While we met once, and only very briefly, in Dhaka several years ago, I saw in G.M.B. Akash's work the kind of depth and breadth that I wished more photographers in the region could emulate. And now, he is clearly on a winning streak.
Just because you haven't seen it does not mean it doesn't exist. There is a plethora of talent in South Asia, waiting to be discovered. What makes Akash shine is of course his vision, his use of color, his sense of timing and light. All those things one would expect from a photographer. But those skills alone will limit your beautiful images to be stored away in shoe boxes or hard drives, never to be seen or appreciated by anyone.
What differentiates Akash is his pluckiness in putting his work and his name out there in front of people who matter most in this business: photo editors. Every month or so for the past year, I have received emails from Akash saying that he has either won or has been considered a finalist in one photo contest or another. For serious artists of the medium it is easy to tell yourself that you create art for yourself and contests don't mean a whole lot. That's fine, if you want to starve. But if you want to survive and continue creating work that is useful to society, you do now have to, well, promote yourself. And, Akash is very good at that. Entering and winning contests means putting his images and his name out into the real working world where editors and photo buyers are perusing, and perhaps persuing, new talent.
Here is a typical note from Akash. It's simple and to the point.
Dear Friends and colleagues,
You will be happy to know that i have won First Place, Color in Photographer's Forum Magazine's 26Th annual photo contest. USA.
This year 20,000 images were submitted from all around the world. As a award i will receive 1000 USD and a canon Digital SLR camera.
Due to Bangladesh’s large population, inadequate seats on the trains and poverty, it is quite common to see a thick layer of people occupying the roof of a train. Frequent accidents, which occur when a free rider slips, are not enough to deter these stowaways of the railway.
If you are a finalist or won a contest send me a note. And if it has helped you garner more assignments, definitely let me know the name of the publication. Email me the contest's name, your winning image(s) and a link to your website.
Latest posts by Seshu | Editor & Publisher (see all)
- 10 Steps To Stay Positive In Times Of Great Stress - July 13, 2022
- Why You Need To Read “Personal Branding For Photographers” Now - April 28, 2021
- How To Master Your Website Content Step By Step? - December 16, 2020
- Documenting Life During The Lockdown Around The World - July 4, 2020
- Food Photographer Lisa Nichols’ Personal Photo Project: “Take Out Only” - June 24, 2020
Ahmed Imran says
I just came across this site while exploring something else. Very encouraging to see the creativity and talent of a fellow Bnagaldeshi. Well done and keep it up. Hope you earn more international recognition.
Ahmed Imran, Austrlia
Ahmed Imran says
I just came across this site while exploring something else. Very encouraging to see the creativity and talent of a fellow Bnagaldeshi. Well done and keep it up. Hope you earn more international recognition.
Ahmed Imran, Austrlia
Monir says
I am from Bangladesh and of course I know about Akash because I am a photographer too. Akash has been capturing wonderful images for years.
As an amature photographer, I find it difficult to promote my photos. May be some of my works will pass the taste of critiques, but where to find the news of various international contests? It may seem foolish to ask, but I find it really difficult. Although I know the World press Photo contest is ahead. The online contests are open, but seems based mainly on nature, macro etc etc. I didn’t know about the contest where Akash won this prize he mentioned. It was published in newspapers in Bangladesh. Congrats for him!
I will be happy if you inform me about a source where I will be able to find these contest news. Another point is the entry fee. As a student, it is difficult to pay the entry fees many contests ask for. So, I might be able only to take part in entry fee free contests.
Thanks for your infos and running this useful website.
Monir says
I am from Bangladesh and of course I know about Akash because I am a photographer too. Akash has been capturing wonderful images for years.
As an amature photographer, I find it difficult to promote my photos. May be some of my works will pass the taste of critiques, but where to find the news of various international contests? It may seem foolish to ask, but I find it really difficult. Although I know the World press Photo contest is ahead. The online contests are open, but seems based mainly on nature, macro etc etc. I didn’t know about the contest where Akash won this prize he mentioned. It was published in newspapers in Bangladesh. Congrats for him!
I will be happy if you inform me about a source where I will be able to find these contest news. Another point is the entry fee. As a student, it is difficult to pay the entry fees many contests ask for. So, I might be able only to take part in entry fee free contests.
Thanks for your infos and running this useful website.
till erdmenger photographer says
Akash: Life threatened for hisphotos
G.M.B. Akash, a young photographer from Bangladesh, has now finally stranded in Germany after islamistic fanatics threatened his life for pictures like the one shown above. I read this sore story first on SPIEGEL online. All I want to say about this i…
till erdmenger photographer says
Akash: Life threatened for hisphotos
G.M.B. Akash, a young photographer from Bangladesh, has now finally stranded in Germany after islamistic fanatics threatened his life for pictures like the one shown above. I read this sore story first on SPIEGEL online. All I want to say about this i…
Sheikh Rajibul Islam says
I am from Bangladesh and of course I know about Akash because I am a photographer too. Akash has been capturing wonderful images for years.
As an amature photographer, I find it difficult to promote my photos. May be some of my works will pass the taste of critiques, but where to find the news of various international contests? It may seem foolish to ask, but I find it really difficult. Although I know the World press Photo contest is ahead. The online contests are open, but seems based mainly on nature, macro etc etc. I didn’t know about the contest where Akash won this prize he mentioned. It was published in newspapers in Bangladesh. Congrats for him!
I will be happy if you inform me about a source where I will be able to find these contest news. Another point is the entry fee. As a student, it is difficult to pay the entry fees many contests ask for. So, I might be able only to take part in entry fee free contests.
Thanks for your infos and running this useful website.
Sheikh Rajibul Islam says
I am from Bangladesh and of course I know about Akash because I am a photographer too. Akash has been capturing wonderful images for years.
As an amature photographer, I find it difficult to promote my photos. May be some of my works will pass the taste of critiques, but where to find the news of various international contests? It may seem foolish to ask, but I find it really difficult. Although I know the World press Photo contest is ahead. The online contests are open, but seems based mainly on nature, macro etc etc. I didn’t know about the contest where Akash won this prize he mentioned. It was published in newspapers in Bangladesh. Congrats for him!
I will be happy if you inform me about a source where I will be able to find these contest news. Another point is the entry fee. As a student, it is difficult to pay the entry fees many contests ask for. So, I might be able only to take part in entry fee free contests.
Thanks for your infos and running this useful website.