“I began working as a digital photo editor six years ago. There just weren’t that many opportunities for me because I was not that educated. I was not able to complete my education because of financial problems, so I began working in 2005 as a helper in a photography shop. I worked to develop photographs the old way, but after changing from film to digital photography, I started doing this.

I learned digital photo editing in Photoshop for weddings and other events. I live in Bhara Kahu, and work to earn money for my family, including two brothers and a sister. I wanted my siblings to complete their studies so they could find better jobs. I make Rs25,000 a month, which is not enough to meet the expenses of a large family because of the rising inflation.

Most work comes during wedding season. With the arrival of mobile phone cameras, most people come to photography shops for wedding albums and other important occasions. The price of digital photo albums is lower, but it is technical work.

I do have a dream of opening my own shop, but that dream will not be fulfilled. I must say that education is important to find better work.”

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2019