyes as you walk from security into the area -- was made more so seeing the white and red roses on a few of the names. Individuals' names are inscribed on the flat sloped surface atop the low wall that surrounds what amounts to the grave site of the nearly 3000 lost. The fountain flows in levels deep into the ground that is the site of the footprint of original twin towers. The overall area outside the memorial and One World Trade, the completed building, is a major construction zone. To get to the memorial, we went through security set up like an airport's. It was very sobering. A broader view is in my main album - http://365project.org/taffy/365/2014-02-14. Also, check out Junko's two shots in her albums for additional scenes and takes on our time there: http://365project.org/jyokota/365/2014-02-14 and http://365project.org/jyokota/challenges-and/2014-02-14
I'll be catching up over the rest of the weekend and just wanted to say a quick thank you for your amazing support that led to my snowflake as one on the Top Twenty this week (and my brooklyn bridge shot, taken on the photowalk with Michael, Adam, and Junko. I was walking on clouds as a result!
In August of 2001 my husband and I took our motorcycle out west to get married at the Grand Canyon. On the way we stopped at the Oklahoma City Memorial. It was hotter than I have ever experienced...literally...and yet I could not tear myself away. We didn't even go inside to the exhibit with the life size portraits of the victims because I was sure that I could not handle that. I was sobbing just being outside reading the messages on the wall (one was artwork from a little girl who should have been in the daycare, but stayed over an extra day at her grandma's house...much to her mother's chagrin at the time). There were so many stories like that...people who should have been there and were not, and unfortunately vice versa.
Even though I knew no one involved, it was just such an incredibly, emotionally charged place...the large and small chairs, representing the adults and the children who died, a part of the structure that still stands called the survivor wall with all the names of the survivors on it, and then it the middle of all that angst, the peaceful shallow pool of constantly running water.
When I got home from the trip I made a scrapbook of the entire trip and on the pages of Oklahoma City I remember writing that it was the largest terrorist attack on our soil (because at the time it was). September 11th was less than three weeks later...
I haven't been there yet, even though I only live an hour away...I just can't even imagine, even after all these years. This time around I did know people, people who died that day and thereafter due to their involvement in the surrounding area. And, people who lived through it and have to live with that memory for the rest of their lives. From what I have seen it is a very beautiful memorial...maybe some day I will finally get there!
Ooh that brings back so many memories, lost some good friends in that event. Bawled like a child when I took my wife to see the site. Even made a NY policemen cry with me.
@padlock I'm so sorry to hear this. It was hard for me and I did not know anyone who lost their life that day. Only second and third hand connections. It would be gut wrenching to be there are see the name of a loved one or friend.
@luvmynynix Laurie, I can't even imagine what this must have been like for you. It was so moving and emotional not knowing anyone. It would be so much harder if you were visiting the remains of a loved one or friend. But it is important, sometime I think, for you to get there as it is a beautiful place and there is a somewhat unusual sense of serenity and peace -- odd given the circumstances and the sequence of security to go into the area.
Beautiful shot; the DOF and processing are perfect. Must have been very moving. Looking forward to being get-pushed partners this week, no idea what to challenge you with though. Will start thinking.
@luvmynynix Laurie, back around the same time frame (~2000) I was considering a move to OKC and was there house hunting. I ended up not moving there. I new people who worked in OKC during the blast and they called me in California to tell me that they heard it from Midwest City (suburb). While I was there, I did go through the Memorial, and I quietly wept the entire time I was in there. Such a memorable moment for me. Thank you for your memories and thank you Taffy for the picture.
Taffy, congratulations on the double TT!!! So incredibly exciting, and so well deserved! I recognized the snowflake the minute I saw it, and I was so glad to see it had made it to #1! The Brooklyn Bridge photo was superb....so worth going to NYC, even though the rest of the week did not work out as you planned.
The 9/11 memorials site is one of the saddest places on earth, and it is hard to not get emotional walking around the building footprint/fountain....you captured it so well in this picture....almost like a giant headstone for 3000+ people!
Such a perfect rose, well captured, and a fitting tribute to a deceased beloved on Valentine's Day. I love how our two photos are such great companion pieces. And thanks for the shout-out . . . I hope others will enjoy seeing how our experiences were individual, yet parallel.
@mara19500 Thanks Mara! I actually think the focus on b&w has been a powerful instructional / growth experience. I can feel how thinking about form, structure, texture spills into my thinking even with a color photo now. I'm increasingly envious of your tutor and learning!
@jyokota Thanks Junko! It is great to do a photo walk and then be able to see each other's takes on the things we've chosen to photograph as well as how we do it. We share a lot of similar preferences and yet our photos are rarely exactly the same, even when we are standing next to each other. Given how much I love your work, it's wonderful to be able to compare, talk it through, and learn from you! (or from each other!).
@panthora Thanks so much Osia! You have been a wonderful supporter of my work and I really appreciate it. And you are so on target in capturing how much the beauty of the fountain still conveys that sense of solemnity of a cemetery. It was quite an unusual experience -- I'm so grateful I was able to be there in person. I'd like to continue to visit when I can as I suspect with each additional building, it will feel different.
@rvwalker Ross, it is a hard visit, but it feels 'right' when you are there. All these people who lost their lives for being at the wrong place at the wrong time, and those who lost their lives simply because they were doing their jobs, all the families whose lives were irrevocably changed in an instant...in some ways, each visit is a reminder to us all and a message that they are remembered.
In August of 2001 my husband and I took our motorcycle out west to get married at the Grand Canyon. On the way we stopped at the Oklahoma City Memorial. It was hotter than I have ever experienced...literally...and yet I could not tear myself away. We didn't even go inside to the exhibit with the life size portraits of the victims because I was sure that I could not handle that. I was sobbing just being outside reading the messages on the wall (one was artwork from a little girl who should have been in the daycare, but stayed over an extra day at her grandma's house...much to her mother's chagrin at the time). There were so many stories like that...people who should have been there and were not, and unfortunately vice versa.
Even though I knew no one involved, it was just such an incredibly, emotionally charged place...the large and small chairs, representing the adults and the children who died, a part of the structure that still stands called the survivor wall with all the names of the survivors on it, and then it the middle of all that angst, the peaceful shallow pool of constantly running water.
When I got home from the trip I made a scrapbook of the entire trip and on the pages of Oklahoma City I remember writing that it was the largest terrorist attack on our soil (because at the time it was). September 11th was less than three weeks later...
I haven't been there yet, even though I only live an hour away...I just can't even imagine, even after all these years. This time around I did know people, people who died that day and thereafter due to their involvement in the surrounding area. And, people who lived through it and have to live with that memory for the rest of their lives. From what I have seen it is a very beautiful memorial...maybe some day I will finally get there!
Thank you for this!
The 9/11 memorials site is one of the saddest places on earth, and it is hard to not get emotional walking around the building footprint/fountain....you captured it so well in this picture....almost like a giant headstone for 3000+ people!