Joe Smolen

Visions of Nepal: A Personal Portrait

I have been involved in photography for the past 8 years. It all started for me on my first trip to Nepal. Having retried in 1987, I had lots of time to follow my interest in the out of doors and mountaineering. It was a natural step to visit this distinctive land and its high mountain peaks. I found there a rich and exciting ethnic mix of people all working with each other, respecting their unique religious practices.

I had always felt I had no artistic talent, being confined to business matters for my expression of individuality. On my first trip I took along only a point and shoot camera. I soon found it pointing at these spectacular vistas and distinctive people. I soon learned I was lacking the skill and equipment needed to adequately capture the magic I found there.

On my return to California, I started to take classes in photography and applied what I had learned on my future trips. I see in black and white, so most of my interest is in the form and shape of the things I photograph. In Nepal, however, the color is so saturated and the cultural richness of the people so unique, that I also now shoot color as well.

These photographs are but a few from the hundreds I have taken on my many trips to Nepal. They show just a little of both the ethnic diversity of the people and the dramatic scenes one can find in this enchanted land; from Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world, to temples and people in the Kathmandu Valley.

I lead a photographic group to Nepal every November. I limit the group to 8-10 people. We concentrate on the experience, not trying to see all that is there, but to see what we are able, and to photograph it well.

If you would like to contact me, about traveling to Nepal or to purchase a photograph, I can be reached at:

Joe Smolen, P.O. Box 4023, Carmel Ca. 93921

E-mail: Lensmo@hotmail.com

 

 

 

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