From Chattogram to The New York Times: Through the lens of Amir Hamja
Born in Chattogram, Bangladesh, Amir became the first Bangladeshi photographer to join The New York Times as a fellow in its prestigious 2023-24 Fellowship Program
In a world flooded with images, few photographers can hold our gaze long enough to tell a story.
Amir Hamja, an award-winning photographer based in New York City, is one such storyteller.
Born in Chattogram, Bangladesh, Amir became the first Bangladeshi photographer to join The New York Times as a fellow in its prestigious 2023-24 Fellowship Program. His journey to achieving this milestone was as remarkable as the images he captured.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Amir and discuss his incredible journey and the memories he gathered along the way.
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When asked about the turning point in his career, Amir pointed to his work during the Black Lives Matter protests.
"I was taking photos for myself, and they eventually got shared on social media. That's how I landed at The New York Times. It was one of the most pivotal moments of my career," he recalled.
Amir's lens has chronicled historical events, including the George Floyd protests in New York.
Capturing those moments during the COVID-19 lockdown had its own spark.
"People were locked inside for so long. Then, when this happened, everyone poured into the streets, united by anger and a shared purpose," Amir recounted.
"As a photographer, you can't stay inside when history is unfolding. I felt compelled to be out there, capturing it all," he said, adding, "The distance created by COVID was reduced by the protests."
Amir's journey into photography is deeply rooted in his love for cinema.
"Around 2010 to 2012, I watched a lot of indie and art films — Korean, Iranian, Turkish, Italian. Then came 'Barfi' in 2012, and I knew I wanted to be part of the movie world. That's what led me to photography," he shared.
When asked how old he was then, he smiled and said, "I was 21."
This love for storytelling continued as Amir worked as the official photographer for the Emmy-winning Netflix show "Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj."
Describing his collaboration with Minhaj, Amir said, "I met Hasan bhai on the street, and we became like brothers. Working on the show was an incredible learning experience. It taught me so much about American culture, politics, and the inner workings of a major production."
From covering the Oscars to photographing the Met Gala for The New York Times, Amir's assignments have been nothing short of extraordinary.
"Covering the Oscars was a dream. I told my editors I wanted to do it, and when the opportunity came, I was ready," he shared.
At the Met Gala, Amir had iconic moments with celebrities posing for his lens.
"It was surreal. These were the same people I grew up watching in movies," he said.
"Preparing for a high-profile event always comes with a heightened sense of responsibility, especially when representing one of the world's leading publications. Confidence in my abilities keeps me grounded, but I also stay prepared for the unexpected. My focus is always on getting the job done flawlessly, avoiding errors, and meeting the newsroom's expectations," he said.
"The pressure to deliver something extraordinary is ever-present, but it's not about me enjoying the experience; it's about ensuring the work is executed to perfection."
When asked about his process of capturing a moment, he shared a story.
"I dive into as much background research as possible to understand the subject better. For instance, before photographing Brendan Fraser, I discovered that beyond acting, he's an avid photographer with his own photography website. When I mentioned this to him during the shoot, he was pleasantly surprised, and it helped establish a connection that reflected in the final photos."
"On the other hand, for urgent and intense stories, I often have to rely on spontaneity and quick thinking, but I still make it a point to understand the essence of the story and its significance. Whether planned or rushed, every shot has a purpose, and that purpose guides my process," he said.
Despite the glamour, Amir approaches his work with a grounded perspective.
"When you're working for one of the biggest publications in the world, there's no room for mediocrity. You have to deliver," he emphasised.
Although Amir now works on a global stage, his roots remain a significant influence.
"My sense of understanding people and cultures comes from Bangladesh, especially where I grew up," he said.
When asked if he tries to preserve any cultural or emotional elements from his homeland in his work, Amir responded, "Sense of joy and humanity. I don't force it — it comes naturally."
Amir's experiences growing up in Bangladesh also prepared him for challenging assignments.
"We grew up with a lot of riots and chaos. I remember, as a kid, tear gas being thrown in our neighborhood. That resilience helps me navigate volatile situations today," he explained.
"Witnessing the July-August uprising in Bangladesh from abroad was an emotionally charged experience, marked by a deep sense of FOMO and the pull of patriotism. Having just landed in Paris with plans for a month-long stay, the unfolding events back home left me torn between sticking to my plans and rushing back to join the historic moment," he said.
"Despite being physically distant, I closely followed the international media coverage, which was swift and on point initially, though the internet shutdown disrupted the flow of information temporarily. However, I was impressed by how quickly global outlets regained momentum, ensuring the movement's voice reached a worldwide audience," he shared.
Amir's work hasn't been without challenges.
He recounted a story about covering the lobbying efforts behind the legalisation of sports betting in the US.
"It was an investigative piece, and as a brown photographer travelling through predominantly white states, I had to work harder to connect with people and get the visuals," he said.
Despite the hurdles, Amir drew inspiration from movies.
"Whenever I need to figure something out, I watch my favorite films. They never fail to inspire me," he shared.
When asked about the role of photography in today's digital world, Amir expressed optimism.
"The fundamentals of storytelling remain the same. The medium may change, but if a story is good, people will listen," he said.
For aspiring photographers, Amir offered a humble piece of advice: "Believe in what you want to do and keep doing it again and again. The world is changing fast, and what works for one person may not work for another. But if you stay true to yourself, your work will find its audience."
When asked about the challenges faced as a South Asian photographer breaking into the competitive creative industry in New York, it became clear that first impressions often come with preconceived notions. At high-end events, the experience can differ significantly based on perception.
"Sometimes you face certain situations, like how security guards approach you unless you show that you're from a major publication," he shared.
"It's a subtle but telling reminder of how appearances and affiliations shape interactions. However, in New York's creative industry, good work ultimately speaks for itself, and many people are welcoming if you consistently deliver quality."
Upon asking about cultural or racial biases encountered during his career, he reflected on his journey and how biases weren't a major obstacle for him personally.
"Even if something happened, I would shrug it off rather than dwell on it," he noted adding "I know my colleagues, or some other people who were born and raised here, South Asian, they face it, and they speak up about it."
When discussing how his identity as a Bangladeshi and South Asian shaped his work, he explained how cultural nuances influence his perspective.
"For example, while covering Eid al-Fitr in Jackson Heights with a Bangladeshi-American writer, I captured a photo of someone carrying an Aarong bag. The importance of an Aarong bag during Eid— not everyone would have got that," he noted.
"Similarly, while covering the 'Muslim Met Gala' aka Eid at Washington Square Park, my cultural lens helped identify the elements that mattered the most."
When asked about barriers South Asian immigrants face in networking and accessing opportunities, he pointed out the lack of representation in behind-the-scenes roles in mainstream media.
"Not so many South Asians are working in mainstream media, especially as photographers, videographers, or similar positions," he said.
While there might be South Asians in leadership positions representing the community, he stressed that structural reforms are necessary to build a more inclusive foundation.
"If the structure isn't there behind the scenes, there's no way you can see true representation," he explained.
He reflected on the sparse representation of South Asian photographers in the industry, saying, "I think there are only two or three South Asian photographers in the whole industry."
Despite the challenges, he expressed hope, noting that while progress is slow, it is moving in the right direction.
"It's not fast, but at least it's progressing," he said, optimistic about the growing presence of South Asians in creative spaces.
Upon asking whether the industry has become more inclusive for South Asians over the years, he acknowledged the progress saying, "I can see a lot of South Asians doing more and more, opening their own things, however, individual success is not enough to signal collective progress.
"When I'm covering big events, all I see are the same people doing the same work every year. The lack of diverse faces remains a persistent challenge, with representation often limited to isolated cases rather than a collective shift," he noted.
"One or two people doing good work is not a sign of progress. Progress is a collective thing," he emphasised.
"As long as representation remains stagnant and opportunities for South Asians are not structurally integrated into the industry, the challenges will persist. However, with increasing numbers of South Asians stepping into creative roles, I remain hopeful about the future of inclusivity in the industry," he concluded.
Amir's work goes beyond capturing images; it builds bridges between cultures, tells stories that resonate universally, and inspires others to dream big.
As he continues to document history and celebrate humanity, his journey reminds us that representation matters—and that every voice, no matter where it comes from, has the power to break barriers and leave a lasting impact.
