Awarded the 'Youth Icon' of 2012, photographer Prito Reza started his career as a freelance photographer. Wedding Diary, a company he later initiated, is now a renowned name countrywide. Under the banner of wedding Diary, Prito Reza had the privilege of being commissioned for wedding photography in Australia, America, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and India. 

But as Prito Reza sees it, his transition into the photography industry was not an easy one.  

"Initially I was not interested in wedding photography; I used to work as a photojournalist and that's when I thought of learning more about photography in general. But cameras and gears can be expensive. I got into wedding photography just to get some capital to support my passion. Whereas now I'm grateful that I picked up wedding photography because without it I don't think I would have become a photographer," said Prito Reza. 

A graduate of Pathshala South Asian Media Institute of Photography, he was also behind the first ever wedding exhibition that took place in Bangladesh.

"I have taken this as a challenge to develop the photography industry of Bangladesh as during my initial days I was not very encouraged. In a way I was determined to take this profession to the next level" said Prito Reza.

The first and only photography show on Bangladeshi satellite television – Darkroom – was conceptualised and is now conducted by him. Anybody interested from any part of the country can participate in this live program and ask questions on photography. 

Prito Reza is a faculty of Counter Foto and takes classes regularly at Potofee Photo Lounge, WD School of Photography and has conducted more than fifty photography workshops till date. His solo photography exhibition, Life Soldiers, was held at the 39th Paseo Art Festival 2014, in USA.

"For upcoming photographers I would say not to be too dependent on the device and be confident and passionate about photography." Prito said. 

Wedding and Portrait Photographers of Bangladesh (WPPB) is pleased to honour Prito Reza on completion of ten years of his hard work and for his dedication towards photography.

By Mehnaj Kabir