Behind the Frame
Stories, Journeys & Lessons from the World of Gautam Dhimal
Welcome to Behind the Frame, the personal journal of Gautam Dhimal, award winning photographer, filmmaker, and visual director. This is where his images meet his words and the real story behind every photograph, film, or production moment comes alive and personal.
From the mountains of Nepal to the deserts of Africa, the cityscapes of the UAE, and the creative energy of South Asia, these stories take you behind the camera, into the wild, the intimate, and the unexpected. You’ll find:
Real stories from global fashion photography campaigns, wildlife expeditions, and documentary shoots for NGOs.
Behind the scenes from international film productions, brand storytelling, and editorial photography assignments.
Adventures in aerial photography from open door helicopters, fixed wing flights, and drones over remote terrains.
Photography tips from worldwide projects for luxury brands, tourism boards, commercial projects and media outlets.
Reflections on travel, culture, people, gear like the Fujifilm GFX, and the art of lighting on location with Profoto.
Insights into projects like Himalayan Fashion Adventure, Wild Africa, The Vanishing Himalayas, Until We Act, and destination fashion productions in Nepal, Dubai, Thailand, South Africa and beyond.
Whether you are a fellow creative, a brand strategist, a traveler, or simply someone who loves visual storytelling, this blog is for you. Every post is rooted in lived experience, with honesty, humor, and the kind of details that only come from years of working on fashion and editorial in the snow, filming at 5,000 meters, or capturing the perfect aerial shot from a helicopter.
Step inside and see the world Behind the Frame.
New stories are published every Monday.
How Saying Yes Made Me a Fashion Photographer
How a single “yes” to a persistent fashion designer in 2012 turned into a career defining partnership, countless shoots, and a reputation as an award winning fashion photographer.
When a Client Asked for 8 Models in 6 Days
Inside the Kathmandu studio, eight models, hundreds of styles, and six intense days came together for Tamasha Knit’s luxury cashmere lookbook, produced and photographed by Gautam Dhimal.
A Sailor in the Himalayas
From sacred temples to snowy peaks, photographer Gautam Dhimal follows sailor and adventurer Kealan Thor Knox across Nepal, crafting studio quality portraits in the wildest locations on Earth.
Brick by Brick: Stories from the Kilns
From dusty yards to smoke filled skies, Brick by Brick captures the human spirit in Nepal’s brick kilns and asks urgent questions about climate, land, and the cost of survival.
When a Wild Elephant Blocked the Road in Africa
Sometimes in wildlife photography, the best shot is not the one you take. It is the one you experience, like the day a bull elephant claimed the road in front of us in the heart of Africa.
Hanging Out of a Helicopter for the Perfect Shot
Hanging from a helicopter over Everest is not just a thrill. It is a race against time to capture the Himalayas before the clouds swallow them whole.
The Day the Light Disappeared: Himalayan Fashion Adventure Photography in Mustang, Nepal
In the Himalayas, the weather changes fast. One moment, golden light. The next, thick clouds. Here’s how we turned disappearing light into an award winning fashion shoot in Mustang.
The Frame Before the Shot
From Himalayan ridges to African deserts, Gautam Dhimal shares the untold stories behind his most iconic photographs. This first post invites you into the moments, challenges, and emotions that happen before the shutter clicks.