Total and partial photoionization cross sections have been calculated for all inner subshells of atomic magnesium, calcium, and strontium in the relativistic random-phase approximation, the relativistic random-phase approximation modified to include relaxation effects, and the relativistic random-phase approximation modified to include relaxation and Auger decay. Results of the three models are compared with Dirac-Hartree-Fock calculations and with semiempirical results so that the import of various many-body effects can be assessed. Branching ratios and photoelectron angular-distribution asymmetry parameters are also presented for np subshells. Substantial relaxation effects are noted for photoionization of [Formula Presented] and [Formula Presented] subshells. 5555 2002 The American Physical Society.