An Exclusive Interview with Masudur Rahman

Photography is a passion of Masudur Rahman Mamoon, which he started back in 1998. Initiated with portrait photography using a film camera, Mamoon was unable to give time, due to his work in RMG sector. In 2007, when he had started his own business, he managed to give more time, especially in wildlife photography. Mamoon was born on 15th October, 1967, and completed his post-graduation in Marketing from Chittagong University. He believes that photography can give freedom of expression and can bring positive changes into our lives and society. He loves wildlife photography, especially bird photography, for which he traveled many places across the country. He is one of the members of Chittagong Bird Club (C.B.C). His bird photographs and writings publish in local newspaper weekly.In this “Exclusive Interview” section, today we have the opportunity to talk with Masudur Rahman, as his photograph was winner of Photo of the Month – 45th Month, 3rd Place. Let’s discover more about Masudur Rahman, and his forays into photography in the following interview with him.

An Exclusive Interview with Masudur Rahman, winner of Photo of the Month – 45th Month, 3rd Place.

Light & Composition: Greetings from Light & Composition, Masudur. How does it feel being selected as the winner of Photo of the Month, 45th Month, 3rd Place?Masudur Rahman: I am really excited and honored to be selected as the winner of Photo of the Month. I feel extremely happy and proud of this.

L&C: Your photographs “Long-tailed Shrike” was selected as Photo of the Month, is a wonderful wildlife photograph with artistic perspective, correct lighting, and very well presented. Overall, a great composition! Tell us more about your experience of taking this photograph.

Masudur: I took this photograph near the Muhuri Dam area, Chittagong, Bangladesh earlier this year, and I can clearly remember it was a cold morning. I was walking by the Muhuri Dam, and trying to look for some birds. It was then I saw this beautiful Long tailed Shrike, sitting on the tree and enjoying the sun. I was so excited seeing it, had to take few more snaps.

Long-tailed Shrike, by Masudur Rahman

L&C: Besides this winning photograph, many people liked and voted for other photographs of yours in the Photo of the Month contest. You must be proud. How do you see your journey to the world of photography so far?Masudur: The journey has been splendid so far. I have learned lot in the last few years compare to when I first started to learn back in 1998. My focus has also altered over the period of time, from taking the portraits of people to Wildlife photography. Ever since I started shooting as a wildlife photographer I started to notice the vast diversity of birds in my country, which I did not expect to be.

L&C: As we know, you are from the city of Chittagong in Bangladesh. Do you think the rich diverse cultural and artistic heritage of Bangladesh portrayed a different essence to you?Masudur: I was born in Chittagong, Bangladesh and it is a wonderful place to explore nature with all its beautiful aspects. The natural beauty of Chittagong attracted me to take up Wildlife photography with a passion for birds.

L&C: Do you like a particular genre of photography and if so, why?

Masudur:Yes, Wild life photography, birds in particular. Birds are not only beautiful, but they come in different color and are one of the most exquisite creatures on this planet.

L&C: One of the keys to any style of photography is visualization. Please tell us how you started this process and what you did afterwards.Masudur: My first step to create a good picture is to find the location of these birds; and once I look them up from various books and other sources I get to see these bird. I take various shots until I find the perfect snap.

L&C: Have you ever exhibited your work? If so, then tell us about your first exhibiting experience.Masudur: Yes, I have exhibited my work. It was a group of photographers exhibiting their works, held on March 2014, and I was extremely glad about it.

L&C: Are you involved with any photography organizations? How does this help you in your photography?Masudur: I am the founder member of Chittagong Bird Club where various wild life photographers of Chittagong share a similar interest – bird photography.

L&C: What advice would you give our readers who want to take part in the journey around the world with photography?Masudur: The key to good photography is practice; the more you practice the more you are bound to improve at it.

L&C: Thank you, Masudur, for sharing your feelings and experiences with us.