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World Photography Day has always been a day of joy and inspiration for photographers across the globe. In Nepal, the Kathmandu Photographer Association (KPA) has consistently worked to celebrate this day with events that not only bring photographers together but also encourage them to explore their artistic vision. This year, on 19th August 2025 (3rd Bhadra 2082), KPA successfully organized the KPA Photo Walk & Photo Competition 2025 at the historic Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its centuries-old architecture, culture, and artistry.
The program was organized by Kathmandu Photographer Association, in association with Kathmandu University – Department of Language and Mass Communication and Photo Walk Nepal. The event saw an enthusiastic participation of more than 120 photographers, making it one of the most vibrant photography gatherings of the year.
Every year, the KPA Photo Walk chooses a unique theme that challenges photographers to think creatively. This year’s theme, “Compositions with Monuments”, highlighted not only the cultural richness of Patan Durbar Square but also pushed photographers to explore and apply different rules of composition in their frames. The idea was to blend technical understanding with artistic expression while celebrating the 186th World Photography Day.
The program began in the early morning with participants gathering at Patan Durbar Square, cameras in hand and eyes full of excitement. The energy of more than 120 photographers capturing the beauty of monuments, temples, courtyards, and traditional Newari architecture was a sight in itself.
The event was hosted by KPA Secretary Resham Raj Pandit, whose warm welcome and insightful remarks set the tone for the day.
Adding to the grandeur of the event, KPA President Hari Prasad Ghimire also addressed the gathering. In his speech, he highlighted how photography plays a crucial role in safeguarding Nepal’s living heritage. He shared that every frame taken by photographers is not just a picture, but a document of culture, tradition, and history for future generations. His inspiring words reminded participants that their passion carries a deeper responsibility toward society and heritage conservation.
The distinguished guests included Mr. Om Yadav from Photo Walk Nepal and Mr. Ratnaman Aanshu, Adviser of KPA. Before the walk officially began, Mr. Om Yadav gave a detailed briefing about the rules of the photo walk and the competition. With clarity and warmth, he explained the theme “Rules of Composition,” guiding photographers to focus on techniques such as leading lines, diagonals, rule of odds, and symmetry. His briefing not only explained the technical aspects but also encouraged participants to look deeper into their creative instincts and capture the monuments with fresh perspectives.
Participants then spread across the square, photographing monuments, people, rituals, and the intricate details of the living heritage of Patan. With the theme focusing on “Rules of Composition,” photographers applied techniques in creative ways, making the square come alive through countless unique frames.
The photo competition added an exciting dimension to the event. Participants were not only walking and shooting but also competing to showcase their skills. The rules of the competition were carefully designed to ensure fairness and to encourage creative thinking:
Theme: The theme of the contest was “Rules of Composition”.
Choice of Composition: Each participant had to compose their photograph based on any one of the following rules:
Leading lines/Converging lines
Diagonals
Rule of odds
Symmetry
If they submitted more than one photograph, each could be based on a different rule.
Caption Requirement: Each photograph had to mention the composition rule selected.
Time & Date Restriction: The photographs had to be taken strictly between 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM on 19th August 2025, and the EXIF data had to reflect this. Participants were reminded to keep their camera’s date and time properly set and not to remove the EXIF data.
Submission Limit: Each participant could submit up to two photographs.
Image Quality: Photographs had to be in Lossless JPEG format, highest quality setting, and at least 3000 pixels on the longer side.
Deadline: The deadline for submission was 24th August 2025.
The winners of the competition will be officially announced and awarded in KPA’s upcoming program, keeping the anticipation alive among participants.
While the competition was a central highlight, the program went beyond just winning or losing. For many, it was about celebrating photography, sharing knowledge, and building community. The event allowed amateur photographers to learn from experienced ones, exchange ideas, and gain new perspectives.
Patan Durbar Square served as the perfect open classroom. Photographers were seen lying on the ground for low angles, climbing steps for bird’s-eye views, experimenting with shadows, or waiting patiently to capture a moment of perfect symmetry. The atmosphere was filled with creativity, laughter, and the constant click of shutters.
The significance of organizing such a program on World Photography Day lies in the larger message it conveys. Photography is not just about taking pictures; it is about telling stories, preserving heritage, and expressing one’s artistic soul. By bringing together photographers from diverse backgrounds—professionals, students, hobbyists—the event highlighted how photography unites people through a shared love for visuals.
KPA, along with its partners, successfully turned the global celebration into a local festival of art, heritage, and fellowship.
Words from the Guests
The presence of notable guests added depth to the event:
Mr. Hari Prasad Ghimire (President, KPA) inspired the participants with his thoughtful speech on photography as a bridge between culture and history, reminding them that their passion is also a contribution to society.
Mr. Om Yadav (Photo Walk Nepal) delivered a detailed briefing of the rules, emphasizing the theme and guiding participants to create meaningful frames through compositional techniques.
Mr. Ratnaman Aanshu (Adviser, KPA) spoke about the role of photographers in preserving cultural heritage, stating that today’s photographs are tomorrow’s historical records.
The KPA Photo Walk & Photo Competition 2025 concluded successfully, but the excitement is far from over. With the photo submission deadline set for 24th August 2025, participants are busy reviewing, editing, and selecting their best works for entry. Everyone is eagerly waiting for the announcement of winners in KPA’s upcoming program, where the best photographs will be recognized and awarded.
More than anything, the event reminded everyone why photography matters—not just as a profession or hobby, but as a way to see, appreciate, and preserve the world around us.
The KPA Photo Walk & Photo Competition 2025 at Patan Durbar Square was more than just an event; it was a celebration of art, culture, and community. With over 120 photographers participating, the historic square came alive with creativity on World Photography Day. The collaboration between KPA, Kathmandu University, and Photo Walk Nepal made the program stronger and more meaningful.
Through its well-structured competition rules, inspiring speeches by leaders, and heartfelt participation, the event successfully balanced technical learning, artistic expression, and cultural preservation.
ЁЯУ╕ The KPA Photo Walk & Photo Competition 2025 was truly a celebration of compositions, monuments, and memories—a perfect tribute to World Photography Day.