photoJourney-Nepal 2016

This is the fourth year I have returned to Nepal to run a course with a team of photographers.  We travelled from Kathmandu to Gorkha and then spent the majority of time in the town of Barpak; the epicentre town of the massive earthquake of April 2015.  It was lovely to be back to see such progress.  Despite the lack of Government support, the people of this town in the foothills of the Himalayas have managed to get the place back to a state where life, agriculture and commerce can continue.  It is certainly true that the town looks different to the cobbled, stone and slate before the earthquake.  Now, there is a lot of corrugated iron.  A lot.  But that’s not surprising – it is quick to put up and effective against the weather – and less dangerous in another earthquake.  The other sense of normality is the number of new babies – there are lots of children in Barpak, and so many new-borns.  There was a real sense of getting on despite the devastation and death of 18 months ago.

On the course I had 5 other photographers – one from the Army – Rich, one who was about to trek in Nepal – Mike, one full-time professional – Saraya, one from Singapore looking to possibly become professional – Piers, and one ex-Gurkha, now running the media for the Gurkha Welfare Scheme – Pim.  I won’t show their images here – I will leave that to a separate blog on photoJourney – but only to say, their images were incredible.  This has been a brilliant trip; and the most productive yet.  I am very grateful for their diligence and willingness – I think we made a great team!

Here are some of my images from the trip: