A Thanksgiving Spent Behind the Lens

Thanksgiving looked a little different for me this year.

Living in Rwanda means the holiday comes and goes quietly, no parades on TV, no scent of turkey drifting through the neighborhood, no familiar rhythm of family gatherings. But this year, November 27th brought something new: I was hired to work as a professional photographer for an event.

To be honest, I was nervous. Really nervous.

Even after all these years with a camera in my hands, I still have moments where I doubt myself, where I wonder if I’m good enough, skilled enough, or creative enough to meet the expectations placed on me. This job fell squarely into that space. A holiday that wasn’t really a holiday here, spent doing work I love but am often insecure about.

But I showed up.

I took a deep breath.

And I gave it everything I had.

The event was full of energy and emotion, and once I started shooting, the nerves began to settle. I found myself in that familiar flow, watching moments unfold, anticipating reactions, and capturing the connections that make an event feel alive. By the end of the day, I felt grateful in a way that surprised me. Grateful for the opportunity, for the trust placed in me, and for the reminder that growth often lives just on the other side of self-doubt.

Now the photos are edited and delivered, and all I can do is hope the client is happy with the results. I know I put my heart into it. And maybe, in its own quiet way, that’s what this year’s Thanksgiving was about, showing up, giving my best, and being thankful for the chance to do what I love, even when it scares me a little.