Exhibit shows 'selfie spectacle' at 9/11 Memorial

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - Photographer Bob Leonard spent a year coming to the National September 11th Memorial in Manhattan. He saw mostly tourist taking pictures and selfies. That is what triggered him to capture the moment and is now displaying 59 photos at the SoHo Photo Gallery.

Leonard is calling his work "Memorialized." The artist says people are looking at the site where nearly 3,000 people lost their lives as a tourist destination. The pictures speak louder than words, he says.

He called it a "bizarre situation" and a "spectacle." He blames the design of the memorial and not being conducive for reflection.

Michael Burke, who came to see the photo gallery, has a special connection to the memorial. His brother, Captain Billy Burke of FDNY Engine Company 21, lost his life on 9/11. When Burke sees these photos he doesn't blames those who are taking them but the person who designed it.

Our camera captured tourist taking selfies and other photos. Tourists we spoke to say they respect this place and the reason they take photos is to take home a piece of history.

"Memorialize" will be on display until the end of September at the SoHo Photo Gallery.