Photographing culturally important events can be daunting, especially when doing so as a spectator rather than hired professional. This was the case when the family attended the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi (powwow) in Shakopee, Minnesota this summer.

My first goal when photographing any event is to be respectful to the hosts and to the event itself. In most instances where I’m hired, etiquette is straightforward–or at least familiar to me–at this point, having worked professionally for so long.

The Wacipi has something for all the senses–music and singing from the drum circle, the spectacle of the dances, the smell of the food. It was also unlike anything I had ever encountered, and I found myself hesitant to make pictures. Was it “my” place to do so? After some encouragement from a participant, I found my little spot at the side of the arena, in the shadow of a trash can, and started making pictures.