Jubilant Photo Journalists

It was such a experience of thrill to be there in the longest beach of the world. Cox Bazar.

Ten Astounding Pigeon Fact

1. Reuters used them: The world's most famous news agency was founded in 1850 and employed 45 feathered messengers.

2. They read maps: Their homing skills are still a mystery, but a 10-year Oxfor university study concluded they use roads to navigate, even turning corners at junctions.



3. They were the original email: in the early 1800s, the Rothschilds set up a network of pigeon lofts at all their European financial houses.

4. The Queen loves them: Not only does Her Majesty fancy them, but Mike Tyson is a fan. Plus, Maurizio Gucci once spent $10,000 on an American pigeon.



5. They're clever: Pigeons are one of the only nine amimals (and the only non-mammal) that can recognise itself in a mirror.

6. They bob their heads for a reason: Their side-mounted eyes give them monocular vision, unlike the binocular vision of humans and owls, so they bob for depth perception.



7. They're holy: Many religious groups, including Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, feed pigeons for religious reasons. Remember that the next time you shoo one.

8. They're heroes: Several pigeons have been decorated in wartime, saving thousands of lives by delivering urgent messages under fire.



9. Their waste is invaluable: in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries pigeon excrement was a valuable fertiliser protected by armed guards.



10. They're precious: The world's most expensive pigeon was bought by a British stud farm for £106,000.

(Info sourse: Short List Magazine: www.shortlist.com)

Journey to Jiri

This journey to Dolakha - Jiri, the gateway for the exploration of Mt. Everest region, historical monasteries, unique traditions, hidden mountains, valleys was a plan we Ujwol(Friend)and I made in no time and it was beautiful ride on his 'Santro' to Jiri.




It is easily accessible from Kathmandu, driving through another 3 districts, Bhaktapur, Kavre & Sindhupalchowk while exploring the mountains, Jungles and rivers.It was our first trip to Jiri and initially we were skeptical about the roads but it was all good.


Jiri lies in the eastern Nepal, 190Kms from Kathmandu. It is situated in the snow mountain surrounded district of Dolkha.


Little playful company we have while warming up ourselves by chimney at Horse Shoe Mountain Resort at Mode the first night.

Photography Participant in Patan

Klaus Stafto having fun discovering lots wonderful options and possibilities in his toy (Nikon D300).


Reflection on a brass plate engraved 'Patan Museum' amuses Sarmila Manandhar.


Dhiraj Shrestha not just love to be a stylish guy but also love to take picture in STYLE.


Rahul Muni Bajracharya exploring Cannon's legendary lens.


Mamata Ojha trying to reflect reality.


Shoot left Anubhav and shoot right Manjil Ghimire while Dr. Claus is busy talking to Uttam.


Dr. Rudiger Claus with participants at Patan Darbar Square.

Seminar on Photojournalism for Beginners Begins.

Executive member Ananda Shrestha welcoming Dr. Rudiger Claus in the formal program. Photo: Narendra Shrestha.

After a short formal opening session 10 days long seminar for beginners: photography Training begins this morning in Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ. Dr. Rudiger Claus, Director of International Institute of Journalism, Berlin-Brandenburg, (IIJB) Germany along with other senior Nepalese Photojournalist. There are 15 participants from different media houses and other several organization. Training is jointly organized by Media Training Center (MTC)NEFEJ and IIJB.


Participants introducing before the seminar starts.

Seminar will go on till 7th of September 2009 and participant will learn basics of photojournalism and how to master the tool they have to click better picture with a clear message. Without a doubt this seminar will help these budding photographer to know photography in a digital way and know the genre of photojournalism.



The Seminar/Training is sponsored by Rosa Luxembourg Foundation (RSL).

Clicking Babies

If any photographic situation calls for a greater degree of sensitivity than usual, it is when photographing babies. Here are some pictures I took yesterday evening of my 17 hours old nephew.



Warning: Using direct flash light to photographs babies it too risky job because light that emit by camera flash or additional flash is too harsh for babies delicate eyes and could easily damage their eyes permanently. So NEVER EVER use direct flash light to photographs infant. Try to shoot with available light, perhaps daylight coming through a window balanced on the shadow side by using reflector.





It is a incredible moment for me to see 'this will' of my 17 hours old nephew, who is summing up strength to lift his head to look who clicking his photos. While photographing babies and children always look out for such special moment when they glance at you and give million dollar expression.

Baudhanath Stupa Getting Facelift

Birgunj Workshop Concluded

Seven day long workshop on photojournalism in Brigunj was a great success and turn out to be very productive for local photojournalists and journalist from Birgjunj. Workshop was organized by Media Training Centre/NEFEJ with the cooperation of National Forum of Photo Journalists (NFPJ) and supported by Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, Germany. Eighty five percent of participants tick this workshop as very productive in their feedback. Despite long distance they had to come attend workshop in such a humid weather, not a single participant complains about it but rather were asking organizer to prolong the workshop. It is very encouraging aspect of the workshop in Birgunj.


Participants on drill: fake accident created in the main road where participants were taught how to cover photos in such difficult situation. And it was a very new experience for all participants. They were also taught some safety measures they should have while covering such situation. Mr. Dhuraba Ale, photojournalist trainer coordinated the drill.


Mr. Bhupendra Basnet MTC coordinator putting forward his short speech at the closing session of workshop.

Deependra Bajracharya General Secretary of NFPJ giving away certificate to participant.

Raju Shrestha giving away certificate to participants in closing session of workshop.

Workshop was conducted by photojournalist trainers, Rajbhai Suwal, Bikash Rauniar, Dhurba Ale, Deependra Bajracharya and it was locally coordinated by Prabin Manandhar, Pankaj Shrestha. All the local newspaper including some national daily has published news stressing this a week long workshop as one of well organized training for journalist in Birgunj till date.

Photojournalism Workshop in Birgunj

Workshop on Photojournalism kick off in Birgunj. A week long workshop is organized by MTC/Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ) and National Forum of Journalist (NFPJ) for photojournalist/journalist start from 2 of May 2009. There are 22 photojournalist/journalists from Birgunj. Workshop is being conducted by Bikash Rauniar, Photo Editor, Kantipur publication, Rajbhai Suwal, senior photojournalist/glamour photographer and Dhurba Ale, photojournalist from The Himilanyan Times/Annapurna.

In a formal opening session of photojournalism workshop a moment of silence for localbase Photojournalist Subodh Singh who passed away alast year.

Participants are as follows, Participant list:
Jagat Rai, Diwakar Bhandari, Jitlal Shrestha, Basanta Khatiwada, Shashi Bichitra, Manish Paudel, Ram Chettry, Shekar Chatkulli, Pawan Tiwari, Gynendra Mishra, Naresh Saraf, Mohomad Saddaf, Safal Khatiwada, Faujulla Allam, Bijay Chauhan, Bimi Paudel, Rasahana Dhakal, Nitesh Mathema, Ram Saraf and Pankaj Shrestha


Workshop is supported by Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, Germany. Workshop is locally coordinated by Praveen Manandhar, NFPJ Member.

Love me Tender

Pair of pigeon sharing love.

Photo from Nepal in RSL, Berlin

Photo exhibition was inaugurated at Rosa Luxemburg Foundation in Berlin. Exhibited all pictures were taken by Nepalese photojournalists who have participated IIJB/NEFEJ’s photojournalism training last year. Pictures will be on display in the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation for few months. After then it will be exhibited in Kathmandu.