Expedition Overview
Saint Martin's Island is the only coral island in Bangladesh — a small, palm-fringed sliver of land in the Bay of Bengal where the water turns from brown to turquoise and life is governed entirely by the tide. There are no private cars. The economy is fishing and coconut. The 7,000 residents live in a way that has changed little in a century, and the photographic material — the boats, the nets, the faces weathered by salt and sun, the extraordinary light on the water at dawn and dusk — is among the most compelling in the country.
This three-day expedition is easy in physical terms but demands patience and presence. We photograph the fishing community at all hours — the 3am departure of the trawler fleet, the mid-morning return and gutting of the catch, and the afternoon repair of nets. We also explore the coral reef at low tide for close-up nature work, and make portraits of the community with the relationship and respect that Professor Nasrul Eam's approach consistently produces.
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Fishing Fleet Departure
Cross from Teknaf to Saint Martin's by ferry. Afternoon orientation and first portraits on the beach. At midnight, we rise for the extraordinary spectacle of the fishing fleet departing by lamplight — dozens of boats leaving simultaneously, their kerosene lamps reflecting on the black water.
The Goal of the Day: Night photography and long exposure; capturing the decisive moment of fleet departure.
Day 2: Morning Return & Reef Photography
At dawn the fleet returns and the beach transforms: fish sorted, nets stacked, ice loaded. Morning portraiture as the light builds. Midday at the reef flats (accessible only at low tide) for close-up photography of coral, starfish, and reef fish in shallow water.
The Goal of the Day: Macro and close-up nature photography; action documentary at the day's catch.
Day 3: Chera Dwip & Final Portraits
By small boat to Chera Dwip — a tiny uninhabited coral island that floods at high tide. The turquoise water photography here is exceptional. Return for final afternoon portraits and group critique before the evening ferry back to Teknaf.
The Goal of the Day: Water-reflected light; final portfolio selection.
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
Saint Martin's is reached by ferry from Teknaf (2.5 hours). Teknaf is 90 minutes from Cox's Bazar. Regular ferries run November–March only. Accommodation is simple guesthouses.
What to Bring
• Underwater housing or waterproof compact for reef photography
• Wide-angle for seascape
• 85mm for beach portraiture
• Protective case (salt spray)
• Sunscreen (UV very strong on open water)
