There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when the sun begins to dip and a community gathers, lanterns in hand, ready to bring a little light into the evening. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing my local community's lantern parade for the second time – one of those events where the ordinary streets of your town that you know so well are transformed into something dreamlike.
As the parade formed, children clutched their handmade lanterns, each one unique – paper globes, delicate stars, and whimsical sea animal shapes, glowing from within. Families chatted and laughed, kids ran and played in the lengthening light, our volunteers got prepared.
We listened to our welcome to country, participated in a pre parade story time and gathered in the late afternoon, all waiting in the moment for the parade to start. The golden light of late afternoon gave way to twilight, and suddenly the colours grew richer, the lanterns glowing brighter against the deepening blues and pinks of the sky.
For me as a photographer, the challenge and the joy was capturing both the community spirit and the quiet beauty of light in motion set against the quickly changing light. The contrast of warm lanterns against the warm dusk, the silhouettes of people walking together, and the sense of togetherness and community were all moments I wanted to hold onto.
What struck me most was how this simple act – carrying light through the streets – brought people together. There was a hush of wonder as the lanterns swayed and flickered, reminding us that light has always been a way of connecting, of celebrating, of bringing hope.
Events like these are reminders of why I love photographing communities. Every lantern told a story, every face carried joy and pride, and every step was part of something larger than itself.
