Rahat Mahfuz

Sheikh Iraj Rahat Mahfuz, 22, is an award-winning young photographer. In a short span of time, he has made a name himself, taking part in several photography exhibitions and competitions. He won his first prize in the 2nd UK-BD E-Commerce Fair in London last year. Mahfuz, who is studying sociology, has been associated with Dhaka University Photographic Society for the last two years. Y&I talked to him recently about his work, inspiration and future plan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How did you get into photography? Who inspired you?  

I joined Dhaka University Photographic Society (DUPS) in 2014. So far, I have visited 25 districts of our country. I have a dream that one day I will cover all the districts with my camera. I like to take wildlife and landscape pictures.  My family always inspired me in every step of my photographic career. They enjoy my success in this field. And I always get motivated by the DUPS members, they are my second family.

Rahat Mahfuz

What makes the good picture stand out from the average?

The thoughts involved in taking a photograph give it a different dimension. And the proper presentation of the subject being captured is also important. Besides, the psychological attachment of the photographer with the subject makes the photo even more beautiful.

 

Please tell us about your biggest achievements.

I have participated in a number of photo exhibitions. My photographs are exhibited in galleries at the National Museum, Shilpakala Academy, Drik Gallery, etc. I also have participated in open air exhibitions at TSC and Bangla Academy. I won the first prize in 2nd UK-BD E-Commerce Fair 2015, London, through my photograph ‘Innocence’.

My photograph ‘Delight’ was chosen as one of the best 50 pictures in the ‘Smile’ category of Sony World Photography Awards 2016. My work was selected from 95,541 images entered from 186 countries. It is set to go on show at Somerset House, London from  April 22 – May 8. Another photograph ‘Green Tunnel’ is on the final list after passing three stages of HIPA photography award 2015-2016 in the wildlife category. It is a global photo contest held in United Arab Emirates.

How do you teach yourself to take better pictures?

I have completed basic photography course from DUPS. Besides, I have attended several photography workshops. That helped me a lot to improve myself. And I also try to learn from other photographer’s works.

Please tell us about your future plan?

Right now, I am studying Sociology at Dhaka University. After completing my graduation, I would like to get admitted in a professional photography course at Pathshala South Asian Media Institute.

 

Rahat Mahfuz

Sheikh Iraj Rahat Mahfuz, 22, is an award-winning young photographer. In a short span of time, he has made a name himself, taking part in several photography exhibitions and competitions. He won his first prize in the 2nd UK-BD E-Commerce Fair in London last year. Mahfuz, who is studying sociology, has been associated with Dhaka University Photographic Society for the last two years. YI talked to him recently about his work, inspiration and future plan. How did you get into photography? Who inspired you? I joined Dhaka University Photographic Society (DUPS) in 2014. So far, I have visited 25 districts of our country. I have a dream that one day I will cover all the districts with my camera. I like to take wildlife and landscape pictures. My family always inspired me in every step of my photographic career. They enjoy my success in this field. And I always get motivated by the DUPS members, they are my second family. Rahat Mahfuz What makes the good picture stand out from the average? The thoughts involved in taking a photograph give it a different dimension. And the proper presentation of the subject being captured is also important. Besides, the psychological attachment of the photographer with the subject makes the photo even more beautiful. Please tell us about your biggest achievements. I have participated in a number of photo exhibitions. My photographs are exhibited in galleries at the National Museum, Shilpakala Academy, Drik Gallery, etc. I also have participated in open air exhibitions at TSC and Bangla Academy. I won the first prize in 2nd UK-BD E-Commerce Fair 2015, London, through my photograph Innocence. My photograph Delight was chosen as one of the best 50 pictures in the Smile category of Sony World Photography Awards 2016. My work was selected from 95,541 images entered from 186 countries. It is set to go on show at Somerset House, London from April 22 May 8. Another photograph Green Tunnel is on the final list after passing three stages of HIPA photography award 2015-2016 in the wildlife category. It is a global photo contest held in United Arab Emirates. How do you teach yourself to take better pictures? I have completed basic photography course from DUPS. Besides, I have attended several photography workshops. That helped me a lot to improve myself. And I also try to learn from other photographers works. Please tell us about your future plan? Right now, I am studying Sociology at Dhaka University. After completing my graduation, I would like to get admitted in a professional photography course at Pathshala South Asian Media Institute.