With a camera in hand and a heart full of wanderlust, alumni Nabin sets out to capture the beauty of the world one frame at a time. Let’s delve into his narrative and uncover the depths of his experiences.

Every photographer has their own story about getting into the profession, as well as unique reasons why they love what they do. Nabin says that photography is a love affair with life, where a good picture tells many different stories at once. He graduated from Kopila Valley School in 2019 and transitioned out of the Children’s Home in 2018. He says his love for cameras wasn’t there from the beginning. There was a specific moment when it happened.

“Growing up in Kopila Valley Children’s Home, we would often be photographed for our memories. And many wanted to capture our stories so that the world can get inspired [to help more children]. In light of this, I started falling in love with cameras, and especially with the idea of me capturing stories and moments sometimes in the future.”

Fortunately for Nabin, his introduction to photography was a time of compliments and encouragement. “I am so fortunate that there are people in my life who raised me to follow what my aspirations were, what I was passionate about,” claims Nabin.

“As a student of Filmmaking, I have always been fascinated by the power of the camera to capture the essence of a moment — whether it is the joy of a child’s laughter, the majesty of a mountain range, or the sorrow of a loved one’s passing, the camera can tell a story that words alone cannot convey. Through the lens, I see the world in a different light. I notice the small details that often go unnoticed, the nuances of expression, the play of light and shadow. I capture moments that are fleeting, moments that are gone in the blink of an eye. My camera is my companion and my confidant.”

Nabin attends the prestigious Oscar International College Of Film Studies in Kathmandu. Despite being a film student, he miraculously has managed time to work in a Nepali feature film as a Production Manager Assistant, as an actor in the small role of a policeman, and in other films. He served as Director of Photography for a music video, ‘Kaha Chhu Ma Yo Bhidma,’ which was just recently released. He has been involved in many other short films as well.

Nabin has been faced with difficulties, but he continues to move forward. “No one is born a winner or a loser; they are born as a chooser. It’s my life, I wasn’t born with a tag of a winner or a loser. I chose to win in my life, and I have won and I still will because I value myself and I believe in myself,” Nabin says.

The fact that a camera can freeze a moment in time and make it last forever is what makes photography special to Nabin. Not only is it a way to travel back in time, it gives the viewer a chance to share some of the action and feeling of the moment he witnessed and captured.

Nabin has spent his spare time taking pictures at weddings, events, and occasions, and he loves people. “I see so many faces that intrigue me. I always have something to take away and mold into a story from my encounters with them.” He walks the streets in Kathmandu with his camera in hand, a lens to see the world unplanned. His eyes for detail, sharp and true, capture life in a moment. With a camera in his hand, he weaves a tale of life’s complexities, joys, and travails.

To his juniors, he advises, “Just believe in yourself and always choose to win. When you have so much to achieve further in your life, never judge yourself, and think positively. Be the role model you wish to be. If I can do it, I know you obviously can.”

Nabin’s success story of aspirations and passions tells us that when you can do what you like and also make a living from it, this is the best combination.

We are thrilled to have one of our very own Kopila Valley School graduates write this guest blogger series and share alumni stories! Anjali Karki graduated in 2019 and is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism along with a journalism career. We can’t wait to see what each of these world-changers does next. Follow us on social media with the series hashtag (#NarrateYourKopilaStory) for more about these young adults and their adventures.