Sharing Visual Art since 1950 Edenvale Photo Club Newsletter - OCTOBER 2020
COVER IMAGE BY NATASHA BIRD
PAGE 2 OCTOBER 2020
EDENVALE PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA ANY MEMBER CAN SUBMIT MATERIAL FOR CONSIDERATION IN FUTURE PUBLICATIONS PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT IMAGES HAVE A MINIMUM RESOLUTION OF 1080 x 1925 pixels. Of course, we also have to adhere to the regulations for data protection and the rights of use according to the copyright law, therefore, we ask you to supply a declaration of consent of the person or website that you extracted your submission from. Please use the following email address to send contributions and consent letters hanlis54@gmail.com
Proof reading of this magazine Kindly done by Heidi Broschk
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 3
CHAIRMAN’S CHAT Hopefully, we are starting to return to some form of normality. Now that we can have “regular” club meetings, the social aspect of this awesome hobby can return. Sure, we need measures in place which conform to the rules and regulations and we will probably be peering at each other over the edge of our masks, but we will be together at a club meet viewing the images how they are supposed to be viewed. I know the online sessions have been enjoyed by our distance members and I am sure they have all learnt a lot. We have had requests to continue recording club evening, even if we return to regular meetings. It will be taken under advisement. There are logistical issues with sound as we need to record the judge as well as the computer operator which as you know sit quite far apart. There are also minor concerns that attendance will drop if videos can be viewed at leasure. I do really have the need to get out, shoot and mingle. My photography has taken a definite dip. It was partially a needed break from my side and partly Covid. Looking at the standard at club meetings lately it seems I am the only one struggling for material. There have been some real stunning images of late. Keep it up. You are all an inspiration to everyone else. You never know how an image can spark the imagination in someone or give them a creative idea. That then in turn inspires someone else. By the time you read this, I would assume our first “post” Covid outing is behind us. If you did attend, hopefully it was a good outing. Being out is practice and practice makes perfect, so see every opportunity as a growing experience. Our AGM is happening on 11 November 2020. We will try our utmost to have it in the hall. If this proves not practical, we will let you know. There are two open positions on the committee, so please nominate yourself or someone you know who is keen to join the committee. We need you. Get out there, Shoot, grow and learn. Be the best version of you.
Dave
“EVEN IF YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK,YOU’LL GET RUN OVER IF YOU JUST SIT THERE” Will Rogers
Chairman: David Wolstencroft 083 229 8066 davewol@gmail.com
PAGE 4 OCTOBER 2020
Committee Members
Treasurer: Ted Kinsman 083 461 2350 tkinsman@global.co.za
Certificates & Awards Des Alexander 083 226 1452 neoncomp@webmail.co.za
New Members, Social Media & Website Clare Appleyard 083 234 0247 clare.appleyard@gmail.com
1 Scoring & Promotions S ON I T I POS CANT VA
2 Organising Judges for club meetings
Marketing and Secretary: Natasha Bird 082 920 8898 mnktrad@mweb.co.za
Newsletter Editor & Graphic Design: Hanli Smit 083 253 1034 hanlis54@gmail.com
Training: Robbie Aspeling 082 309 7470 rob@raphoto.co.za
Chairman: David Wolstencroft 083 229 8066 davewol@gmail.com
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 5 Page 6 FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHERS Page 11 JUDGING CRITERIA FOR CLUB COMPETITION 1,2 &3 STAR Page 12 WINNING IMAGES OF CLUB MEETING 14 OCTOBER 2020 (1st meet of New Year) Page 22 MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS / DAVE GORDON / 2ND DPSSA Page 24 MEMBER FOCUS / ROB PONTE Page 27 JUDGING CRITERIA FOR CLUB COMPETITION 4 & 5 STAR Page 28 A CODE OF ETHICS FOR ALL NATURE ENTHUSIASTS TO FOLLOW WINNING IMAGES OF CLUB MEETING 28 OCTOBER 2020( 2nd Meet of New Year) Page 38 HOW DO YOU START LEARNING PHOTOSHOP Page 40 CLOSING DATES OF UPCOMING SALONS Page 41 NOTICE OF THE AGM Page 44 9 AMAZING BENEFITS OF PHOTOGRAPHY Page 50 AND 51 SPECIAL SUBJECT WINNERS AND THE COVER STORY
Inside This Issue
PAGE 6 OCTOBER 2020
Famous Photographers Brian Adams
BRIAN ADAMS Adams works as a photographer as well as musician, aside from being published in British Vogue, L’uomo Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire, Interview magazine and i-D, among others, he has also shot advertising campaigns for Guess Jeans, Sand, Converse, Montblanc, John Richmond, Fred Perry, and more recently for Escada. He has won Lead Awards twice in Germany for his fashion work, most recently June 2012 and previously in 2006. Other photographic endeavours include founding the art fashion Zoo Magazine, based in Berlin, Germany for which he shoots for regularly. His first book of photos will be released by Steidl in 2012 entitled Exposed. Previous published collaborations include; American Women June 2005, for Calvin Klein in the United States; proceeds from this book went to Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center in New York City for their breast cancer research for programs, and Made in Canada December 1999 for Flare Magazine in Canada; proceeds went to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Both books were dedicated to his friend Donna, who died of the disease. As a photographer, Adams has worked with many of his musical peers, including Lana Del Rey, The Who, Sting, Shania Twain, Mick Jagger, Arcade Fire, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Robert Plant, Take That, Joss Stone, Plácido Domingo, Sarah McLachlan, Celine Dion, Billy Idol, Moby, Lindsay Lohan, Amy Winehouse, Annie Lennox, Peter Gabriel, Bryan Ferry, Lenny Kravitz, Die Antwoord, and Morrissey to name a few. On 27 November 2000 Adams played onstage with The Who at the Royal Albert Hall. A DVD of the concert was issued. Adams photographed the band and his photos appear in the DVD booklet. In 2002, Adams was invited, along with other photographers from the Commonwealth, to photograph Queen Elizabeth II during her Golden Jubilee; one of the photographs from this session was used as a Canadian postage stamp in 2004 and again in 2005 (see Queen Elizabeth II definitive stamp (Canada)), another portrait of both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip is now in the National Portrait Gallery in London. Adams supports the Hear the World initiative as a photographer in its aim to raise global awareness for the topic of hearing and hearing loss. He photographed Michael J. Fox and Tatjana Patitz in the 2011 Carl Zeiss AG company calendar in New York City in the summer of 2010. The focus was about the size difference of the subjects in a comedic presentation. In 2011, Adams provided the cover art for Lioness: Hidden Treasures, a posthumous release by Amy Winehouse.
https://www.thephotogallery.se/bryan-adams
Source Wikipedia
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 7
Amy Winehouse
Pamela Anderson,Los+Angeles
bryan-adams-exposed+pink
Kate Moss
Sir Ben Kingsley,
Dustan Hoffman
PAGE 8 OCTOBER 2020
Jerry Hall
Sir Ben Kingsley,
Mick Jagger
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 9
Kate Moss
Lana Del Ray
Helena+Bonham-Carter
The Queen
PAGE 10 OCTOBER 2020
Sergei Polunin London Bryan Adams,Courtesy,WILLAS contemporary.
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 11
The following criteria is considered when the judges evaluate the images in each star rating ONE STAR
1. Correct exposure 2. In focus 3. Element of composition 4. Picture clean and well presented
TWO STAR
1. Correct exposure 2. In focus 3. Element of composition 4. Picture clean and well presented 5. Some impact 6. Some knowledge of when to crop
THREE STAR
1. Correct exposure 2. In focus 3. Composition. ust show an understanding of the importance of lines,shapes and form. 4. Picture clean and well presented 5. Impact now a strong requirement 6.Knowledge of when to crop is now important
JUDGING CRITERIA FOR CLUB COMPETITION 1, 2 & 3 Star
PAGE 12 OCTOBER 2020
ONE STAR NATURE WINNER - 14 OCT
African stonechat Peter Fine
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 13
ONE STAR OPEN WINNER - 14 OCT
Entwine
Z ia Auerswald
PAGE 14 OCTOBER 2020
TWO STAR NATURE WINNER - 14 OCT
Kudu at Rest
Andrew Mayes
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 15
TWO STAR OPEN WINNER - 14 OCT
Refraction drop collision Tony Wilson
PAGE 16 OCTOBER 2020
THREE STAR NATURE WINNER - 14 OCT
One Two Three
Brian Kleinwort
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 17
THREE STAR OPEN WINNER - 14 OCT
Lady in Red
Stephen
Kangisser
PAGE 18 OCTOBER 2020
FOUR STAR NATURE WINNER - 14 OCT
Mating swallows
Des Alexander
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 19
FOUR STAR OPEN WINNER - 14 OCT
Death of a dandelion Des Alexander
PAGE 20 OCTOBER 2020
FIVE STAR NATURE WINNER - 14 OCT
Stretching Out
Natasha Bird
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 21
FIVE STAR OPEN WINNER - 14 OCT
Fighting War
Vicki Street
PAGE 22 OCTOBER 2020
MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS DAVE GORDON
The Second DPSSA for Dave Gordon!! Being awarded my second DPSSA (Open and Nature) was very fulfilling. Despite ‘Nature’ being my favourite subject (particularly birds), it took me longer to attain the required number of acceptances than it did for Open. This is probably due to the fact the Open is just that, open and less specific. Before taking up photography I was actually a birder. I bought an early Canon digital camera simply to study and ID LBJ’s (Little Brown Jobs) at home. The digital zoom didn’t perform particularly well so this soon led to a Canon 20D and some expensive bits of glass. I now use a Canon 1Dx and a 5Ds and longer even more expensive bits of glass. So today, while I still love birding and I’m still a member of a bird club, I now use a Canon 1Dx and a 5Ds and longer, even more expensive, bits of glass. So today, while I still love birding and I’m still a member of a bird club, I consider myself to be a nature/bird photographer first and foremost, and I hope I have contributed to the EPC being regarded as one of the top bird photography clubs in SA.
IMAGES BY DAVE GORDON
DAVE GORDON PHOTOGRAPHY
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 23
PAGE 24 OCTOBER 2020
MEMBER FOCUS
Can you recall when you first joined EPC ? June 1980. There was an article in the Bedfordview Edenvale News about the club. The contact was Mario Bracco, who invited me as a visitor, and I ended up there for life.
Who were your peers/ friends ?
ROB PONTE
George Allen, Roger Callegari, Dennis Gregory, Pam Smith, Andrew Wallis, Fritz Korting, Jack Weinberg, Charles Barrett, Monty Freeman, Leon Baben, Mervyn & Melanie Hurwitz
How did you become interested in photography ? I got my first plastic Kodak camera for my 8th birthday and was hooked. I used to take all the family gatherings and holiday photos. Took advertising photos for the companies I worked for, then joined Edenvale in 1980. I eventually reached the 5 Star Honours’ section.
Slides & film or digital photography ? Started with slides, then also did B & W Prints and personally became involved in digital photographyin 1994. I was fortunate to work with the full Kodak Digital product range – the first DSLR cameras, consumer cameras, dye sublimation printers, scanners and CD writers. Photoshop came out on two stiffy disks!
What was the image submission format then – prints / slides/ pdi ? Slides was the most popular format, because it was much easier than Prints, which had to be processed and printed and mounted at home. Digital changed all that, becoming much easier, and Prints were allowed to be commercially printed.
1-5 Star Honours? What about categories Na / PI and Set subject We had the 1 – 5 star categories. Nature, Scenic, Portraiture, Open, Still life/Table top, Photo Journalism. Set subject were held regularly.
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 25
Where you involved at Committee / PSSA level ? From 1981 through to the mid 1990’s, I was involved as an editor, lecturer, refreshments provider and Slide Co-ordinator.s I had two terms as Chairman.
Did salons exist ? We had to get salon acceptances for advancement; and during the early 1990’s we were always amongst the top three clubs in SA. Jack Weinberg was the top salon individual in SA on numerous occasions. We organised salons at Edenvale, much as you are doing now, except there were thousands of slides to methodically sort into many trays.
Can you share a special memory ? EPC hosted the Annual Wildlife Congress in 1995. The late George Allen was the main organiser and the event was held at the Brandwag Hotel in the Golden Gate National Park. Yes, I try to get out and do landscape photography at least two to three Saturdays a month for my Landscape PhotoArt collection.
Are you still a keen photographer – what are your hobbies now? Yes, try to get out and do Landscape Photography at least two to three Saturdays a month for my Landscape PhotoArt collection.
Anything else ? My wife Jenny and I shared many great outings and socialising during the early 1990’s. The club used to book out the whole Krugersdorp Game Reserve annually. The one bitterly cold weekend was when Halley’s comet made a very disappointing showing. We also went to Borakalolo National Park(north of Brits), Manyane(Pilanesberg), Malelane bush camp(KNP) and Golden Gate(7 times)
PAGE 26 OCTOBER 2020
IMAGES BY ROB PONTE
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 27
The following criteria is considered when the judges evaluate the images in each star rating FOUR STAR The images in this star rating should be of national salon standard. FIVE STAR 1. The images in this star rating should be of national salon standard. 2. The images in this star rating should be of entry level international salon standard
JUDGING CRITERIA FOR CLUB COMPETITION 4 & 5 Star
PAGE 28 OCTOBER 2020
Compiled by The Photographic Society of South Africa to promote the conservation and awareness of our natural heritage through observation and exhibition. The Photographic Society of South Africa has, in order to help protect all natures subjects and the environment, proposed a code of ethics for all nature enthusiasts to follow, whether in national parks, wilderness areas or even in your own garden. Acknowledgement must go to the Association of Natural History of Great Britain, the Nature Division of the Photographic Society of America and all naturalist photographers from whose codes of practice this code of ethics is derived. Always remember that the welfare of the natural history subject is of prime importance. You are an intruder and as such must respect both the creatures and the ecosystem. Our aim must be to preserve our heritage and by following the guidelines set out here each of you can help. Social courtesy and respect must be shown to all around us, be they animal, vegetable, mineral or human being. Respect encompasses a knowledge and understanding of your subject as well as being sufficiently familiar with other natural history specialities to be able to avoid damaging their interests accidentally. The law as it affects all nature subjects must always be observed. Whatever your interest in nature, be it to photograph or to observe, you will only achieve your aim and be able to consider yourself a true naturalist when you become one with your surrounds.
1 FEEDING While feeding of animals and/or birds is, in certain instances, an acceptable practise – such as for instance the supply of bones to the vultures in Giant’s Castle - the use of live bait is not acceptable in any circumstances.
2 COMMON COURTESY In national parks you are generally restricted to your vehicle and as a driver you should observe common courtesies and obey all rules and regulations of the park. Do not speed up to or past a stopped vehicle – slow down, wait a short distance off and make sure that you will not disturb anything before driving on, or wait to be waved on. Do not drive in such a way as to box other cars in, particularly when near dangerous animals such as elephants, nor park in such a way that you block the road. Your passengers too should observe normal safety precautions and common courtesies such as not hanging out of windows or playing radios or taped music. Nature has a wonderful sound all of its own, stop and listen and enjoy all facets of our natural history. If any creature shows uneasiness caused by your presence you should move off rather than force the creature to move. It is totally unethical to throw anything at a creature to cause it to change its position or area.
THE NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER’S CODE OF ETHICS 3 BIRDS AT NESTS and/or CREATURES AT DENS It is particularly important that photography and or viewing of breeding creatures only be undertaken by people with a good knowledge of the creatures breeding behaviour – books, study groups, etc. will help to further your knowledge. It is generally best to use a hide in order not to disturb the creatures. When erecting a hide do not erect on a regularly used approach line, nor where the attention of the public or predators is likely to endanger the subject. You should not approach a nest or den too closely, careful judgement is necessary. No part of the occupant or his equipment should be visible through or from outside the hide. Do not keep a hide set up if the parents do not return within approximately half an hour, especially on very cold or very hot days. ..................continue on page 34
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 29
ONE STAR OPEN WINNER - 28 OCT
Out of the Blue
Tahlita Verster
PAGE 30 OCTOBER 2020
TWO STAR NATURE WINNER -28 OCT
Rainbird
Gavin
Duffy
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 31
TWO STAR OPEN WINNER - 28 OCT
African beauty
Tony Wilson
PAGE 32 OCTOBER 2020
THREE STAR NATURE WINNER28 OCT
Cheetah Strol
Brian Kleinwort.
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 33
THREE STAR OPEN WINNER - 28 OCT
Timeless Camellia
Brian Kleinwort
PAGE 34 OCTOBER 2020
Compiled by The Photographic Society of South Africa to promote the conservation and awareness of our natural heritage through observation and exhibition. FROM PAGE 28
“Gardening” i.e. interference of surrounding vegetation is sometimes necessary for photography of nesting birds, this should be kept to a minimum, not exposing the subject to predators, people or adverse weather conditions. Gardening should be carried out by tying back and not cutting off branches and grasses. In between each shooting session and at the conclusion of any session everything should be returned to the way it was and tracks to and from the area should be very inconspicuous. Although the best time for viewing and for photography is at the time of the hatch or birth, this is not the time to start erecting a hide, nor when eggs are newly laid. You must wait until the parent’s reaction to the situation is firmly established Nestlings should never be handled or removed from the nest nor may you restrict their movement while photographing them in situ. Scientific banding is accepted in nature photographs.
4 INSECTS, SNAKES AND REPTILES The removal of these creatures to a studio for photography is an accepted practise provided that their subsequent release is in the original habitat as soon as is practical. These creatures should only be photographed in surrounds and on perches where they would naturally occur.
7 BOTANY It is most important that the preparations to photograph or view one specimen do not involve treading on other specimens. Avoid trampling on fragile habitats, especially grasslands, marshes and wildflower patches as damage to the habitat affects all species in the ecosystem. Chilling, freezing, light anaesthesia or A competent photographer or botanist need any other action aimed at subduing the never pick wild flowers. No rarity should be creature is not acceptable. picked let alone dug up for studio You may not endanger the life of any specimen. photography, or to facilitate the in situ Diurnal creatures should be photographed in photography of another specimen, the early morning or late afternoon or when nor should any part be the weather is colder when they will be more removed to facilitate the torpid, likewise for nocturnal creatures. photography of another part. Recording these creatures in the field would If rocks or logs or other objects natural to the probably tell a more accurate story. area are brought in to provide a scientifically 5 TIDE POOL SUBJECTS correct and more photogenic background Tide pool animals have a definite role in our these should be returned ecology and creatures living on top or below to their original place. rocks will die if those rocks are turned over and CONCLUSION not replaced the way they were found. Thoughtless conduct could force a creature 6 GEOLOGY to leave its accustomed surrounds because it The appearance of pictographs and petrofinds you an unbearable nuisance and in doing glyphs should never be altered by applying any so the whole ecosystem can become substance, even the simplest of compounds. unbalanced. Cave formations and crystals should never be In conclusion we can only suggest that both the moved, broken or tampered with. These anrecording and viewing of any natural history cient arts can never be restored. subject can only be enhanced by doing so in its natural surrounds.
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 35
FOUR STAR OPEN WINNER - 28 OCT
Lesotho in Blue and Brown Clare Appleyard
PAGE 36 OCTOBER 2020
FIVE STAR NATURE WINNER - 28 OCT
Just Hanging Around
Robbie Aspeling
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 37
FIVE STAR OPEN WINNER - 28 OCT
Halloween
Robbie Aspeling
PAGE 38 OCTOBER 2020
How do I start learning Photoshop?
To learn Photoshop, use these six free resources to begin your journey to Photoshopmastery, brush up on the fundamentals – pun most definitely intended – and even learn advanced image manipulation techniques for free (or very cheaply). These free/cheap Photoshop tutorials include: Adobe. Tuts+Feb 25, 2020
6 Places to Learn Photoshop for Free (or Almost Free!) Adobe Photoshop is one of the most widely used software packages in the world. It’s hard to imagine the world without Photoshop, and its remarkable image editing tools have been used in everything from Hollywood blockbusters to Internet memes. As powerful as Photoshop is, it can be a little intimidating. Adobe has done a great job of making the software more accessible to newcomers, but it’s still a complex programme. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a professional graphic designer or digital marketing expert to learn how to use Photoshop. To learn Photoshop, use these six free resources to begin your journey to Photoshop mastery, brush up on the fundamentals – pun most definitely intended – and even learn advanced image manipulation techniques for free (or very cheaply). These free/cheap Photoshop tutorials include: 1. Adobe 2. Tuts+ 3. Photoshop Cafe 4. Lynda 5. Digital Tutors 6. Udemy
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 39
1. Adobe’s Learning Resources and Tutorials
2. Tuts+ Next on our list of places you can learn how to use
Nobody knows Photoshop better than Adobe, so your first port of call should be the excellent learning resources on the
Photoshop for free is the Tuts+ network of learning sites.
Adobe site.
Although the Tuts+ network does offer
Adobe splits its tutorials into varying categories based on
premium content for a price,
skill level. Complete beginners should begin with the over-
its selection of free tutorials is extensive. Rather than
view of what Photoshop can do, before moving onto the intermediate techniques section. Here, you’ll find short video tutorials on how to use a range of Photoshop’s most
focusing on lengthier, project-based tutorials, Tuts+ tends to offer shorter,
commonly used features, such as masking, color
bite-sized lessons on specific techniques.
correction, cropping, vector and shape tools, and working
In addition to its content on topics such as brushes, color
with layers and levels.
correction, and typography,
Once you’ve gotten a taste of Photoshop’s broad tool set, you can move into project-based tutorials, which walk you through a complete project from start to finish.
Tuts+ also offers several tutorials on the fundamentals of digital imaging, such as image file types and
BONUS: If you’re looking for a more immersive
compression – very useful information
introduction to Photoshop, check out their free 13-hour
for the Photoshop novice.
introductory course that will cover everything you need to know to get started.
PAGE 40 OCTOBER 2020
3. Photoshop Cafe
Paid Resources for Learning Photoshop 4. Lynda.com The video tutorials offered by Lynda.com are among the
Photoshop Cafe is another excellent resource of free tutorials. Although they push their product range pretty hard throughout the site, there are still plenty of freebies you can take advantage of. Although some of the tutorials on Photoshop Café are similar to those offered by other sites, the language used is simple enough for beginners to dive right in. Photoshop Café also offers visual guides to potentially complex topics such as alpha channels and automating common tasks using actions.
best I’ve ever used, and are ideal for users who want to take their Photoshop learning seriously. Lynda.com’s videos are hosted by some of the world’s leading digital artists, and cover an amazingly diverse selection of topics. As you’d expect from one of the best training sites on the web, Lynda.com offers a wide variety of in-depth, project-based tutorials, making it the ideal place for intermediate users to take their skills to the next level. The site also offers a range of subscription options, the cheapest of which is just $25 per month. You can also choose to pay more for access to features such as project files and offline viewing.
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 41
5. Digital Tutors If you’re ready to master some of Photoshop’s most advanced tools and techniques, Digital Tutors is unbeatable. Aimed primarily at those seeking to launch careers in the entertainment industry, Digital Tutors offers an incredible range of tutorials on how to get the most out of Photoshop. From digital painting to concept art, the variety of topics covered is remarkable. Digital Tutors also specializes in tutorials covering how Photoshop can serve as just one tool in a wider creative workflow. Many of the site’s videos demonstrate how Photoshop can be used alongside software packages such as After Effects, providing an in-depth look at how versatile – and indispensable – Photoshop can be to creative professionals. Subscriptions start at $29 per month (which includes access to the entire Digital Tutors catalog of more than 2,000 courses), as well as progress tracking and new training videos added daily.
6. Udemy Udemy has a range of online classes for Photoshop, but the most popular is Manfred Werner’s course. Totaling 33 hours spread out across 153 individual lectures, this is one of the most comprehensive Photoshop courses you can take pretty much anywhere. Once you’ve paid to take this course (which costs just $19), you’ll have access to it for life, making it an excellent reference resource. Well, that pretty much does it for this round-up of Photoshop resources. Whether you’re a seasoned Photoshop pro or are just starting out using this amazing software package,
hopefully you’ll pick up a few tips and tricks from one of these resources.
PAGE 42 OCTOBER 2020
Closing dates for upcoming Salons 2020/2021 find the information brochures on the PSSA website
2020-11-07 Midlens 1st Nature National (Brochure Available) 2020-11-14 6th Centurion National (Brochure available) 2021-01-09 4th Brandpunt National 2021-01-16 1st Amber National 2021-01-23 7th PSSA National 2021-01-30 1st Visual Art National 2021-02-13 Bloemfontein National 2021-02-27 Western Cape Photographic Forum International (Brochure available) 2021-03-20 PSSA Up and Coming Competition (19th)
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 43
Notice of 2020 Annual General Meeting 11th November 2020
By now you all received your email with the AGM Pack attached. Should you be unable to attend the AGM, please complete the proxy form and return it to Dave. Any member interested in serving on the committee - in any of the portfolios - please feel free to fill in the nomination form. If anyone feels they know of someone that may be able to offer valuable input to the future of the club, please nominate such individual. We always need new input and if you think you can make a difference please step forward. Let us keep Edenvale one of the top clubs in Johannesburg!!!
AGM Join us!
Make a difference!!
This article was prepared and contributed by Heidi Broschk
PAGE 44 OCTOBER 2020
BY MARY SEGERS About the Author: Mary Segers from theremustbeabetterway is a home time management expert and coach. https://www.picturecorrect.com/ tips/9-amazing-benefits-of-photography/ {Accessed on 29/10/2020}
With the proper camera and vision, photography can make your life much better. Below are just a few of the many benefits of developing a love of photography.
“Young Photographer” captured by Muha
9 AMAZING BENEFITS OF PHOTOGRAPHY
1. PHOTOGRAPHY AFFORDS IMMORTALITY Don’t believe it? Look at all the old photographs your mom or grandmother had around.
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 45
2. PHOTOGRAPHY DOCUMENTS YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE From your childhood pictures to your child’s pictures to your grandchild’s pictures. From first smiles to first steps to first dates, life can be documented and preserved. Photography captures personal communication that would otherwise be lost forever. Many times I’ve noticed something in a photograph that wasn’t apparent when I was snapping the picture. Sometimes it’s a look on a child’s face or an arm around a lover or something that would have been lost forever if not captured in
So, whether it’s that child saying “Puhleeeese, I’m soooo sick of you taking these stupid pictures” or the lover feeling that “connectedness” right at that very moment they both are conveyed for eternity. Captured. Never to be lost.
1911 Wedding Portrait, Carl & Nellie (via flickr/josh phillipson)
that very moment in time.
PAGE 46 OCTOBER 2020
3. PHOTOGRAPHY IS A WONDERFUL STRESS RELIEVER
“Quanto ci costa sorridere?” captured by Andrea Floris
I mean, really, how much can you concentrate on that all-consuming problem when you turn your focus instead to the petals of a flower, the wings of a butterfly, the graceful curves of a majestic mountain, or the dimples of a smiling baby?
Go ahead. Take your blood pressure before and after spending just 30 minutes focusing on getting that perfect picture. You’ll be amazed at the difference. Then, for better overall health, just rinse and repeat often. It’s okay. I promise the problem won’t go away. It’ll still be there when you’re ready to start worrying again.
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 47
4. PHOTOGRAPHY INSPIRES YOUR IMAGINATION
“Engaged” captured by Bùi Linh Ngân
“Monarch Butterfly” captured by Shandi-lee Cox
My sister is a professional photographer and her creativity while taking photographs of the kids is what moved her (slowly) toward a career as a photographer. She loves finding and replicating such creative poses as a newborn in a net seemingly hanging from the sky. She also loves taking a couple and creating romantic ways for the shared love to be shown
It has inspired my own creativity, as I help her come up with new ideas. For instance, one day I was walking on a road with plenty of random cracks in it. The sun was behind me casting my shadow forward. We were talking on the phone about how to capture this one particular couple and the strength of their union and I mentioned the cracks all around them (symbolizing life in general). However, when it came to theirshadows, they were solid. In this way it showed the strength of the union as well as how life couldn’t “crack” them.
PAGE 48 OCTOBER 2020
5. PHOTOGRAPHY AS A CAREER IS POSSIBLE FOR ANYONE WITH A TRUE PASSION FOR IT There are people who make a living being a photographer. Imagine, if you will, that every picture you’ve ever seen, whether it’s on a billboard, in a magazine, or on TV, was snapped by someone. There are schools, classes, books, and websites where you could learn much more than I could ever tell you. Remember, you have your whole life in front of you. Why not aim for a part-time career on the side?
6. PHOTOGRAPHY IS A WONDERFUL, SAFE, AND NATURAL SELF-ESTEEM BOOSTER My 14 year-old loves the feeling of pride she gets when she takes pictures of her friends and they turn out good. When she downloads and sees them on the computer she’s in seventh heaven. And, of course, she loves sharing them with her friends.
7. PHOTOGRAPHY BRINGS YOU CLOSER TO YOUR NATURAL SPIRITUALITY Look around at the wonders of nature. Whether you believe in God or not, you can’t help but feel a stirring at the beauty surrounding you. You
“Gong Beach Sunset” captured by Tony Heyward
simply can’t help but understand how very small you are while you are realizing how very vast everything else is.
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 49
8. PHOTOGRAPHY LETS YOU SEE THINGS THAT YOU MAY NEVER NOTICE OTHERWISE
“Rainbow Valley” captured by Roy Wangsa
When I look at something I can’t possibly take in every aspect that is within my vision. For instance, a beautiful sunset only lasts so long and I may not notice all aspects of how the colors play on the water (I live in a beach town). The look of the sand (such a simple thing) changes as the sun lowers. All of these aspects are much more evident in a picture, and I can concentrate on the overall view while knowing that the individual components will not be lost forever.
9. PHOTOGRAPHY PRESERVES NEW AND OLD MEMORIES Think of the wife or husband who has lost a spouse. Or the child who lost a parent. With pictures not only can they have no fear of forgetting their loved one’s face but can remember exactly what was going on when that picture was snapped, cementing the memory forever. These are only a few of the many, many benefits of photography. They are so many, it would be impossible to fit them into one article. What’s your favorite benefit of photography?
PAGE 50 OCTOBER 2020
SPECIAL SUBJECT WINNER 28 OCTOBER
Oliver
Vicki Street
OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 51
SPECIAL SUBJECT WINNER 14 OCTOBER The Story Behind the Cover Image By Natasha Bird This shoot was a collaboration with a friend of mine. He has a home studio and I brought the props and did the styling. We booked an 80+ lady that he knew but on the day she forgot all about the appointment. Not wanting to cancel our plans he simply popped next door and asked his neighbour, Jackie if she would sit for us. She was terrific and we both got the images we were wanting. I bought candles a week or so ahead of time and let them burn down to the effect that I was wanting. If you’ve ever shot with candlelight only you will know that your subject needs to be quite close to the light and getting the exposure correct so as not to blow the flames is tricky. I ended up adding a studio light to the left of the image to throw more light on my subject and not have so much in shadow, but as the judge pointed out, there are clearly two light sources in the image and not merely one (the candles). Next time I try this again I already have a different concept in mind and will reduce the lights power quite a bit and also place it slightly more to the front rather than the side of my subject. This is what’s terrific about having your images critiqued, you get valuable feedback on how to improve aspects of your image so that you can learn and improve all the time.
Reading by Candlelight Natasha Bird