 KIRAN PANDAY |
Thousands of people, many of them tourists, take pictures of Nepal every day. As someone who has lived here and understands the place better than many visitors, what would you encourage photographers to portray of Nepal?
Nepal is a country of great splendour and history. The landscape is majestic, and the people are beautiful and very colourful. The old towns are full of interesting houses and highly decorated temples. There is a lot to photograph. The challenge is to show Nepal from new angles, and to portray the issues of development in society. Photography is a very important medium, and should be used to open up people's eyes to the challenges and changes in society.
What is the state of Nepali photography?
In collaboration with photo.circle, the Embassy of Denmark together with the Danish School of Media and Journalism in Denmark will establish a Photographers' School in Kathmandu. Interest in photography is growing, and educational facilities are needed for budding photographers.
What role can photography play in Nepal?
Photography and photojournalism are very important media elements to document and describe what is taking place in the country and society. With electronic media to disseminate images, powerful pictures can play a more important role than the written word.
Do you ever imagine being here, or anywhere else, purely as a photographer rather than a diplomat?
Since I was a small boy I have enjoyed taking photos, and I am still very happy about this hobby. It is a very useful hobby to have as a diplomat because through the lens, I can see in a more concentrated way the country and society I live in. I try to capture the characteristics of the people and country, and also portray the differences with my own society. When I retire � in the not too distant future � I will concentrate more on photography, taking pictures and writing.
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