Amateur Photographer is a photography magazine, published weekly by Kelsey Media. It is the UK’s biggest-selling photography magazine, and has been published weekly since 1884.
Earlier this month I had several of my landscape images published in the Amateur Photographer Magazine. Seven of my landscape photographs were included in the premium edition of the magazine which came out on the twenty seventh of August 2024. The photos and write-up were published in the ‘Reader Portfolio’ section, which the magazine describes as, ‘a spotlight on readers’ excellent images and how they capture them’.
Title: Lake Louise at Dusk, Camera: Sony A7R III, Lens: Tamron 11-20mm, Aperture f/2.8, Shutter speed: 1/3 seconds, Focal Length: F11, ISO:50
Caption: I had this image of Lake Louise in mind when I went to Banff in Calgary. Dusk was the perfect time to capture this awe inspiring location where the mountains cradle the turquoise lake
Title: Long Point, Camera: Sony A7R III, Lens: Tamron 11-20mm, Aperture f/2.8, Shutter speed: 13 seconds, Focal Length: F16, ISO: 50
Caption: It was a cloudy morning at Long Point and I found this a very contemplative setting with the bare branches of trees and their reflections on the tranquil waters of lake Erie.
Title: Lighthouse at Peggys Cove, Camera: Sony A7R III, Lens: Tamron 11-20mm, Aperture f/2.8, Shutter speed: 20 seconds, Focal Length: F11, ISO: 50
Caption: I was lucky to get this shot of the famous Peggy’s Cove lighthouse after sunset with a cloudy sky. It had stopped raining and gave a perfect window to stake out a spot amongst the rocks for a vantage point.
Title: Brooke in the Woods, Camera: Sony A7R III, Lens: Tamron 11-20mm Aperture f/2.8, Shutter speed: 30 seconds, Focal Length: F16, ISO: 100
Caption: I stumbled upon this spot on a hike on Bruce Trail at Waterdown, Ontario with the clear waters weaving beween moss covered stones with the autumn foliage in the background.
Title: Bridge at Elora, Camera: Sony A7Riii, Lens: Tamron 11-20mm, Aperture f/2.8, Shutter speed: 30 seconds, Focal Length: F16, ISO: 200
Caption: Shot after sunset under the David Street Bridge. It is a graceful arched bridge that stands proud and tall at this gorge in the small town of Elora, Ontario.
Title: Lake Vermilion, Camera: Sony A7R III, Lens: Tamron 11-20mm, Aperture f/2.8, Shutter speed: 20 seconds, Focal Length: F14, ISO: 50
Caption: I got to capture this sublime after sunset image of Mount Rundle reflecting on the Vermilion Lakes at Banff in Calgary.
Title: Scarborough Bluffs, Camera: Sony A7Riii, Lens: Tamron 11-20mm, Aperture f/2.8, Shutter speed: 1/15 seconds, Focal Length: F16, ISO: 50
Caption: An interesting vantage point to capture the setting sun’s rays through the bluffs overlooking Lake Ontario.
Below is the write up published in the Amateur Photographer Magazine for Raju Alexis’s Reader Portfolio.
A few words about you (work, other hobbies etc)
I have been a photography enthusiast for over 20 years and have participated in various art exhibitions and have had my images published in magazines in India and the Middle East. My goal is to be a storyteller through my images.
How and why did you get into photography?
It was very random event for me to pick up a camera. I had a background in drawing and painting while I was young and maybe that helped to enhance my understanding of composition, light and color.
What are your favourite photographic subjects and why?
I like long exposure waterscapes. They are very surreal and I like to explore various light conditions and colors. Both the technical and artistic challenges make me push boundaries and refine my skills.
What do you love about photography?
Photography is a form of self-expression. Every image I capture of the world around me is a self-portrait in the sense that it reveals something about me. Composing each frame is important to me because it reflects my perspective or maybe even a memory. As a photographer my attempt would be to connect with my audience on an emotional level.
Who are your favourite photographers?
Galen Rowell is my favourite photographer. His work is very inspirational. I also like the black white imagery of Michael Kenna.
Do you have any favourite photography books?
Not a book in particluar but I follow painters for inspiration since they use light to guide the viewer’s eye through an image just like a photographer would. I find inspiration in the landscape paintings of Albert Bierstadt and paintings by Rembrandt and Caravaggio for portraits.
About your kit:
What was your first camera?
I bought an Olympus 3.2 mega pixel point and shoot camera in 2003.
Current camera kit:
The Sony A7Riii with Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 and Samyang 35-150 mm F/2-2.8 lenses
Favourite lens:
Nikon 80-200mm F/2.8
Favourite Accessory:
Tripod
Dream purchase:
A Digital Medium Format Camera – Hasselblad or Fuji.
What software do you use for editing?
Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
About your photos:
Is there a story behind the pictures you’d like to share?
I like to take long exposure waterscapes because they transform the ordinary and mundane to a dreamlike etheral space.It is also a paradoxical combination of motion of the water with the stillness of the elements on land. For me it gives a sense of tranquility and calm.
What tips would you give to others starting out in photography?
Explore a lot with various styles when you begin and then try to identify your voice and stay true to that. Take others opinion but follow your heart.
How and where do you find inspiration?
A place and time. I like to be in nature during the sunrise and sunset hours. That is a transition time when things begin to happen for me with both light and shadow.
Camera Gear
All images have been taken with a Sony A7Riii camera body with Tamron 11-20 mm, f2.8 lens, 6 Stop ND filter, tripod and a shutter release cable.