Jay Tamang was born in the remote village of Bhalche in the northern hills of Kathmandu, Nepal, where the Himalayas shaped his deep connection to nature. At fifteen, he moved to Kathmandu and later witnessed both the beauty and the growing neglect of the mountains he loved. Political instability in 2004 led him to immigrate to California, where diverse landscapes inspired him to pursue photography as a way to honor and protect the natural world. Beyond photography, Jay is deeply committed to giving back to Nepal. He has helped build three schools—an elementary school, a high school, and a college—in remote villages, creating opportunities for future generations. Through his work, Jay bridges continents and cultures, using photography to inspire conservation, responsibility, and hope for a better world.

Person in a winter jacket holding a camera in a snowy landscape with mountains and trees in the background, likely during winter in Yosemite National Park.

Two children walking outdoors on a dirt path, wearing colorful clothing and scarves. One child is holding a yellow bag.

Aerial view of a rural school with metal-roofed buildings and students gathered outdoors in circular formations on a barren hillside.

Earthquake In 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, devastating thousands of schools in remote areas. With countless children left without educational facilities, the local government constructed temporary classrooms using zinc metal sheets. However, these makeshift structures provided little protection against harsh winds, leaving students vulnerable to the cold and frequent illness.

Thanks to the support of family, friends, and the community, I was able to help rebuild an elementary school, a high school, and a college in different villages, providing safe and stable learning environments for the children.