Gratitude

A Heartfelt Thank You

The past few years have been overwhelming—marked by uncertainty, conflict, and suffering. People displaced by wars, lives shattered, and each day seemed to bring new challenges. In the midst of it all, I retreated into my art, focusing on personal projects that felt meaningful during such a tumultuous time. Peace, as a concept, seemed distant, and I turned to creation as a way to reflect and find solace. At that point, photographing celebrations was nowhere on my radar.

But as time passed, the weight of the world began to feel heavier, and I realized that my art, which had once been my refuge, was no longer enough. I started to ask myself:

“How can I help? What can I offer that goes beyond my personal work?”

It was in this search that a shift happened.

It all started with Jenya, a true trendsetter of a year. I had photographed her son a couple of years ago for his Christmas cards, but this time, she reached out with a simple request: “Would you photograph my son’s birthday party?” At first, I almost said no—this wasn’t my usual style. But then I paused and thought, Why not? A child’s birthday party seemed like a light, easy way to start. It turned out to be far more than that. It was joyful, energetic, and uplifting in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I realized how much I loved being part of these moments. It was the kind of experience that reminded me what celebration can truly mean.

That shift opened the door to more requests—engagements, henna nights, birthdays—events I never imagined myself photographing. And somehow, it wasn’t just about the photography. People didn’t want me to simply document their celebrations; they trusted me to bring something more to those moments. It’s as if they sensed that I could uncover meaning in these fleeting occasions, even when the world outside felt heavy with turmoil.

Irina’s Korean birthday party was another turning point. During the speeches, I found myself crying. It wasn’t the kind of emotional response I’d expected, but the connection between the people there, their love and gratitude for one another, was deeply moving. Later, Irina sent me a message that stayed with me:

“I am so happy we met. At first, I loved your work, but now I understand that only someone as soulful as you could have created it. Thank you so much for your support yesterday. The girls and I are so grateful to you.”

Her words were a reminder of the power of connection and that, as photographers, what we create goes far beyond images.

And then there was the Turkish henna night in June. After seeing the photos, the groom’s mother offered a blessing:

“Health to your hands.”

She shared it with her daughter-in-law, but its weight reached me nonetheless. It was a meaningful cultural expression, and it reminded me that these moments—whether big or small—hold something timeless and profound. There’s a depth to what we create together, something that lingers beyond the frame.

As I reflect on this year, I feel deeply grateful for the people who have welcomed me into their celebrations, their lives, and their stories. Even in the darkest of times, you’ve shown me that these moments—small yet profound—remind us of the beauty of being alive.

Here’s to the quiet joy of shared moments, the people who make them possible, and the stories we continue to create together.