2025 Peterson Literary Fund Awards: A Day of Truth, Gear Talk, and Howard G. Buffett

Most people know Howard G. Buffett as a global philanthropist and the Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. To me, after covering the 2025 Peterson Literary Fund Awards, he’s a fellow photographer who understands the weight of a single frame.

It’s rare in this industry that a professional booking evolves into a genuine connection, but between the high-pressure environment of a diplomatic awards gala, a fast-paced book signing, and our shared passion for the craft, Howard and I quickly found common ground. We spent as much time discussing our respective experiences on the ground in Ukraine and the eternal “Nikon vs. Canon” debate as we did navigating the day’s demanding schedule.

The “Nikon Joke” that Broke the Ice

The day started at the historic Old Mill Toronto with a Board VIP lunch and book signing. I was gathering the board members—including Lisa Shymko and Bohdan Leshchyshen—for a group photo. As I was dialing in my settings, Howard looked at my gear and asked, “What camera?”

When I said “Nikon,” he didn’t miss a beat. He turned to the entire room and joked, “Don’t worry everyone, the photo won’t even come out—it’s a Nikon.” We all had a laugh, and that was the spark. He told me he used to be a Nikon shooter, but when he was heading out on safari and needed a serious 800mm telephoto, he’d been steered toward Canon by some sports photographer friends. He made the jump for the glass, but admitted he still misses the look and feel of his Nikons.

Two Photographers, One Conflict

During the signing for his book, Courage of a Nation: Three Years of War, our talk shifted from gear to the ground. We compared our separate experiences traveling to Ukraine during the invasion and the sheer strength of the people there. I told him that his own photos—captured on over 20 trips to the front lines—inspire me to return to Ukraine. His response was immediate: “You need to go back, Nick.”

When the lunch wrapped, I wanted to offer something more than just a “thank you.” I gifted him a military patch I had obtained during my own time in Ukraine in 2023. He seemed genuinely shocked—and in the best way possible—but at the same time he expressed his disappointment he didnt’t have something to give in return, to which I said “maybe you’ve given me enough, Howard”.

From VIP Cocktails to the Awards Gala

Later, at the VIP cocktail meet and greet, that personal connection went public. Howard went out of his way to thank me for the gift in front of the entire room of diplomats and VIP’s. It was right there that he presented me with my two Challenge Coins.

The energy stayed high as the main gala began. As a Toronto event photographer, I’m used to high-profile rooms, but this was a powerhouse. I documented Ali Velshi (MSNBC) leading a fireside chat with Howard and framed shots of world-renowned historian Timothy Snyder (author of On Freedom), who was recognized with a 2025 Translated Book Award.

Seeing Minister Anita Anand and Consul General Oleh Nikolenko address the room added a layer of diplomatic weight to the night that you only find in a city as globally connected as Toronto. From Janusz Bugajski’s Failed State to Kateryna Zarembo’s Ukrainian Sunrise, the night was a reminder that literature and photography are vital fronts in the defense of truth.

A Lasting Impression

The story didn’t end when the lights went down at the Old Mill Toronto. About a week later, a box arrived at my studio—a surprise follow-up that I certainly didn’t expect. Inside was a collection of 15 different Challenge Coins and a set of Howard’s photo books, including more of his work documenting global resilience.

In the world of event photography, we often talk about ‘capturing the moment’, but sometimes, the moment captures you. Leaving the Peterson Literary Fund Awards with a new friend and these symbols of respect was a reminder that authenticity is the most important lens we have.

Related Coverage: Read the full recap of the 2025 Peterson Literary Fund Gala via Homin Newspaper.“