When I was a kid, I was the one to use the camera to take the family pictures. It was nothing fancy but a giant camera with reels inside. I still remember how we used to process the photographs; some in a frame and the others in the album. My mom used to say that my pictures come out perfectly and I have an eye for good family pictures. Those were good old film camera days. Then I bought my first DSLR camera when I was doing my bachelors, but never used it properly. I almost forgot how taking pictures amused me all the time.
One day, I was going through my stuff, found the camera and something triggered inside me. I was talking to myself, “I have a DSLR. Why don’t I start taking pictures? At least I
could share my pictures with my family and friends” and that’s how it started. I don’t even know when this hobby turned into my passion and then, into my profession. Initially I used to capture a lot of portraits and weddings.
Landscape photography also changed my whole perspective of how I see things. I used to travel, but now I go that extra mile to capture the perfect sunrise or that beautiful alpine glow. I think my passion for travel came from the urge to capture the beauty of nature. I would love to travel back to my home country, Bangladesh. I never had a chance to capture my small but beautiful country full of beautiful people, greenery, mountains and beaches. You will be amazed by the hospitality of the people. There are many different rituals specially in different rural areas of Bangladesh. We have the largest beach in the world in Coxsbazar and mangrove forest “Sundarban”. I have been to these places numerous times but did not capture the beauty. I would love to go back there and observe the Royal Bengal tiger from a far distance with my long lens. I also want to capture the otter fishing before it gets extinct.
With my pictures I hope to encourage people to travel more and care more about mother nature. I wanted to visit all 50 states at least once while I was a graduate student; I managed to travel to 49 of them and I’m planning to visit Alaska very soon. Many people find it very difficult to travel because of not having enough time or money. Some people are afraid of hiking or some are uncertain because they are not familiar with the cultures abroad. I want to share my experience to convey a message that it’s all possible.
You do not need to go for a very strenuous hike or a remote place. You don’t need to be a full time traveler or leave your job. A beautiful sunset in the nearest lake and a good walk could be a good starting point. And I feel that the more you travel, the less you worry about the outer world and the more you work on your inner-self. That gives a certain freedom and peace of mind that you cannot gain elsewhere.
Throughout my entire photography life, I learned one vital thing that is respecting the nature. That is also what I would like to transmit when sharing a photo; if people see my picture, I would like them to go out at least for one hike, respect the place and feel the happiness. We do not need to go for a long journey. We just need to use our senses.
Andy Rider is a passionate wildlife photographer and filmmaker based in South Africa, dedicated to capturing the raw beauty of nature while raising awareness about conservation. Inspired by legends like Steve Irwin, his journey began as a field guide, where he honed his skills and developed a deep respect for ethical wildlife photography.
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