For years, I’ve attended the Atlanta Mayor’s Eid Celebration with a camera in hand—there to serve a client, ensure every moment was captured, and deliver a complete visual story of the evening.
This time was different.
I was invited by Soumaya Khalifa of the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta, and instead of working the event, my wife, Dorie Griggs, and I were there simply as guests.
And I have to tell you—I loved the event even more.
From Assignment to Experience
When you’re hired to photograph something, your mindset is different. You’re constantly asking:
Did I get everything?
Did I cover every speaker?
Did I anticipate the key moments?
It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and it shapes how I move through an event.
But this time, I didn’t carry that weight.
Yes, I brought a camera. That’s just part of who I am. But I wasn’t there to deliver a complete package. I was there to experience the evening—and respond to it.
The Atlanta Mayor’s Eid celebration, often hosted at City Hall in partnership with the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta (ISB), is an annual event celebrating Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. The reception brings together city leaders, interfaith representatives, and the local Muslim community to foster unity, dialogue, and appreciation for the local Muslim community.
The Atlanta Mayor’s Eid celebration, often hosted at City Hall in partnership with the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta (ISB), is an annual event celebrating Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. The reception brings together city leaders, interfaith representatives, and the local Muslim community to foster unity, dialogue, and appreciation for the local Muslim community.
What Changed Behind the Camera
As I reviewed my images afterward, something stood out.
I didn’t shoot nearly as much as I normally would.
And yet… the story was still there.
The moments I captured weren’t driven by obligation—they were driven by connection. I photographed what moved me. What caught my attention. What felt meaningful in the moment.
And somehow, those images still communicated the story of the evening—maybe even more honestly—because they reflected my experience, not just the assignment.
The Atlanta Mayor’s Eid celebration, often hosted at City Hall in partnership with the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta (ISB), is an annual event celebrating Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. The reception brings together city leaders, interfaith representatives, and the local Muslim community to foster unity, dialogue, and appreciation for the local Muslim community.
A Night of Purposeful Connection
Hearing Soumaya Khalifa speak about the mission behind ISB reminded me how intentional this work has been over the years—creating space for understanding across cultures and faiths.
The event itself, supported by Andre Dickens for the past five years, continues to bring together a wide cross-section of Atlanta’s community. And with April Okpwae guiding the evening, there was a sense of warmth and inclusion that made everyone feel part of the story.
What stood out most wasn’t just the program—it was the room.
The diversity. The conversations. The shared experience.
A Reminder About Storytelling
This night gave me a fresh reminder about storytelling—one I didn’t expect.
When I’m working for a client, my role is to be thorough. To make sure nothing is missed.
But when I’m simply present… I see differently.
I don’t chase every moment. I wait for the ones that matter to me.
And those moments still tell the story.
Maybe that’s the balance we’re all trying to find—not just as photographers, but as communicators. Knowing when to cover everything… and when to simply experience it.
Because sometimes, the most honest story is the one you feel first—and photograph second.