Shafayet Hossain Apollo

My journey in photography began in childhood, around the age of 11 or 12, with a Yashica-D 120 TLR camera. Under the guidance of my respected father, I developed a deep love for photography. The first photograph I ever took was of my mother, with my father standing beside me—a moment that marked the start of my lifelong passion. Today, I am a freelance professional specializing in documentary and advertising photography in Bangladesh, a career I have been fully dedicated to since 1998.

From 1998 to 2011, I worked as a professional photographer at Unitrend Limited, a leading advertising agency in Dhaka affiliated with McCann-Erickson World Group. My last designation was Associate Director of Photography. On September 30, 2011, I resigned from my position to pursue freelance photography full-time. Alongside my professional work, I also enjoy capturing people, lifestyles, portraits, festivals, landscapes, nature, wildlife, and fine art photography.

Academically, I earned a B.Sc. in Leather Technology from the University of Dhaka, securing 1st Class – 4th place in my field. Initially, I worked as a leather technologist for 10 months but soon realized my true calling was photography. Choosing passion over profession, I left that career path to become a full-time photographer.

I’m a ‘Life Member’ of “Bangladesh Photographic Society” [BPS].
I was a ‘National Rifle Shooter’ of Bangladesh.
I’m a ‘Life Member’ and ‘Executive Member’ of “Gulshan Shooting Club”, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Publications: Over the years, my work has been widely published across various media, including billboards, press ads, posters, packaging designs, TV commercials, brochures, calendars, and books for both local and multinational companies.

Photographic Awards, Acceptance & Exhibition: [International-18; Bangladeshi-33]

Acceptance and exhibitions of photographs across:
Argentina, South Africa, UK, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Switzerland, Japan, U.A.E, Turkey, India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and many Commonwealth countries.

Solo Photographic Exhibition: 1st Solo Photographic Exhibition, January’2000 (One month) With 18 award winning photographs. “National Photographic Gallery, BPS (Bangladesh Photographic Society)”, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Other activities:

1-Boy Scout: Bangladesh National Boy Scout Member 1982, for participating “9th National Scout Jamboree in India”, Mogodh University Campus, Bihar, 1982.

2-Rifle Shooter: Bangladesh National Rifle Shooter 1997-2001

Rifle Shooting Award:

i) Two Silver medals from “3rd SAF SHOOTING’2000 CHAMPIONSHIP”, Karachi, Pakistan. (.22 Bore Free Rifle Three Position and Prone position)–2000

ii) BRONZE Medal from “7th Bangladesh Games’2002”.
.22 Bore Free Rifle Three Position—2002

iii) BRONZE Medal from “21st National Shooting Competition”, Dhaka, Bangladesh. .22 Bore Free Rifle Three Position –2007

iv) 10–15 medals won from National and Local Shooting Competition in junior level. Since 1984-1997.

3-Football Player: Junior District Footballer; Kushtia district, Bangladesh 1983-84
Senior 1st Division Footballer in Kushtia district; 1987-1991, Bangladesh.