Celebrating Light

As someone who uses light to tell visual stories, Diwali—known as the festival of light—presents a unique opportunity to work with warm, sparkling light and deep, expressive shadows. This interplay of light and shadow mirrors the cultural significance of light overcoming darkness. For this series, I aimed to capture the essence of 'celebrating light' by using it expressively to highlight the opulence of vibrant colors, intricate textures, and the rich cultural symbolism of Diwali.

The scene is set in unapologetically Indian colors and textiles—bold saffrons, rich reds, and vibrant yellows that speak to the cultural vibrancy of Diwali. These colors aren't just decorative; they are steeped in tradition, each shade and texture carefully selected to evoke warmth, abundance, and festivity.

By layering traditional Indian elements—textured fabrics, decorative diyas, and opulent serving trays—Stylist Christy Day and I set out to create images that felt both intimate and grand, honoring Diwali's spirit of celebration.