One of his most recognised photos was taken on September 11, 2001. It shows a group of young New Yorkers hanging out by the Brooklyn waterfront, seemingly unfazed as smoke billows from the World Trade Center behind them. The image sparked a lot of debate about what it means to capture a moment in time. Hoepker later shared, “I think the image has touched many people exactly because it remains fuzzy and ambiguous in all its sun-drenched sharpness.”
Hoepker’s photography is more than just snapshots - they’re often a window into the human experience. His unique blend of empathy and honesty has influenced countless photographers over the years. As he put it, “Taking good pictures is one thing, but once in a while you have to go beyond and do something meaningful.” Thomas passed away earlier this year, but his work continues to inspire and reminds us how much power a single photograph can hold.
Source: Magnum Photos