Development in Nepal & its Changing Landscapes with Amit Machamasi

Produced & Written by Worlds Through Minds founder, Macy Castañeda Lee

Name, age, where are you from, what format you like using, what are you currently working  on if you are? 

I am Amit Machamasi, 27, a photographer based in Bhaktapur, Nepal. I primarily use a DSLR  camera for my photography work. Currently, I am working on a long-term multimedia project that  delves into the changing landscapes of my hometown and its surroundings, highlighting the  transformations brought about by development. 

What about your surroundings/environments and upbringing interested you? 

I was born into a simple agricultural family, where owning a camera was considered a luxury. As  a result, my family only took a few photos during special occasions, leaving me with very few  pictures from my childhood. While studying journalism in college, I developed an interest in  photography. I found immense joy in capturing moments with friends and family, perhaps because  I wanted to preserve memories in a way I couldn’t during my childhood. 

Later, when I began working as a photojournalist at a media house, it changed my perspective on  photography. I came to understand its profound power—not just to tell stories, but to challenge  societal systems and raise awareness among people. 

Since then, I have been striving to capture photographs that create a meaningful impact on society,  whether by raising awareness, provoking critical questions, or opening the public's eyes to  important issues. 

When was the first time you met photography? How did you feel when you met it? 

While I had been taking photos of my friends and family with mobile phones, my passion for  photography truly blossomed when I held a DSLR camera for the first time, borrowed from a  friend. Using that camera brought me immense joy and sparked a deeper interest in learning the  art of photography. On the very day I borrowed it, I explored it

s settings and captured a few  pictures. Later, during my photography practical classes, I became even more focused on  improving my skills and understanding the craft of photography. Reflecting on those days fills me  with great pleasure, and even now, I continue to learn new techniques and tricks to improve my  photography. 

Tell us about current projects you have been working on (could be any, or just work you  have been doing in general). Is this story inspired out of personal reasons, or others? What  are you most excited about in these projects? 

My recent project, ‘Not the Same Anymore,’ explores how the aesthetics of a cultural city can be  completely transformed by unplanned urbanization. This project is deeply personal to me, as it  reflects the changes I have witnessed in my own hometown, Bhaktapur. Once celebrated as a city 

of farmers and their fields, Bhaktapur has now become a hub of brick kilns and land plotting. In  the name of development, my city has lost its unique charm and true aesthetic. 

This project fills me with sadness as I document the negative transformations in my hometown.  However, I hope it serves as a wake-up call for individuals, experts, and stakeholders to reflect on  the impacts of rapid urbanization. Through this project, I aim to inspire those in other places facing  similar challenges to raise their voices and work to preserve their cities. While cities must evolve  with time, I believe it is essential to advocate for sustainable development that allows progress  without erasing the original essence of a place. 

How did you find your visual literacy? Why are you attracted to certain images more than  others? 

My visual literacy has evolved over the years since I began my photography journey. Observing  the works of senior photographers, fellow photojournalists, and visual storytellers has given me  valuable insights and diverse perspectives on visual storytelling. Learning from various forms and  styles of photography from across the world has been instrumental in helping me unlock and  develop my own storytelling approach. 

Today, the primary focus behind every photo I capture is the story it tells. When I take a picture,  the story behind it is always at the forefront of my mind, guiding my creative process. I aim to  create images that compel the audience to think and reflect. I am now drawn to projects and  photographs that can leave a lasting impact, inspire change or raise awareness among my audience. 

Imagine meeting someone who is picking up a camera for the first time. What do you tell  them? 

I want to tell aspiring photographers: never be afraid to make mistakes. The first picture you take  may not be perfect, but it will serve as a cornerstone for the remarkable images you will create in  the future. Keep learning, experimenting, and growing. Just pick up your camera, step outside, and  start capturing moments. That’s exactly how my journey began.