INSIDE THE LENS: A CONVERSATION WITH AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER ALAN BAXTER

Alan Baxter is an award winning and published photographer, and is situated in Bloubergstrand, Cape Town. 

He has won numerous awards through competitions entered on Viewbug.com; “The Best of the Universe of Colour” (see Facebook) and GuruShots.com to mention a few. 

April 2021, the Editor in Chief of Gia Glamour Magazine, contacted Alan to be featured in their 1st edition online publication published on the 1st of June 2021. GIA GLAMOUR MAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION JUNE 2021 pages 82 - 91. See Facebook link - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16pW8x6hGf/

In 2017 Alan was approached to be published in CANON’S online Photography Magazine, November 2017 edition, which was a tremendous accolade! 

He was once again approached by Canon to be featured in their on-line “Click Magazine” 100th Edition, published in August 2019.    

Alan has had some of his images published in the local Table Talk newspaper and featured in “Happy Tails” Magazine, in the first week of August 2019 on a pet shoot he did. 

He has also done numerous shoots with “Dancers Love Dogs” see “Facebook” https://web.facebook.com/groups/435860933096105 who are an NPO consisting of Ballet dancers from Artscape and Baxter Theatres, Cape Town, doing work for abandon dogs” 

Alan is now also focusing on the subtle art of Boudoir Photography. "Embrace Your Power one photo at a time!” He is empowering women to take control of their lives and celebrate their individuality, sensuality, beauty and strength. 

Alan Baxter has been given the distinct honour of being commissioned to photograph the 13th Annual Mrs. Cape Town Crowning 2025, scheduled for 11 October at 15:00 (venue to be confirmed). The event is hosted by Mzantzi Pageants (Pty) Ltd.

This inspiring initiative is dedicated to empowering women and making a meaningful difference in communities. The title offers phenomenal women a platform to become a voice for the voiceless.

Alan Baxter will be presenting “Cloud Art in Abstract”, a captivating new form of art photography that transforms ordinary skies into extraordinary works of art. By inverting cloudscapes during post-processing, Alan creates vivid, wild imagery in a kaleidoscope of colours — offering a visual experience to suit every palette and artistic eye. The exhibition will be held at Ground Art Caffe in Cape Town from 4 December 2025 to 3 February 2026. See Facebook link - https://web.facebook.com/Groundartcaffe

Websites where Alan’s work may be viewed:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554216556362

https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552470715147

https://www.alanbaxterphotography.com

https://www.instagram.com/alan_baxter_photography/

https://www.viewbug.com/member/alanbaxter   

Get in Touch 

Bloubergstrand -

Tel: 072 298 4400 

Email: alan@alanbaxterphotography.com 

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 

Q 1: Alan, you’ve received numerous accolades through platforms like Viewbug, GuruShots, and Canon – what do these recognitions mean to you personally and professionally?

A1: These recognitions are incredibly meaningful both personally and professionally. On a personal level, they validate my passion for photography and push me to keep improving. Professionally, they serve as a testament to my skills, helping me build credibility and connect with like-minded creatives. Each award motivates me to explore new techniques and share my vision with the world.

Q2: Your work spans from Fashion to Street, Contemporary Dance to Ballet, Portraiture, Black & White, Fine Art, Pet Photography, and now Boudoir – how has your style and subject matter evolved over the years?

A2: Each genre has shaped my ability to tell stories through imagery, making my work more dynamic and expressive over time. My evolution as a photographer mirrors a creative journey of listening—to light, to stories, and to the quiet magic in unexpected places. My style has evolved as I’ve embraced new challenges and creative influences. 

Starting with Fashion which has taught me precision—the interplay of fabric, shadow, and attitude. Street photography demanded spontaneity, training my eye to find poetry in chaos. Dance and ballet became a study of movement’s fleeting grace, while portraiture deepened my obsession with the human gaze—the way a single expression can hold multitudes. Black & white stripped distractions away, revealing raw emotion and form. Fine art pushed me to think conceptually, turning images into questions. 

Pet photography? That was pure joy—animals don’t pose, they exist, and capturing that authenticity bled into everything else. Now, boudoir feels like a culmination: the intimacy of portraiture, the drama of fashion, and the unscripted humanity I learned from street and pets. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about vulnerability as strength. The thread? Curiosity. Each genre taught me to see differently, and those lessons cross-pollinate. A ballet dancer’s tension might inspire a boudoir pose; a street scene’s grit might inform a portrait’s texture. "Style isn’t static—it’s the sum of every risk, every failure, and every moment you dared to look deeper." (And yes, I still shoot it all—because labels are for lenses, not artists.)

Q3: Being featured in Canon’s Click Magazine twice is a huge honour – can you share what those experiences were like and how they shaped your journey as a photographer?

A3: Being featured in Click Magazine wasn’t just an honour—it was a lightning bolt of validation. The first time felt like stumbling into a dream: receiving a telephone call at work one morning from Canon to, let me know that they had been following my work on social media and that they would like to do an editorial on my work, and then there I was, nestled between photographers I’d admired for years, with Canon’s stamp of ‘This matters’ It forced me to reflect: Why did these particular images resonate? 

Answer: They were unapologetically mine—a blend of technical rigor and very raw emotion I’d stopped second-guessing. Being featured in the Centenary Edition alongside so many of my peers who I admire, that for me was my was the game-changer. I remember staring at the image before me and realizing my “Wave cascading over the Kalk Bay Harbour Breakwater” had made it not because of perfect technique, but because it felt like power, wind, salt and aching beauty.

How it shaped me?

Confidence to hybridize: Canon’s spotlight gave me permission to keep merging genres—fashion’s polish with street’s spontaneity, boudoir’s intimacy with fine art’s symbolism.

Deeper responsibility: With visibility came the urge to use it—hence collaborations with groups like Dancers Love Dogs, where art meets advocacy.

Community: The features connected me to a global network of creatives who’ve since become collaborators, critics, and friends.

The lesson? ‘Publish your work like it’s already worthy of a magazine—because one day, it will be.’

Pro tip: If you ever get featured, buy the physical copy. Holding your art in print is a drug you’ll crave forever. 

Q4: Your boudoir photography campaign, “Embrace Your Power One Photo at a Time,” is inspiring. What sparked this shift, and how has the response been from the women you’ve worked with?

A4: The shift came from wanting to create art that celebrates confidence and self-love. Many women feel pressured by unrealistic beauty standards, and boudoir became my way of reframing that narrative. The response has been incredible—clients often share how empowering and transformative the experience is, not just in front of the camera but in how they see themselves afterward. It’s deeply rewarding to help them embrace their strength and beauty.

Q5: You've also collaborated with organisations like Dancers Love Dogs and Happy Tails. What role does animal welfare play in your life and work?

A5: Animal welfare is deeply important to me—both as a photographer and an advocate. Collaborating with organizations like Dancers Love Dogs and Happy Tails lets me combine my love for animals with my craft, using imagery to raise awareness and support rescue efforts. Pets bring so much joy, and I’m passionate about giving them a voice through my work, whether by capturing their personalities in photos or helping them find loving homes. It’s a cause that truly aligns with my heart.

Q6: Cape Town’s Bloubergstrand is incredibly scenic. How does living and working there influence your photography and creativity?

A6: Living in Bloubergstrand is a constant source of inspiration—the dramatic skies, sweeping ocean views, and iconic Table Mountain backdrop infuse my work with natural beauty and mood. The ever-changing light challenges me to adapt and experiment, whether I’m shooting golden-hour boudoir sessions or dynamic pet portraits on the beach. Beyond aesthetics, the relaxed coastal energy seeps into my creative process, reminding me to stay present and let authenticity guide each shoot. It’s a place that fuels both my artistry and my soul.

Q7: What advice would you give to aspiring photographers looking to build a meaningful and impactful portfolio in today’s digital age?

A7: 

1. Shoot What You Love: Your passion will shine through. Whether it’s boudoir, pets, or landscapes, focus on subjects that excite you—it keeps your work authentic and sustainable.

2. Quality Over Quantity: Curate ruthlessly. A strong portfolio needs 10-12 standout images, not 50 mediocre ones. Show range but maintain a cohesive style.

3. Embrace Storytelling: Impactful portfolios resonate emotionally. Capture moments, not just technically perfect shots—think mood, connection, and narrative.

4. Leverage Digital Platforms (Wisely): Use Instagram, Facebook, or a personal website to showcase your work, but tailor content to your niche. Engage with communities (like ViewBug) for feedback and exposure.

5. Collaborate & Give Back: Partner with causes (e.g., animal rescues) or local models. It builds experience, diversity in your portfolio, and purpose beyond aesthetics.

6. Never Stop Learning: Study light, editing, and trends—but break rules intentionally. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.

Bonus: "Your portfolio is your visual voice. Make it bold, make it you, and let it evolve as you do."

(P.S. Cape Town’s light is magic—if you can shoot here, do it!)