Alex Loke | Tokyo
Alex is an Australian photographer based in Tokyo with a keen interest in capturing wildlife, soft daily moments and the exciting dynamism of Japan’s festivals.
Read more about Alex’s love of photography below.
How did you first get into photography?
I've always enjoyed being creative! I have been drawing most of my life (I love doing B&W portraits) but photography only became an interest after my best friend decided to pursue her dreams of being a photographer. I went along with some of her work and held the camera for the first time. That was a realisation that photography and editing is such a creative outlet.
When I moved to Japan on the JET program in 2018, I started photography and decided to focus more on photography during COVID in Australia. Fast forward to 2023, I've now moved back to Japan and am now taking the camera out wherever I can.
What subjects or themes do you most enjoy photographing and why?
Portrait photography - Japan is full of festivals and I have been enjoying taking portraits of participants and the raw emotion of people. I love taking candid photos of people as well because that best depicts their true self! I also have started to enjoy taking more self portraits! I don't have the best self confidence or the highest self esteem so I've decided to challenge myself to take more self portraits while exploring Japan.
Animal photography - I love animals and during my trip to Hokkaido, the vast nature and animals really inspired me to capture the curiosity of animals in an idyllic landscape.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned through photography?
No photographer is the same. It takes time to figure out your own style of photography and editing. I still am trying to explore and find out what makes my photography me.
What advice would you give to your younger self when you were starting out in photography?
Photography is a record of your living and your curiosity about life. Never stop being curious, keep trying, learn from others and don't let the number of likes on social media kill your self-esteem and happiness.
How has photography changed your perspective on the world?
A photo tells the story of that moment in the form of silent words. When I look back on a photo, I get to relive that moment, how I felt then, and how the subject of my photography would have felt. I like that no photo will ever be the same because the world is always changing. And it does feel like every time I click the shutter, I'm capturing a piece of history.
