Celebrating Our Travel Photography Competition Winner

Meet Tanveer Hassan Rohan

Each year, our Travel Photography Competition gives us the chance to see the world through someone else’s lens. The entries come from across the globe, spanning cultures, landscapes, and personal perspectives. Narrowing them down is never easy. This year, the judges chose an image by Tanveer Hassan Rohan. Selected for its strength of storytelling and sense of place, it stood out in a highly competitive field.

We’re pleased to introduce Tanveer in this blog, along with some more of his work and a conversation about the winning photograph.

A Profile of Tanveer Hassan Rohan

Tanveer Hassan Rohan is a Bangladeshi-born American photographer currently based in New York. He has been working in photography for over 14 years and is now a full-time professional. Born and raised in Bangladesh, he later moved permanently to the United States in 2019. He completed formal training in photojournalism at the New York Institute of Photography (NYIP).

Rohan’s work spans documentary, travel, street, architecture, nature, and cultural photography. Over the course of his career, he has received extensive international recognition, including back-to-back honours as National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year in 2017 and 2018. His photographs have also been awarded and exhibited through competitions such as the Sony World Photography Awards, LensCulture, the International Photography Awards (IPA), the Siena International Photo Awards, and the Prix de la Photographie, Paris (PX3), among others.

A Q&A with Tanveer’s: The Story Behind the Winning Image & More

How did you manage to take this image?
I took this image by spending time in the place and observing quietly. I waited for the right moment when light, subject, and emotion came together naturally. I prefer working with natural light and real-life situations rather than directing scenes.

Can you talk about the cultural significance of it?
The image reflects everyday life and culture from Bangladesh. What inspired me to take this photo was the powerful contrast between the deeply personal acts of faith and the collective energy of the crowd, a gathering marked by devotion, unity, and the timeless tradition of this cultural event. The celebration is full of emotion, light, and spiritual intensity, all unfolding in the heart of Dhaka, creating a moment that feels both sacred and universal.

What’s your journey as a photographer?
I have been behind the camera for around 14 years. My main focus is lifestyle, travel, Architecture, Nature and documentary photography. I am interested in people, culture, and real stories. My goal is to create images that represent life as it is and to continue sharing stories from different parts of the world.

How do you feel about winning the competition?
I feel very grateful and honored. Winning this competition motivates me to keep working honestly and consistently. It means a lot to receive recognition from an international platform like Penda.

You’ll be joining us on a photo safari in Botswana. Will that be a first for you? How do you feel about it?
Yes, this will be my first time visiting Botswana and joining a photo safari. I am very excited and thankful for this opportunity. I am looking forward to learning, experiencing wildlife photography in a new environment, and challenging myself creatively.

A Showcase of Tanveer’s Work

What our Photography Competition is all about

Our Travel Photography Competition is open to photographers worldwide, whether emerging or established, and invites a single image that reflects a strong sense of place, culture, or journey. Each submission is reviewed by our panel of experienced photographers, who assess the work independently before selecting a shortlist and overall winner. The competition is designed to celebrate thoughtful travel imagery and to recognise photographers who tell meaningful stories through a single frame. The overall winner receives a place on one of our photography tours, offering the opportunity to continue developing their work in the field. The 2026 competition will be opening towards the end of the year – keep an eye on our social media and newsletter for updates!

Have a look at all our recent winners