Bored Panda has reached out to the winner of the Commons: Best Picture of the Year 2022, Prasan Shrestha, to find out more about his work and the photograph which got him first place in the contest. We asked about Shrestha's motivation to contribute to the Wikimedia Commons platform. The photographer shared with us: “I find immense pride and joy in participating in the Wikimedia Commons Picture of the Year contest. It allows me to freely share my creative work, which may inspire others, just as my photography teachers and my colleagues, seniors, and juniors have inspired me in the past and will continue to do so in the future. Wikimedia Commons connects us with people from all around the world in our daily lives. By contributing our photos, I believe we can collectively enrich our knowledge, unite our diverse cultures, and ultimately benefit the global community. There is a great quote on photography that says, 'The art of photography is not just to capture a moment but also to set it free,' and Wikipedia's Wikimedia Commons is the perfect platform for achieving this.”

Next, we were interested in getting more information about Prasan’s photo “Fire in the Mist” which turned out to be the winning image of the last year's Wikimedia Commons contest. We were curious about what inspired its author to capture this particular scene. We found out that: “It is the result of the hard work I have dedicated to my craft over the past 10 years leading up to 2019 in Tau Daha Lake. The photo captures a cattle egret in flight, heading towards a perch on a nearby tree, alongside a great cormorant and a gadwall duck. Every year, during the winter through spring seasons, I would spend approximately 2 to 3 hours each morning for 5 months at the lake. I would study the play of light and shadows, become familiar with the wind direction, observe the water's reflection, and closely watch the birds, studying their habitats and behaviors.”

The photographer continued: “Over the course of my frequent visits to the lake, I developed a profound familiarity with the ducks and cormorants, migrating from Siberia during the winter season. At times, it almost felt as if the birds recognized me too. Having witnessed numerous winter sunrises in misty mornings, I knew exactly how to capture the birds in a manner that justified the soft warmth of the rising sun through the fog. Then, on one cold December morning, luck was on my side, granting me the opportunity to capture that perfect shot.

After I captured the photo, I yearned to share the emotions it evoked with the world. Wiki Loves Earth provided me with the perfect chance to do so.”

Prasan Shrestha is based in Kathmandu, Nepal, which is why we asked him how the surroundings influence his work and choice of subjects. The photographer told us: “I would like to refer to myself as a nature lover rather than a photographer. As a resident of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, my surroundings have a profound influence on my approach to documenting things. We are blessed with a rich culture and heritage in this region. The urban streets and forested hills provide both stunning and challenging subjects to photograph. The landscape in Kathmandu Valley constantly evolves with the six seasons we experience here. However, experience has taught me when, where, and how to capture moments that convey a compelling story through photography.”

Nepal is known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. We were wondering if there are any particular locations or subjects in his country that Shrestha finds particularly captivating to photograph. Prasan said: “Nepal is a small landlocked country, but the biodiversity it encompasses is undoubtedly larger and unparalleled compared to any other country. Within a small area, we have the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, soaring at 8,848 meters. Moving down, we encounter the hilly areas at approximately 1,350 meters, followed by the plains known as the Terai, situated around 150 meters above sea level. The weather here undergoes rapid transitions from hot to cold over short distances and travel times.”

“I find myself irresistibly drawn to the unspoiled beauty of the Himalayas and the awe-inspiring peaks. The Terai region, with its abundant wildlife and lush green forests, particularly captures my attention. However, the place that truly resonates with me as a photographer is my own region—the mid-hills. It offers perfect weather, neither too hot nor too cold. It is here that humanity and nature coexist harmoniously, creating a sense of happiness and a feeling of home. As the saying goes, ‘Home is where the heart is’."

Lastly, we asked about the photographer’s opinion about what makes a photograph truly impactful and memorable and how he strives to achieve that in his work. Prasan Shrestha shared with us: “For me, a photograph should capture one's soul. It should not only freeze a moment but also provoke thoughts, forge connections with others, and evoke memories when viewed. A photograph should encapsulate emotions, tell a story, and transport you to that very moment. When someone asks me about my favorite photo to date, my answer is always the same: I haven't taken it yet.

So, how do I strive to achieve this in my work? Well, it involves a lot of trial and error. It means making countless mistakes in the field, repeatedly, until you learn how to correct yourself. You have to take thousands of photos of a bird during a single outing, only to return home and discover that most of them need to be deleted in order to find that one exceptional shot. In the realm of nature and wildlife, if you allow yourself the time to comprehend their behavior and habitat, you will become a better photographer. My goal is to learn from my seniors and share my knowledge with my friends and juniors, fostering a collaborative environment where we can collectively showcase the exquisite beauty of our country, Nepal.”