Kaushik Iqbal, The laziest hardworking Person you’ll ever meet - News Story

Course Code: MSJ11201

Kaushik Iqbal, a very popular name when it comes to fashion photography in Bangladesh. Starting as a cinematographer in 2009 and gradually transitioning into a professional photographer with all his outstanding fashion, editorial, and bridal shoots, he took the industry standards to another level. During an interview, he shared how he started his journey and some fantastic guidelines for all the newbies in photography.

Raisa: When and how did you start your journey?

Kaushik: My journey started back in 2009 as a cinematographer. That is when I bought my first camera. And gradually, when I began to explore it, I found my passion for fashion photography. This is how everything started, but I had never thought of a photographer before that.

Raisa: Which one do you love doing the most? Fashion or wedding photography?

Kaushik: As a professional photographer, I try to give my best at any project I’m assigned to do. However, as photography is my passion, which came from fashion photography, I will definitely choose fashion over wedding shoots.

Raisa: What is your favorite work that you’ve done so far?

Kaushik: It’s a tricky question for me to answer as I’ve been doing this for quite a long time. I can’t just name one. A few of my favorites are with Shahrukh Amin Tinku for Saree Club and Almira with Aupee Karim and Farzana Shakil, as these shoots were conceptual and creative. Another work I did 2 years ago with Jessia Islam for her first portfolio shoot was also one of my favorites.

Raisa: What is the best part of your job?

Kaushik: Freedom; I have the freedom to schedule my work in my own way. I never wanted a full-time job as my career where I’ll have to work more than 20 days a month. As a very lazy kid from my childhood, my plan was always to work really hard for a few days a month so that I could sleep throughout the rest of the month without workload.

Raisa: What is the worst part of your job?

Kaushik: When you’re already assigned to a shoot or project, but it is below your work standard, and you don’t get your creative freedom while you’re working with the team, but you’ve no other options as you’ve signed up for this, to me this is the worst part.

Raisa: What do you think is the most crucial part of wedding photography?

Kaushik: “Capturing the moments” rather than telling the bride, groom, and bridesmaids how to pose for the photos, I prefer capturing the actual moments they are in. Because I think in that way, every picture has its own story.

Raisa: Do you ever feel pressure because there is a lot of competition in the industry right now?

Kaushik: I always compete with myself. I never had a headache about how others were working around me. I believe as a photographer, it is essential to have your own unique style and authenticity. So I always try to make sure that my photos are unique in my own way.

Raisa: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Kaushik: In my opinion, it’s better to think about what you will be doing next or tomorrow more than what you’ll be doing years ahead. But still, if you ask me, I want to enrich my work as much as I can and hopefully can contribute to the development of this industry.

Raisa: Why do you promote young artists?

Kaushik: When I first started, it was tough to find a platform to start my career. That’s why whenever I come across young talented artists who have the potential to do something great for this industry, I try to give them a platform, to begin with. To me, newbies are more dedicated, passionate, and punctual, as their work matters a lot to them. That’s why it’s always much more fun to work with them. That’s why I always like to promote them.

Raisa: 5 suggestions for the upcoming photographers in Bangladesh.

Kaushik:

i) Your work must be unique.

ii) Photography is more challenging than it seems, so study a lot about your work and yourself.

iii) Maintain a healthy completion with the others.

iv) Don’t only think about yourself; think about flourishing along with the entire industry.

v) Be honest and hardworking.