Ever hear about Rainbow Gatherings? They're temporary community events typically held in outdoor settings; a place where people practice ideals like peace, love and harmony. The original Rainbow Gathering was in 1972 and was started as an alternative to mainstream popular culture. In the United States, the annual event is held on National Forest land from July 1 through 7. The highlight is when everyone gathers together in a large circle, and each person prays silently for peace.

After going to Rainbow Gatherings for several years, self-taught Canadian photographer and art director Benoit Paill got permission to take portraits of his “brothers and sisters.”

“The pictures you see are very precious since photography is not usually allowed during the event,” he says.

Over the last three years, Paill captured these moments at Rainbow Gatherings across Spain, Canada, and Mexico.







































Benoit Paill on: Flickr, deviantART, Behance