Sajal, from pastime to a professional photographer

After completing their studies, many young people are now opting for creative careers instead of pursuing traditional careers. In these professions it is essential to have artistic knowledge along with own skills. One such profession is photography. Currently there is a considerable demand for this profession.

Print and online magazines are increasing with time. News agencies, multinational organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also have a demand for photographers. As a result, the employment of photographers is being created. Apart from that, there is an opportunity to make documentaries or work as a freelancer.

This is what photographer Mirza Sajal Raihan said. Since 2003, I used to take pictures out of a passionate hobby, I used to take pictures of whatever I got. Seeing my interest, my mother gave me a Yashika film camera after the SSC exam. My family has always supported me. Mom, dad, friends, elder brother, sister-in-law, college teachers all rendered constant support. I learnt photography mainly from my mom. Then started professional photography since 2011. At that time an expatriate friend Rafat Rahman brought us a DSLR camera from abroad. Since then there was no looking back.

Through the journey of taking 3o snaps from film cameras to switching to digital cameras with 1.2 mega pixel 8 megabyte cards, the interest in photography became addictive. Although, he was always interested in street photography but went into the wedding photography because of his school friend Tamim Haider. ‘I got my first wedding photography job from my younger sister Tanya. Since then, I have been very interested in wedding photography work. Moreover, without the support of my elder brother Mirza Sajib Raihan and wife Naureen Rahman, it would not be possible to work.

Mirza Sajal Raihan is currently doing wedding photography as well as photography of many big national events. Worked on Mujib Year Cycling Expeditions, Mujib Year Bangladesh Games 2020 and Multinational Corporate Events.

Mirza Sajal Raihan told, it was not possible to make a career in photography without the help of friends. They have been giving me all kinds of support since the beginning. Now my company Wedding Divine has employed many people.

He said that people of any age can take up photography as a profession. There are career opportunities here. Some are working in organizations, some are working as freelancers.

60 percent of Wedding Divine's proceeds go to underprivileged children and orphans, he said.