Expedition Overview
Old Dhaka is one of the most photographically dense cities in the world. Within a few square kilometres, the Mughal city of Jahangir Nagar — rebuilt as a colonial trading port, now populated by over a million people — contains a concentration of photographic material that can sustain days of serious work: the wholesale flower market at Shahid Nagar, the perfume dealers of Nawabpur, the printers and metalworkers of Islampur, the Star Mosque with its extraordinary Portuguese-tile facade, and the busy river ghat at Sadarghat where hundreds of rocket steamers dock daily.
This two-day expedition is pure urban documentary photography, built around the rhythms and light of Old Dhaka across morning, afternoon, and evening. Professor Nasrul Eam — who grew up in Dhaka and has photographed Old Dhaka for 25 years — navigates this city with the ease of a local, enabling access and encounters that no guidebook can deliver.
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Flower Market at Night & Sadarghat at Dawn
We begin at midnight at Shahid Nagar flower market, where the wholesale trade for all of Dhaka arrives in darkness. By 3am we are at Sadarghat to photograph the rocket steamers loading and unloading passengers across a 300-metre wide river. Sunrise from the river is one of Old Dhaka's finest photographs.
The Goal of the Day: Night and low-light documentary photography; working crowds and motion.
Day 2: Shakhari Bazar, Lalbagh & Afternoon Streets
Shakhari Bazar is a narrow lane where Hindu conch-shell craftsmen have worked for 300 years. The afternoon light in this lane is extraordinary. We move through the bazaar into Lalbagh Fort, then into the fabric and metalworking districts as the heat drops and the streets fill with the evening rush.
The Goal of the Day: Narrow-lane light, artisan portraiture, and the compressed energy of a dense street environment.
Book Your Expedition
Note: Final price may vary based on specific expedition details and customizations.
Expedition Leaders
Professor Nasrul Eam is a seasoned explorer and visual storyteller who has spent over two decades traversing Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures. As Dean of the Department of Art and Photography at Light & Composition University, he leads immersive photography expeditions to regions like the Himalayas, Sundarbans, and Bali. These journeys blend cultural exploration with hands-on learning, culminating in a complete photography diploma. With a portfolio of over 50 publications—including The Quintessence of Photography and Illuminating Nature—his work captures the profound beauty of everyday life. His background in advertising, linguistics, and visual arts enriches his mentorship, guiding participants to uncover compelling narratives through their lenses. Professor Eam’s expeditions are transformative experiences, inspiring photographers to engage deeply with the world around them.
Travel Information
Dhaka is served by Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport with connections from most Asian hubs. Old Dhaka is 8km south of the modern city centre, 30–45 minutes by taxi. Best photography season October–March.
What to Bring
• Compact mirrorless — less conspicuous in tight alleys
• 28mm or 35mm prime for street work
• 50mm or 85mm for portraits
• Lens cloth (dust and humidity)
• Belt bag rather than backpack (easier to move through crowds)
