86 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Rising along the east bank of the Niger River, the Three Sisters Hills mark the highest points in Niamey and serve as a defining feature of the city’s natural landscape. This photograph was captured during an Embassy River Walk, a cherished routine from a time when the security situation permitted more exploration. A quiet yet striking presence along the riverbank, the hills offer a beautiful reminder of the natural wonders that surround Niger’s capital. n Kalub Emmons is the office management specialist in the Front Office of U.S. Embassy Niamey, his first posting. Prior to joining the Foreign Service in 2024, he spent 15 years as an FS family member, working in Jakarta, Pretoria, Guatemala City, Shanghai, and Lilongwe. While primarily focused on wildlife photography, he also enjoys capturing expansive scenic landscapes, using his lens to share his love for the natural world and the unique environments his work allows him to experience. He took this photograph in May 2025 with a Canon 7D Mark II. Please submit your favorite, recent photograph to be considered for Local Lens. Images must be high resolution (at least 300 dpi at 8” x 10”, or 1 MB or larger) and must not be in print elsewhere. Include a short description of the scene/event as well as your name, brief biodata, and the type of camera used. Send to locallens@afsa.org. BY KALUB EMMONS n NIAMEY, NIGER LOCAL LENS
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