On Thursday, February 12, 2026, I attended the Walk for Peace in Washington, D.C. I had heard about the walk and decided I wanted to experience it in person rather than see photos from the day circulate on my social media feed. In the days leading up to it, I had been following the monks’ journey to D.C. and tracking their planned arrival.
I packed a few rolls of film along with my Nikon N80 and Nikon D750. I knew I wanted to photograph the monks as they walked, but I also wanted to be respectful and give them space. They had a purpose, and I didn’t want to interrupt or interfere with it. I found a spot along the route where I could stand back and observe without feeling like I was in the way.
The city didn’t stop for the walk, but it seemed to soften around it. Photographing the walk required a different kind of patience than I’m used to. Photographing the walk required a different kind of patience than I’m used to. There was no rushing to capture a moment before it disappeared. Instead, moments revealed themselves slowly, often in subtle ways. A pause in movement. A turn of fabric in the wind. The way people watching gradually fell silent. I found myself taking fewer photos than I normally would, waiting until something felt right rather than trying to document everything.
Instead of keeping the camera in my face the entire time, I put it down to bow and watch for a few moments. I wanted to be present for the moment. By the time the walk passed through and continued on, I felt more like a witness than a participant. There was no clear ending, no signal that it was time to move on. Eventually, people drifted away, conversations picked back up, and the city returned to its usual rhythm. But the feeling of stillness lingered a little longer. I left with a small set of images and a deeper appreciation for moments that ask you to slow down, observe, and simply be present.
My favorite part of the gathering was the presence of flowers, brought by people as a symbol of reconciliation, harmony, and the desire for peace. Some shared them freely, while others held onto them quietly. Next time, I'll remember to bring flowers.
Add comment
Comments