Beacons of Light: New York Illuminated is a short film I made that captures over 80 illuminated locations across the five boroughs of New York City.
I used a vintage Canon 518 Super 8 camera and shot on Kodak Tri-X Black & White Reversal film.
Coney Island, New York
The film is accompanied by Johnny Cash’s iconic love song, "I Walk the Line."
Filmed over 88 days, every frame was shot only within the 20 minutes of available light before sunrise or nightfall commonly referred to as "magic hour." Over 80 images were captured from 28 neighborhoods, 20 landmarks, 14 parks, 15 Broadway marquees, 12 clocks, 9 bridges and 5 boroughs while utilizing 17 subway lines.
While editing "Beacons of Light", several locations that appear in the film have either relocated, transformed or disappeared. They include the Cheyenne Diner, The P&G Bar & Grille, the New York Magazine Building Clock and the former New York Times globe lights and digital clock from the West 43rd Street location.
New York Times Building Globe Light
