it's time for diwali.

one of the best assignments i've gotten in a long time. i got to photograph the annual diwali show in stockton, and it was incredible. i was bummed that the only assignment for the holiday was a performance, but it turned out pretty sweet. every year, about 90 kids in the indian community get together with friends and family to learn traditional (and sometimes not-so-traditional) dances and musical instruments, and around the time of diwali, they perform what they've learned about their culture in front of an audience of friends, family, and community members.

i got there about an hour before the show started, and spent most of the time shooting backstage. you couldn't ask for a more visual assignment! everyone was in costume, backstage rehearsing, running around... it was madness, but a calculated madness.

and i can't believe that it's all kid-driven.
makes me think this could be a pretty sweet little photo story for next year if i can find a group of kids rehearsing through the year, and follow them through until next diwali show... but we'll see.