Stranger in a strange city

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

USA | Saturday, November 5, 2011 | 5 photos

I'm a photographer from Bangladesh with deep interest in life around me and deeply observe how the continuously changing world shape up the lives of people. I have been practicing photography seriously since 2007. I've shared my vision with my fellow photographers in Bangladesh and actively participated in different photographic ventures in different parts of Bangladesh. Currently I'm in USA for my studies.

I had the opportunity to stay in New York when I arrived USA first time in my life. Truly speaking, this was the first time for me outside my own country. I've heard about New York and I've seen it in news, movies or photographs. So, being a complete stranger with only 2 days of lifespan, I tried to absorb as much as I could of this city life. My perspective about the extreme busyness of this city was no different from other tourists. But surprises were waiting for me as I started observing deeply. Behind the curtain of thousand running cars, rushing people and high rise skyscrapers, a more gentle flow of life was going on. Even in this city of millions, there were lonely souls inside the crowd, or souls who simply wanted to be alone. I experienced something I never expected. In my story, I tried to portray this stark contrast of life.

I wish to continue my journey as a photographer traveling all over the world. To me the exciting point of travel photography is the fresh perspective that I can offer as a newcomer to a place. A specific place might seem mundane, simple to it's regular inhabitants, but for me it's exotic. I've never been there before. The images that I will capture there might provide a completely new insight into the specialty of the place. Nothing can be more refreshing than discovering a place through a new pair of eyes.

I believe this scholarship will perfectly aid my urge to explore this exotic world, of which my vision never gets tired.