An Ealing resident has come runner-up for one of the six categories in this year's National Geographic Traveller Photo Competition.

Raj Joshi's image of a boatman in northern Myanmar won him a second-place spot for the people category in the prestigious photography contest.

The Ealing resident of eight years was honoured to be selected for the award.

He said: "It's amazing to be recognised for my photography by such a prestigious organisation.

"It's even more special as my inspirational father, who loved photographing and filming our family holidays together, spoke to me before he passed away and said I should pursue to have something published in National Geographic - and now I have!"

The photograph is currently on display at the Pop Up Art Gallery in Ealing Broadway, along with more of Raj's photographs.

Raj, also director of The Adventure Boutique, said the photograph had all the ingredients of adventure, culture and interaction, whilst conveying an important message.

He said: "Interaction amongst different cultures is powerful and we can learn much from other cultures when we travel, it's the local people that makes a country exceptional and distinctive.

advertisement

"The boatman in the photo was humble yet regal at the same time.

"He had great skill and passion in his craft and it was a meaningful interaction with him and watching him apply his trade.

"He showed that one isn't extraordinary by the job they have, but how one goes about doing that job."

Raj added: "The image was also special because of the challenge in capturing it on a swaying and swerving boat with water splashing around me."

The photo was taken in Putao, a remote and beautiful region in the far north of Myanmar, according to Raj, who added there aren't many places as adventurous as Myanmar.

To see the photograph in person, head down to the Pop Up Art Gallery in Ealing Broadway Centre, W5 5JY.

Find more of Raj's work on his Instagram, @raj.joshi.story, or on his website.