New York City sunsets (especially in summer) can be a sight to behold, with the unique cityscape creating and incredible backdrop to watch the sky pop. But twice a year the sun perfectly aligns between the giant skyscrapers to cast an amazing beam of light that draws people out to the streets, halting traffic as people watch the sun sets down the Manhattan grid.

I had the privilege of participating in the Second Annual FDNY Foundation Climb to SUMMIT at One Vanderbilt. As someone who runs regularly, I thought I was prepared for the challenge, but nothing could have fully prepared me for what it truly meant to climb 1,500 steps—92 stories—inside one of New York City's tallest buildings.

If you’ve experienced Manhattanhenge in the summer, you’ve witnessed the stunning sight of the sun aligning perfectly with the city’s east-west streets. But did you know there’s a reverse Manhattanhenge that happens every winter, when the sun rises and aligns with the grid in the opposite direction?

The 2024 Global Citizen Festival will forever stand out in my memory—not just as a fan of music, but as someone who had the chance to witness and capture these moments so close to so many incredible artists. It was an experience I won’t soon forget, and I can only hope it’s the first of many years photographing the Global Citizen Festival.