Photographer Bikram Neupane: An Inspirational Journey from Ordinary Member to Federation General Secretary
Kathmandu, Falgun 20, 2082 – With over 30 years of experience in photography, Bikram Neupane is a prominent active member of the Kathmandu Photographers Association and the General Secretary of the Nepal Photographers Federation. His journey began as a simple studio assistant and has reached national leadership, significantly contributing to transforming the photography profession into the digital age.
Birth, Education, and the Start of Photography
Born in 2036 BS in Godavari Municipality-8, Lalitpur,Neupane passed his SLC in 2053 BS from Shree Shantinikunj in Kathmandu's Maru. He later completed his studies in 2056 BS from Kathmandu Campus Kalimati in the humanities faculty, majoring in culture, history, and literature.His passion for photography ignited in 2048 BS while learning from Gautam Gopali, owner of Jasmine Studio in Thankot. Since 2055 BS, he has professionally operated studios, becoming Tokha Municipality's first color lab operator, operator of photoprintservice.com alongside Grandi International Hospital, and founder of a photo frame industry. He has established 4 photo studios around Basundhara, providing employment to many.His websites www.weddingkathmandu.com and www.photopasal.com are renowned photography platforms in Nepal. Plans are underway to expand branches in Lalitpur.
Uphill Climb in the Photographers Association
Neupane began his association journey in 2068 BS by obtaining membership (No. 302) in the Kathmandu District Photographers Association. He served as an executive committee member in 2072/074 and contested for Secretary in 2074/076. As a presidential candidate in 2078/080 and 2080/82, he trailed by 48 and 11 votes respectively. For 2082/084, despite a third narrow defeat for the presidency, he identified institutional legal shortcomings and paved the way for reforms through policy and procedural improvements with legal vigilance. He says, "Defeat embarrasses only those with personal agendas; it doesn't faze those walking the path of institutional welfare. True development comes from fielding candidates based on merit, not factions."
Revolutionary Contributions to Photographers' Welfare
Neupane's activism has given the photography sector a new direction. Key contributions include:
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2063: Trained Balaju Machhapokhari studios to shift from analog to digital, securing futures for peers.
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2072: Introduced the concept of honoring women photographers in the association.
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2073: Created Google Maps for studios to boost online presence; set up association Gmail, Facebook page, YouTube, and website.
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2074: Proposed and passed area committees for unity; free photography classes with senior Yogendra Jung Basnet; Nepal's first 15-day Wedding Cinema course (with Rupesh Thapa).
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2075: Free 7-day Lightroom classes in Basundhara and Kapan areas (with Aysu Mathema Sir).
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2077: Free 1-month online Zoom classes nationwide during COVID.
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2078: COVID photo contest (Rs. 25,000 prize); one-day photography class (with Raj Bhai Suwal and Yogendra Jung Basnet); Nepal's first Couple Photo Award (winner: Vivek Shrestha; judges: James B. Solomon from South America, Kigan Denis from India, Yogendra Jung Basnet from Nepal).
As a founding member of the Nepal Photographers Federation, he toiled tirelessly for 7 years, addressing issues from Mechi to Mahakali while teaching selflessly, earning widespread admiration. Elected General Secretary at the federation's historic first national convention on Poush 19-20, 2082 in Kathmandu, expectations are high for his future contributions. His motto: "Change is possible – it starts with relentless effort without fatigue!"
Jai Photography!