Kathmandu :

It is said ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’. To celebrate this picture power, the National Forum of Photo Journalists (NFPJ) began its weeklong third annual press photo exhibition at the Nepal Art Council on May 27. Subash Nembang, Speaker, House of representatives, was the chief guest.

With the growing number of newspapers, weeklies, magazines and other online news services, photo journalism as a profession has also grown.

The history of photojournalism in Nepal dates back to April 25, 1927 (Baisakh 13, 1984 BS) when a photograph was published for the very first time in Gorkhapatra. From 2004, the NFPJ has decided to annually celebrate this historical day by organising a press photo exhibition. This year, however, because of the jana andolan, the date was postponed to May 27.

This exhibition has showcased a total of 150 photographs by 78 photojournalists from Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nepalgunj and Birgunj. Photo Concern is the chief sponsor of the programme. Speaking on behalf of participants, Bikash Rauniyar said, “Photo Concern and NFPJ have provided a good platform for individual photojournalists to showcase their work.”

The photographs, published earlier in newspapers or not published, cover a wide variety of subjects from politics to nature to culture to sports and other areas of human interest. None of the photographs are posed. The photographers have captured the moment deftly. As Jana Andolan II was the most recent happening, the photographs of the demonstrations have found precedence over other areas of interest.

The top five photographs based on viewers’ choice will be awarded and all participants will receive a letter of participation.

Dhruba Ale, NFPJ general secretary said, “The objective of the exhibition is to promote photojournalism activities and develop visual literacy in people.”

(The exhibition is at the Art Council, Baber Mahal and is on till June 2)