KATHMANDU : The National Photojournalists Group (NFPJ) Nepal has concluded a three-day photojournalism training workshop in the capital. The event, which ran from July 3 to July 5 at The British College in Thapathali, was organized with the support of the Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to Ghanshyam Shrestha, the program coordinator and general secretary of NFPJ, the training saw active participation from 60 individuals, including working photojournalists, journalists from various media houses, and photography enthusiasts from across the country.
The workshop was designed to enhance the professional capacities of photojournalists, improve the quality of news photographs, and develop skills in photo caption writing, photo editing, and visual storytelling. Additionally, the sessions focused on the ethics and responsibilities of photojournalism, alongside the effective use of modern digital technology.
”The core objective was to elevate the standard of visual reporting while instilling a strong sense of journalistic ethics amid rapidly evolving digital tools,” Shrestha said.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Throughout the three-day session, participants underwent rigorous training covering both theoretical and practical aspects of the craft. The curriculum included:
- Fundamentals: Introduction and evolution of photojournalism, camera settings, and lighting management.
- Editorial Skills: News value assessment, photo selection, caption writing, and photo editing.
- Field Dynamics: Breaking news coverage, visual storytelling, and field exercises.
- Ethics & Review: Code of conduct, ethical photojournalism, and peer photo reviews.
The training sessions were facilitated by veteran photojournalist and trainer Sunil C. Bajracharya, alongside Pradeep Raj Wanta, the president of NFPJ Nepal.
Practical Exposure and Future Outlook
The workshop emphasized hands-on experience, requiring participants to engage in practical field assignments, group discussions, and interactive photography sessions. On the final day, a comprehensive review and evaluation of the photographs captured by the trainees was conducted.
During the closing ceremony, former NFPJ president and veteran photojournalist Min Ratna Bajracharya, who attended as the chief guest, distributed certificates to the participants. He highlighted that skill-oriented training is crucial for boosting the professional competence, creativity, and accountability of photojournalists.
Echoing similar sentiments, NFPJ President Pradeep Raj Wanta expressed confidence that such capacity-building initiatives would significantly strengthen the quality of Nepali photojournalism, promising that the organization will continue to host similar workshops in the future.
Meanwhile, Program Director Lekh Bahadur Shrestha ‘Sagar’ noted that the training had met its goals of upgrading the skills of the participants. He also shared the organization’s future roadmap.
”Looking ahead, NFPJ plans to roll out advanced training programs with broader participation, focusing on emerging trends such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in imagery, drone photography, videography, and advanced photographic techniques,” Shrestha ‘Sagar’ added.
At the conclusion of the event, NFPJ Nepal extended its gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Communications, The British College, trainers, guests, participants, and all supporting individuals and institutions for making the workshop a success.
