G.M.B. Akash grew up in Bangladesh and has been working as a professional photographer since 2002. He is first and foremost a 'watcher of people' on the margins of his country's society.With his camera, he documents these people's existence, hoping that his work will give them dignity and create social awareness.

In a candid interview with Fotoflock.com, Akash takes us deeper into his art and helps us appreciate what he is depicting through photos.

Your career spans many a subject. However, your observations of society are the most moving. Has this been a conscious goal of sorts?
I don't do photography only because of my love for it: I want to do something for my society through my work. In 1998, I saw a photo exhibition on AIDS victims entitled 'Positive Lives' at a gallery in Dhaka. I realised for the first time how images can influence social perceptions. My first reaction on seeing the exhibition was a complete subversion of my original perception of AIDS patients. It struck me how AIDS victims are alienated and scorned by us because of social misconceptions and I realised how I, as a photographer, could help dispel those misconceptions. I discovered the power that images have over us.

Through my photography, I want to show two things: The things that should be changed in a positive way and the things that should be appreciated.

How has Dhaka inspired you?
People who live on the edges of society in Dhaka have inspired me throughout my career. I grew up in a home far removed from my profession. Throughout my childhood, I did not have access to photographers, their work or even a camera. Photography did not exist for me in theory or in practice. Then, a decade ago, I found my father's old camera and my life took a different turn. My fascination for the captured image was uncontainable and overcame everything—even my inexperience. Not knowing what I was doing or why, I went everywhere shooting anything and everything that caught my attention. The only thing I was certain of were the subjects I photographed. I concentrated on people living on the edges of society because their faces, lives and living conditions held a particular fascination for me.

Gradually, I became absorbed in their daily lives for months on end, learning from their experiences. My desire to capture it all on film pushed me to go to places and to meet people I would never have encountered otherwise. Each visit gave me a deeper understanding of humanity. Today, I count myself blessed, having become a photographer. To be able to articulate the experiences of the voiceless, to bring their identity to the forefront; it gives meaning and purpose to my own life.

With your work being featured in over forty-five publications and numerous awards to your credit, what is the most important lesson you've learned about photography?
As a Bangladeshi photographer, it was tough to work with international magazines like Time, Newsweek, Geo, Stern, Guardian etc. Bangladesh is not an internationally important country. I have met so many people who don't even know where Bangladesh is. Magazines want work from Bangladesh only when there's a big flood or a big disaster. Plus we have a lot of problems with our visa system. If something happens in India or Pakistan, we cannot just go there instantly. It takes us a few days to get a visa whereas photographers from developing countries get visas much faster! And it is almost impossible to go into a conflict zone. But all these awards and publications bring a lot of attention to those issues that I have been working on- that's really important.

Do you believe that the formal study of photography is necessary for to survive in the industry today?
Yes, I believe so. But the most important thing is to be really passionate and dedicated.

You've done quite a lot of exhibitions. How have the responses been so far? Do you look forward to the next one?
There were different responses to different exhibitions.  When I exhibited my work in Germany, I met so many people who didn't have a clue about Bangladesh. So they came to know about Bangladesh through my work. After seeing my work, many individuals and organisations showed an interest in helping to improve the child labour situation in Bangladesh as well as other issues.

As for my next exhibition, I have three big solo exhibitions in 2009; in Italy, Bangladesh and the USA.

What kind of photography gear do you recommend for budding photographers who wish to continue professionally?
I only use 35mm, 24mm lenses and two camera bodies. It all depends on the kind of work I'm doing.

What do you do when you're not busy with photography?
Photography is everything for me. When I am not busy with photography I try to give my time to my family.

Do you think digital has replaced film?
I use digital because it’s faster. Most of the photographers I know have moved to digital. But there are still many people who like to shoot with film. I think film will never die.

What advice would you give to photographers who're looking to work in the industry?
They must show hard work, honesty and dedication. Photography is a very competitive and challenging job. Plus it's getting more complicated by the day. So you have to be really dedicated and passionate!

Photos by G.M.B. Akash | Fotosocial