NATIONAL 9 (Spotlight Weelky)]

Snapshots Of Culture

A new breed of photographers struggles to depict the country’s traditions and heritage

By AKSHAY SHARMA

A team of young Nepalese photographers is entering an arena largely occupied by members of an older generation. Today more people are using the camera in many more ways than, say, 10 years ago. Experts say that nine out of 10 of those who handle the camera are people who are either convinced of their artistic bearings, already are professional photographers, or are confident of the potential photographers lurking behind them.

Thirty photographers participated in a nationwide photo competition and festival that was organized in the capital recently. Ashesh Dongol walked away with the first prize of Rs 15,000 for his work titled "Sacrifice of the snake on the day of Balachaturdashi". Shree Prakash Bajracharya won the second prize of Rs 3,000 for his "Bisket Festival with Lingo (the tower)". Suman Maharjan’s "Ornament Searching Festival" bagged the third prize of Rs 2000.

Trophies, certificates and special prizes were awarded to 10 photographers. Their works were on exhibition at Baggikhana, Patan Dhoka for five days. The venue then moved to Pahen Chhen, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and then to Brikutimandap, Kathmandu.

Ashesh Dongol spoke to SPOTLIGHT on how he was drawn to photography. "My elder brother was very interested in photography. My father had bought for him a Pentax camera. I can’t remember the model. That was the first camera I used."

He added: "I admired my brother’s photographs, especially his night photography. Even when I was in school, I used to spend all my lunch money on buying postcards. At first, 50 percent of my photographs was spoilt. But one learns from experience. I remember I used to use a Rollei camera." Rollei has certain features that are quite unique compared to other cameras. It’s fully manual and the flash is attached at the bottom of the camera, unlike other cameras that have their flashes on the top."

When asked about the scope for photographers in the country, he said: "If you want to be a professional and pursue the field seriously, there is definitely a big scope in photography. Photographers in Nepal do not take their work seriously. And the general public would rather just snap away with automatic cameras and hang them on the wall, instead of buying photographs these days. I have been taking photography seriously for the past one and half years since our team was registered."

The team, called "The Neo- Generation", also includes Prashanta Shrestha, Kishor Maharjan, Kusal Bajracharya, Chandra Man Maharjan, Manil Shahi and Bhuwan Bhochibhoya.

The aim of the exhibition was to enhance the inner skills of photographers, to broaden the scope and develop professionalism in photography, to provide windows to up and coming photographers, and to promote internal tourism. The festival was the first of its kind.

"I always used to admire my elder brother’s photographs and still wonder how he shot them. My target is to do something for Nepal aside from enhancing my own skills," Ashesh said. "Photos help give us a true insight into Nepalese culture. Our culture seems to be disintegrating. The panoramic scenes of Nepal are truly worth being photographed."

Asked what he does before taking a shot, Ashesh said: "I build a concept before I take a picture. I frame the shot in my mind and just snap away using all the means of being an artist. Photography is an addiction. And it’s a simple task of capturing light and playing with it. Going through photographic training does not help enhance your skill. It’s all up to you."

Ashesh uses a Nikon FE now to capture images, but still considers himself an amateur photographer. He says young photographers face their own set of problems. "Some of our photographs were stolen at the exhibition in Bhaktapur. The Free-lance Photojournalist Association has helped us. It’s hard to find sponsors."

Those interested in helping the team can contact members at kissori@email.com