Born and raised in Gaushala, Kathmandu, Mr. Skanda Gautam has sharpened himself as a Photojournalist. Currently working in ‘The Himalayan Times’, Mr. Gautam shares his journey and interesting struggles in the field of Photojournalism in Nepal.

How did you get into Photojournalism?

  •  (Smiles) This question takes me back to my Plus 2 days. Along with my college, I joined Wigan and Leigh College (WLC) Nepal, for a Graphic design and advertising course. For me, it became a gateway as it included photography, videography, copywriting, web animation, etc. The teachers were there to encourage and slowly I got into photography. I got intrigued by how the seniors would use the cameras and click pictures. By that time, I had bought a new camera and gradually, I got interested. The involvement with the travel agency was also a big catalyst as I would go around and learn photography.

Then, I joined Kathmandu Post as an intern. My eyes developed to be more evaluative regarding color contrast, angle, and mainly the moment. I had to look after the ‘Daily Life’ section, and I think from that point, I got to sharpen my photography skills.
 

How are Photography and photojournalism different? How does it work?

  • Photography requires that perfect pose and it is well thought out, unlike photojournalism. We are going out about and clicking the moment of spontaneity. Photojournalists in a public affair need not consent, however, there are some cases to ask for it, that have been mentioned in the constitution as well. Moreover, the editing is limited, there is no manipulation, no pose, and also the picture should tell a story.

The working frame differs as photojournalism is not a 10-6 job but an assignment-based one. The hard news top the priority list then culture, political issues, protests, rally, daily life, etc.
 

Do the hard news and such poor situations affect your personal life?

  • It does! Especially in the initial days of my career. Now after all these years, I might have gotten used to it. But I do remember some instances that really disturbed me for a while. I think because daily I am seeing people dying, hungry, and crying. I do encounter negative situations a lot, so I feel like I am getting an emotionless person or say not so sensitive person. The very reason sometimes happens to bring troubles in my family, but fortunately, they tend to understand.

How do you find a balance between your personal and professional life?

  • I don’t have much role at home (Laughs). A job like mine leaves very little space for personal life. No one knows when I need to leave for some news. However, I would refer to myself as lucky when it comes to the family as they do support and understand my work. So many times, I have to rush for my work due to some urgency, while canceling family plans. By ‘have to’ I mean ‘I want to’. I cannot stay home knowing some news has to be covered, without doing so I would not be satisfied with life. Also, I think after my second baby, responsibilities are increasing and right now I am trying to balance and learning to balance. 
     

How has your career contributed to your personal development?

  • I think, I have become more exposed to the world and reality. Because of mainstream media, I got to know people, build networks, understand various aspects of life, and get involved in other projects. Now that I look back, ten years ago, I can see myself evolving and changing in many spectrums. Then, I was young and driven which I still am, but more responsible, accountable, married, and a father.
     

Could you share one incident that made you question your professional life?

  • You must remember the death of a political leader: Surya Bhadur Thapa. He also happened to be my mom’s grandfather. As per my work, politics-related news comes as a priority. My whole family was there mourning and I was there with a camera in my hand. For the news coverage, I had to take pictures from various angles and also capture those emotions which even offended my family members. That moment made me question my whole existence.
     

Tell us about your life during the pandemic as a photojournalist.

  • It was very challenging. We just had our daughter which added the risk to go out for work. We had made an isolation room outside the house. I would go directly to that room, change, take a shower, sanitize, and only interact with the family. My work gear, clothes, and everything that I would need were kept there. Even during such a challenging time, photojournalists were out and about, obviously with many precautions.
     

Are there any deadlines or pressure for the deadlines?

  • Not really! If it was an online news website, there would be. But, in the case of daily newspapers, not much. However, every photo and news has to be sent to the press by 12 or 1 midnight. So, if something happens late at night, we do have to hassle with editing, captioning, and sending it. Network problems are another factor, if so, then we have to rush to the office and hand them the pictures. 
     

What would you suggest to all aspiring photojournalists?

  • Before getting into any field, I think one should have a pure intention. Especially, in photojournalism, staying authentic, within the ethics, and dealing with the low salary can be something to be ready for. You have to be careful not to misuse the pictures, to respect people’s privacy, and get involved in other projects to sustain well. 
     

Looking back:

-  Back in my internship days, 2013, the Avalanche occurred taking the lives of so many people. Long story short, I got an opportunity to fly there with Armies in a chopper to the Jomsom airport. I tell you, I still remember every dead body vividly, the situation felt like havoc. In the chopper, I was almost sitting in the center of all the dead bodies that were removed from the disaster. I was traumatized for almost two weeks. Thinking about it gives goosebumps!

- In 2015, I remember myself taking a day’s leave, wearing a night dress, and completely under a fever. The earthquake hit, didn’t even change, picked up the camera, and went out to capture whatever I could. Dead bodies were everywhere, people were crying, and everyone was frightened, especially in Basantapur, Kasthamandap, and Dharahara. Those times were so critical, I was just starting and would get impacted a bit more.