CHAIRPERSON'S CHAT

Dear Members,

Before I jump into my message I need to make a very important announcement: due to other event bookings, Modderfontein Golf Club has asked us to rearrange some of our in-person club nights We sincerely apologise for the calendar changes and to see the correct dates, please take a look at Clare’s messages on WhatsApp and the dates on Photovault We are so sorry that because of MGC's requested date changes, we will miss a visit from our dearest friend and oldest (in member years, not his age!) friend Dave Gordon on the 8th March, because club night had to be moved to the 15th March. Dave, we apologise and hope to see you soon!

We are in the 3rd month of 2023, the year is rushing ahead! We are amidst an energy crisis with continuous load shedding Painful, I know My approach to life is always to look for the silver lining! As photographers, we can do a lot without electricity If you keep your laptop charged you can even edit during load shedding!

Brian Shaw has worked out an amazing calendar for outdoor events, keep an eye out for his suggestions He can only suggest ideas and you can only accept his suggestions Brian is one of the most versatile photographers and we can all learn from his efforts There is no gain without a bit of effort.

We will put together another Table Top workshop if we have enough interest and are so working on a weekend away outing. Please communicate with any committee member if you have any questions or need assistance with anything

We welcome two new members so far this year, Tarryn Petzer and Natalie Lumgair, welcome to EPC

Let us work together to make this another great year

Lots of love, light and laughter!

Hanli

Cover image: Spirit of the Namib, Linda Carter

This particular photograph was taken in the Namib rand. Visiting Namibia during December/January is not for the faint-hearted, especially if you are doing a road trip to the remotest areas. It’s hot…VERY hot! For a landscape photographer, it’s probably the worst time to visit – very short “Golden Hours”, little to no clouds, and WAY too hot to hike for a good composition.

Looking out at a desolate valley between the sand dunes, from my vantage point under a wet sarong (a makeshift aircon in the oppressive heat), I surveyed the scene. One lone “big” tree, and lots of scrappy little ones. Even the sand dunes couldn’t make the effort to grow into anything worthwhile Not a composition in sight, so I had to improvise.

The next morning I was up early. I had an idea. 8 Individual shots of one large tree, while walking in a 360 degree circle around the tree, combined in-camera. I love the ghost-like impressions, especially of the smaller trees. For me it truly represents how remote and vast the place is and how you feel as though you are drinking in the landscape through your eyes.

ISO 64, F1/8, Shutter speed varied per individual shot to achieve correct exposure.