Capturing moments with light and shadow

I am Md. Abdul Musabbir Chowdhury. A photographer by passion and a University Teacher by Profession. I’m a resident of Sylhet, a city in the northeastern section of Bangladesh that is known for its beauty.

I visited Cox’sbazar in 2011 with my wife shortly after our nuptials. I had never before seen the beauty of the water, as Cox’sbazar is home to the world’s longest seashore. I had a digital camera from Samsung. The picturesque magnificence of such a great area attracted me completely. I shot about 1200 images on that journey. And this is how my interest in photography began. A friend eventually loaned me his Nikon D90 a few months later.

I was unaware about DSLRs at the time. So I joined a Basic photography course a few months later. I haven’t turned back since then. A Nikon D7000 with a 16-85mm and 35mm lens was something I later purchased. During the following four years, I took a ton of pictures. A Sony RX100 Mk III point-and-shoot was a present from a friend to me in 2017. I purchased the Sony A6100 and the Sigma 56mm and 30mm f1.4 lenses in the year 2020.

In 2021, I purchased a new camera and made the move to the Fujifilm ecosystem; it was a Fujifilm X-T4 equipped with a 35mm f2 lens. A 35mm f0.95 lens from 7artisans arrived later on, along with five more lenses from Brighten Star: a 12mm f2, a 7.5mm f2.8, a 25mm f1.8, a 55mm 1.4, a 35mm f1.7 and a 56mm f1.4 lens from Tokina.

I tried several things. I’ve wanted an X100 camera since 2011, but it wasn’t accessible in my nation at the time. I’ve wanted an X100 camera for a very long time, but I’ve never been able to afford one. The time finally arrived in 2023. I purchased the Fujifilm X100V, my ideal camera, in February 2023. The Fuji ecosystem’s color science has always captivated me. Despite the fact that I had never used one before, I frequently watched reviews and explanations of the X100V on YouTube.

The Fujifilm X100V is a remarkable work of art. For a variety of reasons, it has replaced all of my other equipment as my daily companion and go-to camera. Because the Fujifilm X100V is so little, I can easily take it with me everywhere I go. It is perfect for everyday shooting, travel, and street photography because of its compact size and lightweight construction. The film simulations, and particularly the Fujifilm recipes process, was one of the primary drivers for converting to the Fujifilm ecosystem. I usually like seeing film images on various social media platforms, especially Instagram, but regrettably, the cost of film stocks and lack of availability prevented me from ever having the opportunity to explore film photography. However, in a manner, such film recipes from various sources (especially the Fuji X Weekly) offered a chance to at least simulate the sensation of film images, even though nothing can match the film photos.

The attachment I have the most passion for is photography. I’m not sure when it started, but it gradually became a part of my daily routine. I make an effort to watch others nearby as they engage in various activities. I really adore capturing the moments and interacting with those around me. I don’t stage my portrait shots; instead, they are the product of conversations with my subjects. I always have a great desire to record unguarded moments. When I choose to shoot someone, I go in close proximity to them, engage in conversation with them, and work to put them at ease. Actually, I don’t have any formal training in photography, nor have I taken any professional courses in it. Instead, I go with my gut. When I have my camera with me while I’m away from home, my instinct is what drives me to take any pictures.

I have always been inspired by the most amazing photographer in my country, Nayeem Kalam, who actually changed my point of view through his works and words. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2019. He was a hidden gem and a true Master in photography for me. He taught me to look around me, and why taking photographs of family is so important. Apart from him, I am inspired by the photography of Daido Moriyama and Vivian Maier.

I take a lot of candid pictures. I’m drawn to the people I pass on the street because of their way of life, and I adore taking pictures of my two stunning kids, Ajwa and Anabia. One thing I must say is that my wife brought me, motivated me, and has always supported me in my path as a photographer. She also enjoys being photographed.

I have no preference for any specific time of day to take photos. I will simply grab my camera and head outdoors whenever I feel the desire to take pictures on the street. However, I must admit that early in the morning is the finest time for street photography since the light is at its most magical. My images are mostly a reflection of the game of light and shadow since, to me, photography is about capturing moments with light and shadow.

I enjoy using Lightroom to develop every photograph, although occasionally, I’ll use Photoshop to add borders or more color grading. There is a reason why I created so many LR presets. I once consulted a photographer for advice on his post-processing procedures and Lightroom presets. But because of how he treated me, I made a pledge to design presets that were really cinematic. So, I created more than 250 LR presets every day while also gathering from many sources. I intend to make these presets available as an open, free source for usage by anybody. I think that information is meant to be shared and that it only has value when it helps people by being shared.

My ideal focal length is always 35mm. And I have a soft spot for diffusion filters, which strangely corresponds to how I feel about film photography. I used to create my own diffusion filters until purchasing a Moment Cinebloom 10% filter last year. Additionally, I purchased a Black Pro-Mist filter from Tiffen this year, which I usually keep with my X100V.

To sum up, having a Fujifilm X100V camera is a pleasure that enables me to appreciate the art of preserving life’s moments in a transportable and flexible container. This camera gives me the tools I need to take my photography to new levels, including excellent image quality, a distinctive hybrid viewfinder, simple controls, and a host of inventive features. The X100V is a valued property for anybody who is enthusiastic about the photographic arts and represents Fujifilm’s dedication to innovation and quality.