Crazy Vandigicamers scouting for lanterns in Chinatown.

Last Friday, for the first time, I joined the Vandigicam photography group in attending the Winter Solstice Lantern festival. This year the festival had displayed lanterns and hosted activities in six different neigbourhoods that included: West End, Yaletown, Chinatown, Strathcona, Eastside and Granville Island.

Elizabeth and I, who initiated the Vandigicam walk, decided that Chinatown would be the best neighbourhood to attend since San Yat Sen garden would look dreamy with all the lanterns. Plus its location would be a closer commute for everyone. The group made a pit stop for some hot chocolate before pulling out our tripods and slowly paving our way to the gates of San Yat Sen garden. Luckily it stopped raining thus making our experience even more joyful. Everyone, especially me, was afraid of getting their cameras wet, not mentioning ourselves.

On our way to Chinatown we passed a herd of performers and followers who raised the night's spirit for all things lantern. The evening's activities consisted of a Lantern exhibit at San Yat Sen Garden. Some of the artists whose lantern pieces were displayed and admired were Joey Mallett, Nels Holm, Yoko Tomita and Lena Tan.

My particular favourites, as I slowly made my way through the narrow corridors of the garden, were the floating lilies that glowed in many colours. Many photographers found the lilies to be a particularly difficult shot to take since the flowers didn't stay still and it was very dark that night.

I was also amazed at the elaborate maze of branches and lights being encrypted on the walls once I entered the garden. Lanterns found their place all over the garden among other creations such as glowing pigs and rabbits.

In the indoor showcase rooms there were displays of different quilts adorned with leaves and other fall treats. I often came upon a number of Asian women who were selling beautiful lanterns to enthusiasts. As the night ended all of us in the Vandigicam photowalk realized that we were too tired and to hungry to make it to any of the other nieghbourhoods. I don't think any of us regretted going to Chinatown, because it really did have a spectacular festival vibe that night, and impressive lanterns for our eyes and cameras to gobble at.

If any of you made it to some of the other neighbourhoods that night, I would love to hear about your experience.

I wish everyone a Happy and Safe Holiday!