Bangladesh is a dream for photographers: crowded river ports, misty tea gardens, terracotta temples and some of the most expressive street life in Asia. People are usually happy to be photographed, and many will ask you to take their picture. Here are our tips for great pictures and respectful encounters.
The best places to photograph
- Sadarghat and the Buriganga shipyards: wooden boats, launches and dockworkers at sunrise
- Old Dhaka: the lanes of Shakhari Bazar, rickshaw art and spice markets
- Kawran Bazar: Dhaka’s wholesale market before dawn
- Sreemangal tea gardens: tea pickers and morning mist
- Barishal floating markets: boats loaded with guavas and vegetables
- Paharpur and Puthia: brick monasteries and terracotta temples in golden light
- The Sundarbans: birds, deer and mangrove reflections
Our Dhaka Documentary and Street Photography Tour is led by a guide who knows the best spots and times.
Light and seasons
The dry season, November to February, brings soft light, hazy sunrises and winter fog. Start early: by mid-morning the light is harsh and the streets are crowded. The monsoon gives dramatic skies and deep green landscapes.
Photographing people
- Ask first, with a smile and a gesture to your camera. A “no” is rare, but respect it.
- Show people the picture on your screen. It is the start of many conversations.
- Ask before photographing women, and in mosques, temples and shrines.
- Do not photograph military, police, airports or government buildings.
- Be sensitive in poor areas and at the shipbreaking yards. Do not pay for photos unless your guide suggests it.
Drones
Flying a drone in Bangladesh requires permission from the civil aviation and security authorities, and drones can be confiscated at customs. Leave yours at home unless you have arranged a permit well in advance.
Gear tips
- A zoom lens for wildlife in the Sundarbans
- A wide-angle lens for markets and architecture
- Dust and rain protection for your camera
- Spare batteries and memory cards, which are harder to find outside Dhaka
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to take photos of people in Bangladesh?
Yes, most people are happy to be photographed, but always ask first, especially women and people at prayer.
