Farhad Rahman, Colours of Bagan

As part of a two month workshop, Bangladeshi photographer Farhad Rahman chose the ancient city of Bagan, Myanmar as his focus for his final project. He is known as an observer of life and space around him. In this project, Rahman captures the changing landscapes of Bagan and it’s current transitioning between spirituality and tourism.

How did you get into photography? Tell us about your first experiences: My brother sent me a film based SLR camera and I used it for at least 7 years while practicing my photography skills. My first two rolls of film were overexposed, underexposed and unfocused. After that I found that a neighbour had a SLR and he taught me how to set the shutter and aperture to make a quality image.

What compels you to document the places you visit?

For me, travel is my main passion and photography helps me to fulfil my travel dreams. At an early stage of my life when I was not a professional photographer, I took photographs during every travel opportunity to capture the memories of my time and use them later to recall the essence of the places travelled.

What took you to Myanmar?

In the year of 2014 I was sent to Myanmar to attend a two-month workshop. I chose Bagan for my final project of that workshop.

Did you experience any difficulties when photographing in Myanmar?

One thing I had to face very rarely, was simply being from their neighbouring country. They have kind of anti-sentiments towards the people of Bangladesh. In some places I had to hide my identity to reduce the chance of running into danger.

What did you try to capture in your photographs?

During my traveling in Bagan, Myanmar, I tried to capture the changing of landscape there and how that place goes through the transition between spirituality and tourism.

What is it about your personal experiences of travel and culture that inspires you as a photographer?

Personal encounters with new people and places and exploring the culture is my main inspiration as a travel photographer.

Tell us a story behind a memorable moment while photographing in Bagan:

I was completely alone while photographing in Bagan and every day I used to take a lot of time to explore it. One day, suddenly, I found a friend from Norway who was lost and completely dehydrated in the middle of the Bagan. I was so happy to see her because I finally had someone to talk to.

Where would you like to travel next and why?

I have a fascination with Japan. I have always had an attraction towards the culture of east Asia and I have already seen the culture of China and South Korea, so for me Japan is mandatory for my next adventure.