Weddings
Portraits
Headshots
Events
Product photography
Social content & reels
Graphics & posters
Logo & title animation
AI website design
Automations
Hi, I'mRudraksha.
Photographer & multimedia creative, Ottawa.
I'm an Ottawa-based photographer and multimedia creative. For over seven years I have been turning real moments, weddings, portraits and brands, into images people are proud to show the world.
What began with a single camera and a community photowalk has grown into a full visual studio at 169 Lees Ave, trusted by 500+ clients, honoured with a national award, and invited onto stages and ceremonies I once only dreamed of.
Rudraksha Chawla · Founder, RUDQP
- 8+Years behind the lens
- 500+Happy clients
- 100+Weddings covered
- 100+Events documented
- 8+Years behind the lens
- 500+Happy clients
- 100+Weddings covered
- 100+Events documented
I'm an Ottawa-based photographer and multimedia creative. For over seven years I have been turning real moments, weddings, portraits and brands, into images people are proud to show the world.
What began with a single camera and a community photowalk has grown into a full visual studio at 169 Lees Ave, trusted by 500+ clients, honoured with a national award, and invited onto stages and ceremonies I once only dreamed of.
Rudraksha Chawla · Founder, RUDQP
He came to Ottawa with a camera. He found a community.
I rarely head out with a destination in mind; I follow whatever catches my eye. A chance encounter with another photographer on the streets of Ottawa turned into a friendship. A coffee with a doctor I met through a Facebook photography group led to new clients. And a chance photograph at a networking event turned into a wedding shoot.
Now I'm bringing that same curiosity to a new role as a photographer for Neighbours of Old Ottawa. I love meeting strangers — sitting down with someone over coffee, talking about life, listening to their story while they listen to mine.
I moved here from India about three years ago, and I've spent the past eight years building this: weddings, events, portraits, brand work. It started as a hobby, photographing friends and experimenting with a camera my parents helped me buy, and it has been a commercial business since 2020. Most of what I know is self-taught. YouTube was my guru, you could say.
A Bachelor of Commerce and a photography certification in India came first, then Human Resources Management and Interactive Media Management at Algonquin College — which is where graphic design, illustration, UX/UI, animation and web development came in. One day I want an agency that offers all of it. I know something about everything.
There have been some good moments along the way. A National Photography Award in the Festival category from CHITRANJALI in 2022, with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Photographing Kenya's Independence Day flag-hoisting at Ottawa City Hall for the Kenya High Commission — which arrived with no referral and no prior connection, a reminder that consistent, sincere work still gets noticed. A workshop with Henry's Camera in 2025. And going back to Algonquin as a guest speaker, standing in front of the entrepreneurship students I used to sit among.
All of it has come from people. Photowalks in India that were never really about the photographs — 38 strangers turned up to the first one. Beyond Networking here in Ottawa, where I photographed a couple at an event, mentioned I shoot weddings, and found out they were getting married ten days later. An Ottawa photography community that passes work to one another instead of competing. You never know what opportunity comes to your table.
When nobody is paying me, I take the Fujifilm X100VI out for what I call a solo date — the ByWard Market for its energy and its bakeries, Parliament Hill for the architecture. And the sunsets. I have never seen sunsets anywhere quite like Ottawa's.
Adapted from the feature in Neighbours of Old Ottawa, September 2026, pages 4–5 · Words by Nehaa Bimal · Published by Best Version Media · Read the original issue (PDF)
Cover and feature photographs by Rudraksha Chawla
Milestones & recognition
Things I'm proud of.
Kenya High Commission
It was an honour to photograph Kenya's Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at Ottawa City Hall, hosted by the Kenya High Commission. What made this moment especially meaningful was that it came without referrals or prior connections. Experiences like this are a powerful reminder that consistent, sincere work still gets noticed. I'm deeply grateful for the journey, the lessons in patience and resilience, and for the growth that 2025 has brought, both professionally and personally.
From student to speaker
I had the incredible opportunity to return to Algonquin College, this time not as a student, but as a guest speaker, to share my journey of turning photography into a business. Standing in front of students where I once sat felt surreal, a full circle moment that reminded me how passion, and vision can turn creativity into opportunity. It was truly an inspiring experience and a meaningful milestone in my journey, one I'm deeply grateful for.
Leading a workshop abroad
Leading a photography workshop in another country, partnering with Henry's, and connecting with other creatives has been an incredible experience. Life has a natural way of unfolding when you simply follow your curiosity. True progress rarely makes noise; it is built through small, consistent steps that often go unnoticed but create real change over time.
National Photography Award
A National Photography Award in the Festival category from CHITRANJALI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Given in memory of Shri Mahendra Choudhary, the award includes a cash prize of ₹20,000 and was presented to me by Mr. Prahlad Patel, Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Member of Parliament from Damoh, Madhya Pradesh.
2019 to 2020 · where it began
Where it started: a photowalk.
Before the awards and ceremonies, there were the photowalks, where a small idea brought strangers together and grew into something far bigger.
The first photowalk
I've always admired photographers who not only create but also build communities through photowalks. One day, I thought why not me? So I decided to host my first photo walk in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. I shared the idea online, expecting a small turnout since it was my first attempt. But to my surprise, 38 people showed up, far beyond what I imagined. It was an unforgettable experience that reminded me how creativity brings people together. Thank you to everyone who joined and made this photowalk such a memorable success. And yes, chai was on me!
Hanumantal
I conducted a photowalk at Hanumantal, and I was thrilled to see so many people join in. Together, we explored the vibrant streets, narrow lanes, and hidden corners filled with life, culture, and stories waiting to be captured. The energy and enthusiasm of everyone made the experience truly special, it wasn't just about photography, but about connection, creativity, and seeing the beauty in everyday moments.
Dumna at dawn
At 5 in the morning, we gathered at Dumna Nature Reserve Park for a peaceful photowalk surrounded by nature and golden light, and the calm sound of nature waking up. It was a refreshing start to the day capturing the beauty of stillness, sharing perspectives, and connecting with people who find joy in simple moments.
Keep moving
We're all constantly growing and growth isn't always in a straight, upward direction. It's okay to move slowly; what matters is that you keep moving. Growth isn't easy, but when you involve others in your journey, you grow even more. Surround yourself with people who motivate and inspire you, and learn to let go of the past while carrying its lessons forward. I'm genuinely grateful to everyone who supports me, leaves kind comments, or takes a moment to listen. Your words often mean more than you know. Thank you for being part of this journey.
In my words
Ask me anything. Well, these.
How would you describe your style?
Candid and cinematic, with gentle direction so you stay present and the day looks like you remember it.
What do you shoot most?
Weddings, portraits and brand work, plus events and product, across Ottawa and wherever the story takes me.
Where are you based?
169 Lees Ave in Old Ottawa East, and I travel across Canada, India and worldwide for the right projects.
What is your turnaround?
About a week for sessions, around two weeks for events, and about a month for weddings. Priority delivery is available.
What can I expect working with you?
An easy, relaxed shoot and hand-edited images delivered in a private online gallery you keep for life.
Who is Rudraksha Chawla?
Rudraksha Chawla is the photographer and content creator behind RUDQP, an Ottawa studio for weddings, portraits, headshots, events, product photography and social media content. Originally from Jabalpur, India, he has photographed 500+ clients over seven years and received a National Photography Award (Festival category, CHITRANJALI).
Where is RUDQP based and where do you work?
RUDQP is based at 169 Lees Ave, Ottawa, ON K1S 5L5, and works across Ottawa, Gatineau and the National Capital Region, with travel across Canada and worldwide.
What languages do you work in?
Shoots are run in English or Hindi, by appointment seven days a week. Every message gets a personal reply, usually within one business day.
How do I get in touch or book?
Book online at rudqp.com/client: verify your email, choose what you want captured, and an exact quote arrives by email, usually within one business day. Shoots can often be fitted with a week's notice; 15 to 20 days ahead is ideal, and wedding dates book first. You can also email [email protected] or message on WhatsApp at +1 343 254 1555.