In the dynamic field of photography, where moments are frozen in time and narratives are woven with each click of the camera, Fahad Ahmed Rakin shines as a true innovator. Originating from Bangladesh, Rakin has established himself as a trailblazer in documentary photography, travel content creation, and commercial ventures, creating ripples both locally and globally. His photographic odyssey commenced with a deep-seated passion for storytelling. Raised amidst the lively and culturally diverse backdrop of Bangladesh, Rakin drew inspiration from the ordinary yet extraordinary lives of those around him. In an exclusive chat with TINDS, Rakin delved into his photographic journey and shared his remarkable evolution in this captivating realm.
TINDS: Tell us a little about your childhood. Where were you born and where did you grow up?
Rakin: I originally hail from Noakhali, but when I was about five years old, my family relocated to Dhaka. This move was prompted by my father’s job as a Government employee, which required us to shift for his posting. While I spent my formative years in Dhaka, the charm of rural areas has always had a special place in my heart.
TINDS: Tell us a little about your educational background.
Rakin: I completed my graduation in 2017 from Ahsanullah University in Computer Science and Engineering.
TINDS: How did your interest in traveling begin?
Rakin: When I was young, I was quite the troublemaker and would frequently sneak out of the house to explore various places. I typically wandered around nearby spots or dropped by my friends’ houses. However, it was just before my SSC exams when a group of five friends and I made a spontaneous trip to Cox’s Bazar. This escapade marked a unique adventure for me, sparking the realization that I needed to find a way to start making money soon so that I could fund my own travel expeditions.
TINDS: How did you finance your trips?
Rakin: I freelanced for a good number of years. Back then, freelancing wasn’t as common as it is today. My gig was dropshipping, and I made way more money than most people my age did back then. This allowed me to have the financial freedom to do whatever I pleased and travel wherever I wanted without stressing about money.
TINDS: How’d you get involved in photography?
Rakin: I used to love snapping photos on my phone whenever I traveled. It wasn’t until 2016 that I purchased my first camera. Before heading anywhere, I would meticulously research the destination, often watching numerous videos online in the process. Vlogs especially caught my attention, showcasing how effectively one could capture a place for viewers. It dawned on me over time that some individuals were earning a living by exploring different locations and creating content about their experiences. It never crossed my mind that my beloved hobby could potentially turn into a career.
TINDS: When and how did you make the transition from being a photographer to a videographer?
Rakin: I decided to put freelancing on hold and dabbled in wedding photography to manage my finances. By 2019, I had ventured into video making and was honing my skills. My friend Nihab was a huge inspiration with his amazing video content. Our shared travels provided me valuable learning experiences from his unique perspective on showcasing our country’s natural wonders, which really captivated me.
TINDS: How did you go global from being a content creator from Bangladesh?
Rakin: I spent a good amount of time working as a tour guide for European visitors in Bangladesh. This experience allowed me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and build relationships. Towards the end of 2022, I had a chance encounter with a Ukrainian client from Dubai who later connected me with someone offering a job. This person served as an intermediary for various international companies. It was an exciting opportunity that I embraced wholeheartedly, valuing every job opportunity that came my way. Upon securing the new job, I dedicated myself fully to it, setting aside all other side activities. Thanks to this role, I’ve been fortunate to travel to enchanting destinations like Indonesia for work purposes.
TINDS: What are your plans for the coming days?
Rakin: I have plans to visit a few more countries this year. I am going to visit the Philippines to see the Mayon volcano, it is said to be the beauty of volcanoes and I am very eager and looking forward to it.
TINDS: Have your parents always been supportive of what you do?
Rakin: Yes, I was fortunate enough to have the utmost support from my parents. Both of them have thoroughly supported me in any way that they could during the time while I was doing my freelancing as well when I was doing my photography.
TINDS: Coming this far, what have you had to struggle with?
Rakin: When I started content creation, I wasn’t very financially fluent. I left a very stable career in freelancing just because I wanted to pursue something that I liked to do. Also, the money did not start coming in instantly, I did not right away start getting projects that paid me. The money in fact started coming in a lot later. I got married along the way and things turned more intense regarding responsibility wise. My wife has been my biggest support throughout the way and I am grateful.
| Find Him
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fahadahmed2309/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fahadrakin/ |
