We were lucky to catch up with Anwar Ehtesham recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Anwar, thanks for joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success in anything requires hard work, and there’s truly no alternative to putting in the effort. However, in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, hard work alone isn’t enough. It’s equally important to be a smart and strategic thinker. We need to approach challenges with creativity, find innovative ways to overcome obstacles, and remain consistent in our efforts. Passion also plays a crucial role—it fuels our drive and keeps us focused on our goals, even when the road gets tough. Success is the result of combining hard work, strategic thinking, consistency, and passion.

Creating a photo book was an ambitious goal for me, especially as it was my first experience in publishing. But I was determined to make it an international-standard book. I began by researching over 100 books in the same genre and expanded my knowledge by diving into other genres, magazines, and various publications. This helped me generate fresh ideas and a broader perspective. I also sought advice from experts in the field of publishing, which deepened my understanding and refined my approach.

As I gathered knowledge, my workload increased significantly. I became more of a perfectionist, ensuring that every detail met high standards. This, in turn, led to a rise in production costs, so I had to shift my focus to marketing and sales strategies. Finding sponsors also became a key task, as I worked to secure the support needed for the project.

Despite the demanding schedule and constant juggling of tasks, all the hard work paid off when the book launched. The final product exceeded my expectations, and the marketing and planning strategies worked well. Orders started coming in from different parts of the world, confirming that the pre- and post-production efforts were well worth it. Initially, my goal was simply to cover the expenses, but thanks to the high quality of the book and the meticulous planning, I began to generate a solid revenue. Orders started rolling in from different parts of the world, and I’m pleased to see the success the book has achieved. I’m truly happy with the revenue it’s making, which is a direct result of the hard work and careful planning that went into the entire process.

Anwar, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am Anwar Ehtesham Khandaker, a hobbyist street and documentary photographer based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. My journey behind the lens began in 2020. It wasn’t until the following year, however, that I truly found my calling within these captivating genres. My academic background lies in the realm of business, with both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees specializing in marketing. This led me to a career immersed in the intricacies of consumer behavior, branding, advertising, and public relations.

Over the years, my professional life has offered invaluable opportunities to collaborate with a diverse array of creative minds – designers, copywriters, art and creative directors, and strategic planners, to name a few. This firsthand exposure undoubtedly nurtured my appreciation for art, photography, and various other forms of creative expression. Yet, the demands of a corporate career, with its relentless workloads, business targets, and back-to-back campaigns, left little room to pursue my own artistic inclinations.

The turning point came after the Covid-19 pandemic. Approaching my fortieth year, a realization dawned upon me: if I didn’t dedicate time to my passion now, I might never will. This prompted me to acquire a camera and embark on the path of learning photography. Initially, my focus was drawn to portraits and nature, but I soon discovered that these genres didn’t quite resonate with my personal taste and lifestyle. I then began exploring other avenues, searching for a genre that felt like a natural fit. It was in the dynamic energy of the streets that I finally found my niche. As I continued to wander and observe, I also developed a strong affinity for the narrative power of documentary-style photography.

I believe my unwavering dedication to capturing the essence of street and documentary life has earned me recognition in several esteemed local and international photography publications, including Street Photography Magazine, The Pictorial List, Spectaculum Magazine, ProgressivE-zine, Klick Magazine, Inspired Eye Magazine, The Artist Gallery, Journal of Urban Photography, Edge of Humanity Magazine, The Daily Sun and The Business Standard, among others. In addition, my photographs were showcased in an online group exhibition curated by the US-based photography magazine, F-Stop Magazine. These have been incredibly validating, solidifying my presence within the photography world. Furthermore, my work has garnered attention on Instagram, being featured by numerous photography communities such as BCN Collective, Street Macadam, My Street BNW, Friends in Profile, Street Avengers, The Street Photography Hub, Pure Street Photography, PhotographizeMag, DPSP Rainshot, Shadow Magazine, Street Photography Society, Street Photography Gallery, Inspired Street, Global Fotografia Streets, BNW Street Foto, Interpubliq, Swiss Street Collective, and Effe4.0, to name a few. Adding another dimension to my involvement in the photography community, I also serve as the Curator for two prominent street photography hubs namely, WeGallery Photos®︎ and Street Photography Gallery.

January 2025 marked a significant milestone in my photographic journey with the publication of my first book, Hopes & Dreams: Stories from the Streets of Dhaka. The book contains 121 compelling photographs of the working-class people of my city; Dhaka. I am immensely grateful to Prime Bank PLC, one of the leading banks in our country, for their generous sponsorship of this Book. The reception to my book has been overwhelmingly positive, with individuals both within Bangladesh and internationally acquiring copies, making it an internationally recognized work. Moreover, I am thrilled that two internationally renowned publications have expressed interest in reviewing my book. Looking ahead, my aspirations are to continue capturing meaningful moments through my lens and to publish more photography books in the future. And who knows? If things continue to progress well, perhaps one day I will be able to dedicate myself to photography as my full-time profession.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Photography in my homeland, Bangladesh, presents a challenging landscape for professional pursuit, often limited to the realms of wedding photography or corporate commissions secured through established connections. This reality meant that envisioning photography as a full-time profession felt like a distant dream. Compounding this was the relentless pressure of my weekday schedule, making it a constant struggle to nurture my photographic passion. Balancing work, family life, and creative aspirations often felt like an insurmountable challenge, leaving precious little time for what truly ignited my soul.

Yet, the desire to create, to capture the stories unfolding around me, refused to be extinguished. In 2022, I devised a plan, a small window carved out of the early morning hours. Every weekday, I would venture out onto the streets at 6 am, returning by 10 am, just before my family stirred. This became my sanctuary, my dedicated time to observe and document the vibrant tapestry of Dhaka. But the act of taking photos is merely the beginning. The subsequent hours – often squeezed into late nights, brief break times, or the in-between moments of commuting – were dedicated to the crucial processes of screening, editing, publishing, and engaging with the online photography communities that have become such a vital part of the contemporary photographic landscape. It’s a constant juggling act, managing a creative passion within the confines of a demanding life.

The journey of publishing my first book, Hopes & Dreams: Stories from the Streets of Dhaka, presented its own unique set of formidable obstacles. From the initial conceptualization and design to the intricate work of storytelling, sequencing, editing, finding the right printer, securing sponsorship, organizing the launch event, crafting and distributing press releases, and finally ensuring shipment and sales – I was involved in almost every single step. Apart from the physical printing and binding, the entire process was orchestrated by me. This even included the daunting task of learning a completely new software, Adobe InDesign, which I mastered by diligently watching countless YouTube tutorials, all to bring my vision for the book to life. Approaching potential sponsors proved to be a particularly disheartening experience initially. With no prior experience in this realm, I faced repeated rejections. Yet, my determination, fueled by my deep-seated passion, pushed me forward. Eventually, I secured a crucial sponsorship. The sponsor requested a comprehensive presentation outlining the book’s concept and execution, granting me a mere 18 hours to prepare. By the grace of God, my presentation resonated with them, and they immediately agreed to support my dream project.

The next hurdle was finding the right printing house. Navigating this unfamiliar territory was a daunting task. I had to conduct thorough research, seeking advice from those with prior printing experience. Even after securing sponsorship, I soon realized that the initial funding wouldn’t be sufficient. Undeterred, I meticulously calculated how to make the project financially viable, aiming for at least the breakeven point. This led me to develop another booklet, and I embarked on the search for additional sponsors. After weeks of persistent effort, I managed to secure the necessary supplementary funding.

The entire process was a steep learning curve, filled with unexpected challenges at every turn. It was during this time that I also experienced the stark reality that not all those you consider friends will stand by you when you embark on such a demanding journey. There were moments of feeling utterly alone. But the key, I learned, is to persevere, to push harder, and to never give up. Success rarely comes easily. Today, I can proudly say that despite the arduous journey, I gained invaluable knowledge and ultimately achieved success, realizing a remarkable 150% profit (estimated) from my first book. This experience has solidified my belief that nothing is truly impossible when you are driven by passion and fueled by relentless hard work.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

The question of how I’ve built my reputation within the photography sphere in my market is something I’ve given considerable thought to. Drawing from my background in marketing, I understood early on the profound impact of reputation. My approach has been multifaceted, built on a foundation of consistently striving for quality and actively engaging with the photographic community.

Firstly, I placed immense emphasis on the images I shared. It’s one thing to occasionally capture a decent photograph, but maintaining a steady stream of compelling work demands a keen eye, refined taste, continuous experimentation, significant time spent immersed in the streets, and above all, a commitment to creative and original thinking. I was, and continue to be, highly selective about what I present on my social media feeds.

Beyond the images themselves, I recognized the vital role of community engagement. Being a good social being, fostering respectful relationships, and staying connected with like-minded individuals are paramount. I actively sought out opportunities to connect with photographers whose work I admired, eager to learn from their experiences and incorporate those learning into my own practice. Collaboration has also been a key element, reaching out to photography magazines and submitting my work to a wider audience. Building a reputation is not a passive endeavor; it requires continuous effort and proactive engagement.

Furthermore, I consciously applied various strategies to expand my reach and connect with new audiences. Maintaining relevance on social media platforms was also a priority. In today’s digital landscape, staying active and engaging ensures that your work isn’t lost in the algorithmic noise.

However, looking back, I believe the two most significant factors that contributed to building my reputation were my lack of ego and my unwavering willingness to learn and seek guidance. Many are hesitant to ask for help, fearing it might diminish their self-image. Similarly, constructive criticism can be difficult to accept for many photographers. I consciously chose a different path. I consistently sought honest feedback on my work, even when it was challenging to hear. This openness to learning and the humility to ask for guidance, I believe, have been instrumental in my growth and the positive recognition I’ve received within the photography community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anwarehtesham.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ehtesham_digital/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ehtesham.digital/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anwarehtesham/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnwarEhtesham

Image Credits

Image Credits: Anwar Ehtesham Khandaker. All rights reserved.