Rony Sharafat: Capturing Beauty of Bangladesh Through Lens

Photography in Bangladesh is undergoing a creative evolution, and at the forefront stands Rony Sharafat, a passionate storyteller behind the lens. A graduate in Textile Engineering and Management from BUFT, Rony chose to venture beyond conventional career paths. Today, he captures Bangladesh’s scenic beauty and cultural essence, not from a factory floor but through frames that speak louder than words. In this exclusive interview with TINDS, he reflects on his inspiring journey from academia to artistry.

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TINDS: Tell us a little about yourself.

Rony: I completed my graduation from BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology in Textile Engineering and Management. Currently, I work as a photographer and videographer at COdesign, a Dhaka-based design company. I’ve also been working as a freelance cinematographer and photographer for over four years.

TINDS: What three words describe you the best?

Rony: Travel-freak, homesick, and film-enthusiast.

TINDS: Being a graduate in textile engineering, why the transition to photography?

Rony: At BUFT, we needed to build fashion portfolios, which sparked my interest in photography. A trip to Keokradong, Bandarban, changed everything when we shot a short video for fun. I later assisted a friend with a lookbook photoshoot. This was my pivot point.

TINDS: Would you want to be recognized as a photographer or a videographer?

Rony: Honestly, I identify more as a videographer. I started with videos before diving deep into photography, which is usually the other way around. But both mediums mean a lot to me.

TINDS: How often do you work as a freelancer?

Rony: I freelanced full-time before joining COdesign. Since 2022, the number of projects has increased—mostly through references and my Instagram page. I’m quite selective now due to time constraints.

TINDS: Why did you pursue the creative industry instead of the textile sector?

Rony: While many of my peers chose traditional textile jobs, I found fulfillment traveling and documenting stories. I even gave final exams while touring districts. Listening to the frustration from my peers helped confirm that the corporate textile world wasn’t for me.

TINDS: What role do you play working for Codesign?

Rony: I work as a full-time visual storyteller. What sets COdesign apart is the flexibility—it allows me to work remotely when needed. I’ve had the opportunity to work with top-tier clients like BMW, Ford, KIA, Eastern Bank Ltd, and several leading restaurants in Dhaka.

TINDS: What are your thoughts on self-taught creators vs. academic training?

Rony: I’ve learned a lot from platforms like YouTube, but my real breakthrough came after meeting Shohan Bhai, a documentary filmmaker associated with Counter Foto. He mentored me on composition, lighting, and storytelling—things you don’t always get online.

TINDS: Can you name some notable projects or brands you’ve worked with?

Rony: Apart from major car brands, I’ve worked on commercials and food content for trending spots like Tarka, Saltz, and on branding campaigns with Unimart. Each client brings a different flavor to my portfolio.

TINDS: What’s your favorite place to shoot in Bangladesh?

Rony: Definitely the hill tracts—Bandarban, Ruma, and the remote villages along the Sangu River. The untouched landscapes and native communities inspire me deeply.

TINDS: How do you balance personal life with travel-based work?

Rony: It’s not always easy. I miss family events, and sometimes you crave the comfort of home. But this lifestyle has helped me grow immensely—personally and professionally.

TINDS: What equipment do you currently use for your photography/videography?

Rony: I use the Sony A7 III for its versatility and excellent low-light performance. I also carry a DJI gimbal and a drone for aerial shots when needed.

TINDS: How do you deal with creative blocks?

Rony: I take breaks, watch films by auteurs like Tarkovsky, or scroll through photography books by Steve McCurry. Changing perspective helps recharge.

TINDS: What advice would you give to aspiring content creators?

Rony: Start with what you have. I began with a phone. Learn the basics, understand light, and never stop experimenting. Consistency and networking are key.

TINDS: What are your long-term goals in this industry?

Rony: I want to focus solely on freelance work and produce short films. Filmmaking is my ultimate goal. I aim to develop my cinematography and storytelling to an international standard.

Rony Sharafat’s journey is a portrait of how passion can redefine career paths. His evolution from a Textile Engineering graduate to a sought-after visual artist highlights the essence of modern-day creative freedom in Bangladesh. From capturing the serene hills of Bandarban to shooting campaigns for luxury brands, Rony’s lens speaks a universal language of emotion and discovery.

🔗 Find Rony Sharafat:

• Facebook: Rony Sharafat
• Instagram: @sharafatrony
• YouTube: Rony Sharafat
  

For more inspiring stories, check out TINDS Spotlight and explore South Asia’s rising cultural wave.