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Tanzim Wahab

Everyone in the country knows or at least heard about the Chobi Mela. But what about the people behind it? Tanzim Wahab, a young photographer, has been curating the international festival of photography for quite a while now. Wahab's love for photography goes beyond his camera. He has published two editions of a comprehensive book on photography, Kamra, and has also been involved in various workshops both at home and abroad. He has also worked as an instructor at the UNICEF Adolescent Program and participated at the Anchor Photo Festival in Cambodia. The Star catches up with the gifted photographer to talk about his favourite photographers, upcoming projects and much more.

Your Favourite Moments to Photograph
I get very close to people and their lives while photographing them. A kind of emotional bonding is developed between people from different sector. Now I enjoy taking pictures of people close to me.  

Your First Camera
It was my father's compact SLR camera. Whenever there was a birthday or any other event in my home, I would take up his camera and start shooting.

Upcoming project
I have been very busy with the curating of the Chobimela. I would like to take a break from my teaching for a while in 2015 and would like to focus on my photography. I haven't been able to do that for quite some time now. Moreover, we are also compiling a book on photography called Kamra. The third edition of Kamra will be released this year.  

Favourite Photographers
Anwar Hossain, Shahidul Alam and others. We have so many brilliant photographers out there. However, there is a lack of online archiving of their works.
Government and non government organizations should come forward to help in this regard.

A Photographic Experience Close to Your Heart
I worked on photography series on the lives of brick labourers. It basically focused on how urbanisation is ruining the fields of agriculture while the brick kilns are growing in number. I had become very close to the subjects of work during this project. At the same time, it created a dialect within me as to whether I could actually give them a voice through my works or if I could change their lives for the better at all. The overall experience is very close to me.