Taha Sabit is a photographer based in Mombasa, Kenya whose creative journey began in 2018 as a graphics designer in Colombo. After shifting to Mombasa in 2021, photography evolved from just another interest to an integral part of his identity. In this blog, he gives a behind-the-scenes look into volunteering as a photographer at community events and what he has learned through it.
Photos courtesy: Taha Sabit
I did not begin photography with professional equipment or formal training. Like many teenagers, I started with what I had—a curiosity about how moments could be framed, paused, and remembered. I was around fifteen then. Years later, in college in 2017, I handled my first professional camera. I’ll never forget that early assignment—photographing a BMW i8 series. From that day, I took up the trade more seriously and told myself to never stop learning.
How volunteering became part of my journey
After completing college, I moved to Mombasa. I joined the local community’s digital team with the simple intention of contributing where I could. At the time, there was no designated photographer. Naturally, I stepped into the mix, and soon found myself covering a wide range of events—community gatherings, service activities, and outreach programmes.
Over the past few weeks, I covered three very distinct events—a haflat or a cultural program featuring the recitation of the Holy Quran, a mangrove plantation activity, and a medical camp. There might have been some familiar faces in each of them, but they needed to be viewed from a different lens for each one.
Observing from behind the lens
Being behind the lens places you in a curious position. You are present but unobtrusive, involved yet invisible. You watch expressions and gestures quite closely, taking note of the fleeting details that others may not notice.
Behind the scenes: What it takes
But in order to do that professionally, planning is everything. It’s imperative to understand why an event exists before documenting how it looks. Before any event, I try to visualise my angles in advance to avoid blind spots. Each event comes with its own challenges and that is why coordination plays a big role.
Service activities come with unpredictability. The mangrove planting, for example, was not the best place to take a DSLR. Mud everywhere, fast movement, the risk of slipping, damaging gear, and getting exhausted—it requires both mental and physical preparation.
Moments that stayed with me
At the haflat program, there were moments of quiet focus, sudden smiles during breakthroughs, and even light, candid interactions that happened naturally between segments. These are the moments I look for—the kind that make an event feel alive beyond the stage or setup.
At the mangrove planting, the energy was extremely positive. You could see volunteers fully committed, with people helping each other, without hesitation. Different age groups worked side by side—elders and youngsters helping each other for the common cause. The mutual respect between them was powerful to witness.
The medical camp in Mariakani presented a completely different setting.
What stood out there was patience and discipline. As I moved through the camp with my camera, I keenly observed the interactions between doctors and their patients. There were no rushed queues or a race to finish the quota, but a concerted effort to give time and undue attention to each patient. The human connection could be felt.
These weren’t dramatic scenes, but they were powerful. Small but telling moments. Capturing these subtle expressions felt more meaningful than doing any ‘picture perfect’ shoot.
Standing behind the lens in Mariakani made me realise the true value of community service. It is neither loud nor performative, but resonates deeply with its audience.
Why I continue
I love what I do. If my photographs can help tell stories, preserve moments, and inspire even one individual, then the time and effort is worthwhile.
Some of the most meaningful frames are subtle: quiet focus during a supplication, muddy hands planting a sapling, or a calm exchange between a doctor and a patient.
These opportunities blend a variety of lessons in volunteerism in addition to helping me practice my craft. That’s why I continue to volunteer—to learn from fellow community members and be part of something greater than myself.