Khmer New Year

Every April, I go to the Buddhist Center of New England in Providence to celebrate Khmer New Year with my community. It’s the first Cambodian Buddhist temple in the U.S., and it's where I’ve experienced some of the most grounding and joyful moments of connection—through prayer, food, music, and tradition.

This ongoing photo project isn’t something I formally planned. It started with me simply bringing my camera along—wanting to hold onto these moments that felt important. In additoin to my portraits of friends, family, elders, and people I may not know personally but recognize from year to year, I also photograph the ceremonies, the games, blessings, and other events.

These images are my way of remembering and paying attention—of honoring the mix of sacred ritual and everyday joy that makes this celebration so special.