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🇳🇵 Nepal /Culture & Society

Finding community through photowalks

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • A photography tradition in Nepal, started 19 years ago by Om Prakash Yadav, continues to bring enthusiasts together for photowalks.
  • These walks, initially informal gatherings, evolved into organized events that document local lifestyles, culture, and nature across Nepal.
  • Photowalks provide a platform for knowledge sharing, community building, and have served as a career starting point for many emerging photographers.

Nineteen years ago, a passion for photography and knowledge sharing sparked a tradition in Nepal that continues to thrive today. Om Prakash Yadav, then a graphic designer and programmer, began teaching colleagues about digital photography, leading to informal Saturday morning photowalks at Pashupatinath.

Fun, food and photography,” Yadav says, “in that order.

— Om Prakash YadavYadav describes the informal priorities of the photowalks.

These gatherings, characterized by "fun, food and photography," soon became a sustained tradition, requiring no formal committee or fees. Yadav, recalling his own early struggles with a lack of guidance, was driven to ensure emerging photographers had support. This led to the first formal photowalk in Khokana in 2007, with the tradition evolving in frequency over the years.

At the time, we used to converse through emails for information,” he says. “Now, with the overwhelming participation, the methods and mediums have changed.

— Om Prakash YadavYadav reflects on the evolution of communication and participation in the photowalks.

As interest grew, the initiative was named 'PhotoWalk Nepal.' Yadav and his team expanded their scope, capturing nature, wildlife, and culture across various regions of Nepal, from the Kathmandu Valley to Chitwan and Lumbini. These expeditions not only strengthened bonds among participants but also highlighted stark differences in lifestyles outside the capital.

Moving beyond Kathmandu valley, we notice stark differences in lifestyles,” he says. “Bonding between the participants, too, becomes stronger.

— Om Prakash YadavYadav discusses the impact of expanding photowalks beyond the capital.

Beyond documenting everyday life, festivities, and historical sites, the photowalks serve as an archive of Nepal's culture. Yadav also collaborates with brands like Nikon Nepal to provide equipment and publishes a magazine called 'Frame' to showcase the captured moments. For many young photographers, like Sukarya Lal Shrestha, these photowalks have been a crucial starting point, fostering a community and launching their careers.

In this sense, we can provide the archives that we have collected since 2007,” Yadav says. “We notice the differences, exchange personal memories and make the gatherings more than mere photo walks.

— Om Prakash YadavYadav explains the archival and community-building aspects of the photowalks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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