Photography By David Price
Film
I commissioned director Sanu Thapa to make this film whilst in Karvre in Nepal earlier this year (2007). Filming took place over three days on location in and around the city of Kathmandu. Sanu is a 24 year old journalist who works in Kathmandu. The finished work is of a much higher standard than I had expected, leaving me delighted with results. I can’t remember coming across another photographer’s website which includes video footage of them actually at work. So, not only can you now view my images online, but you can also appreciate the context in which they were created.
Kavre Palanchok (the village) 7 minutes
This is a short film about my work in Nepal on assignment for decorative door hardware suppliers, UAP Ltd. My brief was to provide a photographic record of the official opening of a new school and health centre, and a celebratory football tournament. This was a truly wonderful project to work on, and I will never forget this fascinating place and its amazing people. The locals have very little, yet seem so happy. Over the five days I was there, they made me so welcome; I made a real connection with them. I was very sad to leave Kavre; one day, I will return.
Kathmandu Basantapur (Sherpa Costume) 13 minutes
Working in Durbar Square, I wanted to photograph traditional Nepalese costumes. The shots of the Sadhu (the holy man) and beggars were taken spontaneously. Some of the local team members turned up late, and insisted on eating after only one hour’s work. They then dragged me along to one of Kathmandu’s best restaurants where the seven of us feasted like kings, for the ‘princely’ sum of £12.00!
Hotel Shakti (Tamang Costume) 2 minutes
Nepalese society is a castes’ society and each caste wears a unique traditional costume. The Tamang style is probably the most typical of traditional costumes seen Nepal. After a few nights in my hotel in Shakti, I planned to upgrade to better accommodation. However, the staff were so generous and caring I decided to stay.
Teku (Asylum Community) 4 minutes
The people here were so poor, living in shift houses, built illegally. On my arrival I recruited the services of a local guide, which proved a very wise move because he was frequently quizzed about my motives for taking pictures and how they would be used. There was no sanitation here, and our daily riverside-walk proved a difficult one as the river was used by villagers as a toilet. The smell was horrendous, and in the film you can clearly see me holding my nose to avoid it.
Kirtipur 4 minutes
Lunch in Nepal always seemed to disrupt my work! The Nepalese only eat twice a day, so the late morning meal is very important to them. From Kiripur, the views over Kathmandu are breathtaking. Every boy wants a kite in Nepal, and it certainly seemed the most popular toy while I was there. The film captures their amazing flying skills.
Ratna Park (Bazar) 3 minutes
While I was staying in the area, I strolled down to Rathna Park on a number of occasions, mainly for relaxation. The streets there are lined with hundreds of stalls selling almost any kind of good imaginable. Also, the people here seemed to come in all manner of shapes and sizes, so it was always easy to find an interesting subject to shoot. In this short clip, you can see me and my guide running across a very busy and chaotic road. The tip for crossing safely is to just go for it, and hope the oncoming traffic drives around you!
Boudha (Temples) 11 Minutes
The Buddhist temple at Boudhanath at six o’clock in the morning was an amazing experience, and a sight to behold. This film captures the unique atmosphere of the place and also that of the Pashupatinath Temple, where local Hindus cremate their dead. My guide was very uncomfortable about me getting too close to the grieving families, so we decided to watch the comings and goings from the far side of the river bank. This film also shows long lines of people queuing for fuel. I’m told the Nepalese can expect to wait up to eight hours to fill up their motorbikes!
