Debra L. Rothenberg Photography

07/06/2026

So glad I got to see Mariska Hargitay on Broadway in Every Brilliant Thing. Yesterday’s performance, her last, had a special guest- her super nice and handsome husband, Peter Hermann. People used my photo of them from last year

Mariska Hargitay’s husband Peter Hermann appeared in the actress' final 'Every Brilliant Thing' Broadway show in New York City on Sunday, July 5. Hermann's surprise cameo saw him appear as the character Sam, with Hermann proposing to his wife in one scene.

07/04/2026

The Patrouille de France perform a flyover during the Sail4th 250 Tall Ships Parade up the Hudson River on 04 July 2026 in New York City. Billed as the largest maritime gathering in U.S. history, hundreds of ships and boats are participating in the days-long event to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary.

07/04/2026

Last night I watched a special 250th celebration of the USA with David Muir from the Statue of Liberty. He climbed up to the torch, a part that has been closed oft people for years. A few months ago, I was talking with another photographer and we were saying how fortunate we are to have the careers we do-we have met people we never would have, we have been to places most people can never go to, and we have had access to places many don’t. Having grown up in Bergen County, New Jersey, I think my first time going to the Statue of Liberty was probably when I was 5 years old and in Kindergarten.

I know I have been many times but one time stands out and David Muir sparked my memory while watching last night. In 2000, I was a photographer for the NYPD. My assignment one weekend was to spend it it a Make A Wish Kid and his family-his older sister, and his parents The boy was young-under 10. Make A Wish is for terminally ill children and it grants them their last wish. His wish was to meet a Mounted Policeman-one who rides a horse. Well..the NYPD really pulled OUT everything for this boy and his family. We went to Ellis Island, which was closed down for everyone except his family. We went to Radio City Music Hall where he met the Rockets. He rode on a horse with a mounted Policeman. He was given a Police Uniform. We rode in a helicopter over NYC. But the highlight was Liberty Island which was closed to all but the family. We went p to the torch and I remember the spiral staircase and the ladder to the torch. I didn’t think we were going to be able to go up, and quite honestly, I didn’t want to-the ladder or any ladder just isn’t in my comfort zone. But I didn’t have a choice and I knew I would regret it. The Statue of Liberty worker went first, then to little boy, then me, then a cop behind me. I don’t remember anyone being up there except me and the boy and it was terrifying and exhilarating. Getting down was a whole ‘other story. I was shooting film at this time and how I wish I had them make me prints-the family got all the prints.

Being married to a man who flies a helicopter has also been nice to be able to get aerials of Lady Liberty.

Lady Liberty has always been a beautiful sight to me, and always will be.

Just a few photos of Lady Liberty from throughout the years.

06/28/2026

Melanie Martinez performed to a packed, energetic crowd at the Today Show on Friday. MANY camped out overnight to see her and everyone sang along
on assignment for Getty Images Entertainment

06/22/2026

Legendary record producer Clive Davis has died at age 94
RIP

06/15/2026

Like almost everyone I know in NYC, we all have a Bill Ritter story. I am an ABC Eyewitness News gal-this has always been my favorite station and even though I love all the news casters, Bill Ritter was one of my favorites. Being a photographer in NYC, I have had the pleasure of meeting him, photographing him, and talking to him. He was always so personable, so pleasant. It is so easy to tell how all those on .com really love one another. I remember literally running into Bill and telling him how handsome he was. I think I said “you get more handsome as you age” and he actually blushed. He also shared a birthday with my Father so I had to mention that.
I was devastated the other night when he announced live on tv that he was stepping down, and that he has early onset Alzheimers. I cried for him, his family, and for this awful disease that took my Mother from the Earth 13 years ago but took her brain 23 years ago. I hope medicine has progressed since then and that somehow, it won’t get any worse.
Mr Ritter-thank you for years on Eyewitness News, for being the kind man you are, for making stories compelling, and for always being so gracious. And now-thank you for bringing another HUGE voice to this awful disease that hits TOO many families.

06/14/2026

MANY years ago when I was 22 and just starting my professional career as a photographer, I was sitting watching a softball game in Central Park and a bunch of people were on the risers near me. I remember one of them telling another they saw a photo of his in a magazine, and he kept asking about the photo and said "I don't even remember taking that." The others were saying they wish they had that problem-not remembering a photo they took that was in a magazine. I was nodding in agreement and one asked me "are you a photographer too?" and I remember saying "yes, and there will never be a day when a photo I took is in a magazine and I don't remember taking it."

Well..it has happened MANY times-including today. This image was taken EXACTLY one year ago last night-the same date the NY Knicks won the championship. Thanks to my friend, fellow photographer Jessica, for telling me Us Weekly ran my photo of Mariska Hargitay with Ali Marks Brunson and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks today.

CONGRATS to the Knicks. What a game!!!

06/14/2026

JALEN!!!!

06/12/2026

Niall Horan performs live on Today Show summer concert series this am. On assignment for Getty Images Entertainment Getty Images

06/11/2026

pretty sure no one will think about breaking into this car