As a Indian I can say , The Paro Festival is a photographer’s paradise. The explosion of colors, the dramatic mask dances, the traditional dress, the Dzong’s architecture, and the emotion in every movement — it’s all incredibly photogenic. I was especially drawn to capturing the expressions of the performers mid-dance and the backdrop of the Himalayas framing the festival courtyard. The early morning light during the Thongdrel ceremony made for perfect golden hour shots. The challenge was respecting local customs while photographing — thankfully, the locals were incredibly gracious. For any travel or cultural photographer, this event is a visual and cultural masterpiece.