Getting into photography as a hobby, Erick Saragih is now a reputable Landscape Photographer. Exploring the world and capturing the wonder of it through the lens, one of his professional goals is to invite people to admire it with him. So, what’s his story?

Tell us about your journey to becoming a Landscape Photographer, along with your challenges and achievements!

My interest in Landscape Photography as a hobby began to grow in 2015. At that time, I was working at an Educational Institution in Bandung and due to its working hours, I had limited time to explore my hobby. So, by the end of 2017, I made a huge decision to resign from my job and pursue my passion for photography, especially Landscape Photography. 

Thanks to God, something that once was merely a hobby became something much more. That being said, my biggest achievement was being part of the Alpha Guru lineup since 2022. In a way, this is also a challenge as I need to push myself to stay consistent in producing breathtaking Landscape photographs. 

What made you feel interested in exploring and capturing the beauty of nature?

From Sabang to Merauke, every place in Indonesia offers its uniquely beautiful landscape and I am proud of being able to explore and capture it. It is a pleasure for me when people can enjoy the photographs I took because I understand that not many people can explore those places directly. In a way, I would like to invite as many people as possible to admire the charms of Indonesian nature through a photograph. I would also like to let the whole world know about the exotic and stunning landscape of Indonesia.

How do you prepare yourself before a photo session in the open space? Do you have any specific rituals?

I don’t think I have any specific rituals or preparations before I go on a photo-hunting session. However, knowing that the photoshoot mainly happens during sunrise, sunset, or midnight which means that the surrounding area is in the dark, I just keep my physical condition in check to be able to handle all kinds of terrain. Also, I always make sure that all the gears that I need are well-prepared. Lastly, I pray to God to be able to take beautiful pictures just as I imagined.

What are your favorite photography gear and why are they your favorite?

I rely so much on the Alpha 7R V and the SEL14F18GM lens. I deeply trust the quality of the Alpha 7R V with its ultra-wide dynamic range and its capability to produce crystal clear images. It also features a new dedicated AI processing unit for improved subject recognition and remarkable still image quality resolution. Its AF algorithms enable high AF precision down to light levels as low as EV -4.0 in AF-S mode which is very useful to me because I often take photographs in the dark.

The SEL14F18GM lens then completes the Alpha 7R V as it has a large-aperture ultra-wide-angle prime lens with G Master quality that offers sharp images from corner to corner. Its innovative design is incredibly compact and is perfect for me who travels a lot. 

Where was the toughest spot you have ever been to during photo hunting? What was your most memorable moment there?

There are at least three spots that mean a lot to me: Lake Toba, Banda Aceh, and Gigi Hiu Beach.

Being born in Lake Toba, this place will always have a place in my heart. Capturing this ancient lake is not a difficult thing to do as every inch of this lake is simply naturally beautiful. I am proud to be able to promote this UNESCO Global Geopark to the world.

Located in the westmost province of Indonesia, Banda Aceh offers a magnificent natural landscape. However, my most memorable experience there was when I photographed the Baiturrahman Great Mosque. It is an impressive building that bears witness to the tragic tsunami disaster in 2004 and yet it still stands strong to this day as if it proves God’s mightiness. I always feel amazed every time I look at every corner of that building.

My experience taking pictures of Gigi Hiu Beach, Lampung, was something that I will not soon forget. The journey was as difficult as it was valuable because I had to go through awful access to the beach. It was rocky and steep hills were on either side of the road. The tires of my car got slashed, twice, and the front bumper was knocked off. What was worse was that after I arrived at the beach, the weather was also horrible. It was raining and the sky was very dark and yet I still tried to take some pictures there. The funny thing is that the picture became the most expensive photograph I ever sold. A foreign animation company bought that picture and I felt happy, satisfied, and relieved because everything I went through to take the picture was worth the effort.