Faisal Xiko’s journey in photography began while he was studying Mechanical Engineering at Islamic University of Technology (IUT), where he was one of the founding members of the IUT Photographic Society. After graduating, Faisal returned home to Chittagong and started working as an engineer. During this time, he identified a need for high-quality photography services in the local wedding industry. Alongside Sufian Chowdhury and Tahmeed Bari, he envisioned establishing a photography company that would provide excellent customer service and artistic flair for special events. This vision came to fruition in 2012 with the birth of ArtLand.
Initially juggling his engineering job with photography, Faisal became known as ‘the engineer by day, photographer by night.’ As his passion for photography intensified and ArtLand gained a reputation in Chittagong, Faisal decided to commit to photography as a full-time career. ArtLand expanded its operations to Dhaka in 2015 and opened a branch in Cumilla in October 2024, resulting in three branches across Bangladesh.
As a wedding photographer, Faisal recognises the unique opportunity to capture not only the connection between couples but also the blending of families.
By experimenting with ambience and leveraging various software tools, Faisal creates visually striking images that defy traditional norms. Through his still photographs, he strives to craft powerful narratives that engage viewers, encouraging them to immerse themselves in the emotions and stories contained within each frame.
As a wedding photographer, Faisal recognises the unique opportunity to capture not only the connection between couples but also the blending of families. He feels privileged to be entrusted with documenting these special moments, ensuring that each image he captures serves as a bridge connecting individuals to the memories and emotions experienced on that unforgettable day.
Faisal shares that there was a time when photography and cinematography were viewed as hobbies rather than viable career paths. ArtLand aimed to change this perception by establishing a platform that showcased the potential for professional growth in these fields. By modernising wedding photography with enhanced artistic presentation and providing seamless service, ArtLand sought to create opportunities for passionate photographers, cinematographers, and editors. As time progressed, the landscape evolved, and individuals began embracing photography and cinematography as full-time careers. ArtLand has since expanded into a family of over 60 dedicated professionals.
The brand distinguishes itself through its commitment to creating cherished memories that stand the test of time. It specialises in service-based photography, where its team collaborates with clients to understand their needs and create personalised photoshoots, allowing them to actively participate in the creative process.
Faisal believes that photography in Bangladesh is undergoing a transformation due to a number of factors. The trend of cinematic storytelling has led ArtLand to incorporate creative concepts and advanced techniques in crafting captivating narratives. Additionally, the demand for digital deliverables has prompted the brand to offer packages featuring expedited previews, reels, and social media content. With a growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-consciousness, it plans to introduce environmentally-friendly options such as digital-only albums and sustainable packaging. Furthermore, ArtLand offers virtual consultations, online contract signings, and digital previews. Its ability to adapt, invest in new technologies, and evolve its services positions it to excel in meeting the needs and preferences of contemporary couples.
Faisal has set his sights on several aspirations for the future of ArtLand, including expanding its reach internationally and enhancing its post-production processes and services with cutting-edge technology. In addition, he plans to host workshops to inspire and empower the next generation of photographers, cinematographers, and editors. As ArtLand continues to grow, scaling up its team will be crucial to maintaining the high level of service that clients have come to expect. Faisal looks forward to guiding the brand toward new frontiers while remaining true to its core values of creativity, passion, and authenticity.