Sr. Photographer Raj Bhai Suwal
Raj Bhai Suwal – A Visionary in Nepali Photography
As a young boy, Raj Bhai Suwal would stop by the cobbler’s shop while returning from Nepal Adarsha School, captivated by the art of shoemaking. His curiosity led him to try cutting leather, and with persistent observation, he eventually crafted his own shoe—a small but significant achievement that foreshadowed his journey of mastering multiple skills.
At just sixteen, he earned his diploma in tailoring from Sunita Sewing Training Centre, the first of its kind in Kathmandu. But his quest for knowledge extended far beyond tailoring. He explored knitting, nylon bag-making, carpentry, upholstery, wall painting, music (guitar), songwriting, and classical dance (Kathak and Bharatnatyam). His versatility wasn’t just about learning—he excelled in every craft, sewing his own clothes for six years, selling woolen pullovers, and even performing at Shanker Hotel as a professional dancer.
Years later, at the 10th Miss Nepal Beauty Contest, as dazzling contestants graced the stage, the emcee announced,
"We welcome the official photographer of Miss Nepal, Mr. Raj Bhai Suwal."
The audience erupted in applause as a sturdily built man with a clean-shaven head and twinkling eyes stepped onto the stage. He was no longer just a boy fascinated by craftsmanship—he had become Nepal’s foremost commercial photographer.
A Journey Through Many Trades
Reflecting on his journey, Raj Bhai recalls an old saying:
"If one learns a skill, one will never go hungry."
His life, however, proved that mastering many skills opens limitless possibilities.
From shoemaking and tailoring, he ventured into video filming, capturing wedding videos for friends. His keen eye for detail led him to film nearly two dozen tele-serials and movies, including Kalakar, I Love You, Mayajaal, Nhila Nhila Hoon, Charitra, and Rajinama. Yet, videography was not where his true passion lay.
In 1980, he took up still photography, joining Nepal Samacharpatra as a photojournalist during its early days. His work appeared in Mahanagar, Sadhana, Biswabhumi, Sandhya Times, and renowned travel magazines like Adventure Nepal. Today, he is the cover photographer for ECS Magazine and was instrumental in shaping its visual identity.
“I was involved in the magazine’s creation,” he recalls. “Sunil (Managing Director of ECS) and I had long discussions on how to make it stand out. I advised that photographs with character were essential for its success.”
A Master of Commercial Photography
A decade ago, Raj Bhai chose to specialize in commercial photography, stating,
"Only top professionals with technical expertise can excel in this field—there’s immense responsibility involved."
Today, his work is everywhere—on magazines, television, and billboards across Nepal. His photography has defined advertising campaigns for biscuits, instant noodles, beer, whisky, cosmetics, motorbikes, cars, mobile phones, carpets, pashmina, and handicrafts. In fact, most billboards in Kathmandu bear his signature work. He has also created calendars for major organizations, making a lasting impact on Nepal’s advertising industry.
A Lasting Legacy
From a boy experimenting with leather to Nepal’s leading commercial photographer, Raj Bhai Suwal’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and an insatiable hunger for learning. His story is a testament to the power of curiosity, dedication, and craftsmanship in transforming dreams into reality.