Cape Camera September 2016

CAPE CAMERA September 2016 Official Newsletter of the

Cape Town Photographic Society

In this issue From the council

2

Forthcoming outing

8

Joining Facebook

15

News flashes

3

Forthcoming E&D

9

AV News

16

September Outing

6

September competition 10

-2-

September 2016

W

News from the council

ell attended AGM Our Annual General Meeting was held in September. It was gratifying to see so many members attending and taking part in discussions. It is a sign that there is a healthy interest in the affairs of the society and bodes well for the future of CTPS. The official and main purpose of the meeting is for the president to report back on the activities of the past year and for the members to receive an overview of the financial status of our society. The president’s report had already been circulated, together with the notice of the meeting, but the financial statements were presented and discussed in detail.

As far as our financial status is concerned we can be very fortunate that we have had such thoughtful forefathers who left us with such a healthy financial legacy. Our role must be to look after it well to ensure we leave the society in a healthy state for those who walk behind us.

Despite a very difficult year in the world’s and our country’s financial markets we still managed to get a return on our investments that were better than inflation and better than we would have had if we invested our funds in normal interest bearing bank accounts.

Although CTPS is running at a loss, the growth in investment income was more than the loss. Extraordinary expenses relating to our 125th anniversary made a large contribution to the loss and I trust the loss will be less in the current financial year. Last year we spent more than R1 000 per member, while our membership fees per member was only R150 for the year.

Our Facebook success

In my written report I neglected to mention Steffne Hughes who is doing a marvellous job with our Facebook group. She is very well supported by many members who make a large and very important contribution by regular postings of relevant photographic information. This is what makes this group very vibrant and exciting. Personally, I tend to sneer at the things people tend to post on their personal Facebook pages, but the CTPS Facebook group has really showed me what can be achieved through this media.

I visit the pages regularly, although I often only read what other people have posted. For those of you who have not yet joined the group, I can only say that you are missing one of the best photographic resources I have ever encountered.

New members and visitors

Another person who also deserves a word of appreciation is John Spence. Earlier this year he agreed to take responsibility for making visitors feel welcome and he is doing a great and unselfish job. During the last few meetings we have had more visitors than usual and it is difficult to cope with more than two or three people at a time. He has already roped in a few other members to help him and will from time to time also ask other members to help. Please be so kind as to help when approached, or when you see visitors or new members standing around before, and after, our meetings or at teatime. Who knows, they might turn out to become some of your best friends in future.

New appointments to council

The AGM also elected three new people to the vacancies we had on council: • Anna Engelhardt into the publications portfolio as editor of Cape Camera • Andre Mouton into the Webmaster portfolio as designer of Cape Camera, technical aspects of the website and information technology • Trudi du Toit into the Public Relations portfolio.

We would like to thank them for making themselves available and congratulate and welcome them. We are looking forward to their contributions.

Nicol du Toit CTPS President

On the cover

Publications Team

The cover image “Sundowners at Street Café” by Jeanette Brusnicky was one of the high-scoring images in the category ‘Street Photography’ of the September competition. It was taken in May this year during a six-weeks trip through Europe. While exploring the winding and hilly walkways of the magnificent old terraced town of Vernazza, Cinque Terra in Italy, Jeanette came across this elderly Italian gentleman reading his newspaper and enjoying a glass of wine outside a street café. Her interest was captured not only by the unique manner in which he was reading, but also by his long white and dishevelled hairstyle that reminded her of old photographs of Albert Einstein. The image was taken with a Canon EOS 7D, Shutter Priority 1/100 sec, f 5.6, ISO 160, Exposure bias +0.3.

www.ctps.co.za

•

Copyright CTPS

Editor:

Anna Engelhardt Audio-Visual: Joy Wellbeloved Competitions: Lesley Parolis Council & PSSA: Nicol du Toit E & D:

Kim Stevens Facebook: Steffne Hughes Layout: Andre Mouton Outings: Richard Goldschmidt Photo genres: Margaret Collins Snapshot: Andre Mouton Submit any contributions to editor Anna Engelhardt at email annengel@iafrica.

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 3 -

September 2016

CTPS news flashes

PSSA entries for September

The two images selected for our entries in the monthly PSSA Club competition were Mireille Landman’s “After the storm” in the Junior section, and Jeanette du Toit’s “The kiss” in the Senior section.

Important changes to Competition Rules

There have been some important changes in the Competition Rules for the 2017 year, which runs from October 2016 to September 2017: To stimulate the entries of prints for the monthly competitions, this number has been increased to three, which means that all entries can now be prints. However, please note that the number of PDIs remains unchanged (maximum 2); and also the total number of entries (maximum 3).

Available exhibition space The Friends of Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei (FoZR) is an apolitical, community-based and non-profit organisation and assists the False Bay Nature Reserve authorities in the protection of the much-threatened flora and fauna in this area.

The association manages a ‘tearoom’ at the Rondevlei Nature Reserve and is presently exploring the possibility of using the space for unknown artists and photographers to display and sell some of their work. Any interested members should contact Jocelyn van Eeden at joce.vaneeden@gmail.com; or go to www.zeekoevlei.co.za for more information.

Promotions Congratulations to Cathy Bruce Wright who gains promotion to Salon.

Attention All Photovault users Members are reminded to update their personal details on Photovault’s “My details” page. This is especially important if emails and competition rankings have changed. To update your ranking click on “My details” and update your “Club Star ranking”.

CTPS changes rules for promotions The requirements for promotion in the beginner, intermediate and advanced rankings have been increased; and the rankings have been extended by the addition of a new category called Master photographer. This challenges the Salon worker to achieve at least 10 Gold awards in CTPS competitions and at least 10 national or international salon acceptances per year.

The new requirements for promotion are: From Beginner to Intermediate: 40 points including any gained from Salon acceptances and including a minimum of 5 Gold Awards in Society competitions.

From Intermediate to Advanced: 50 points including any gained from Salon acceptances and including a minimum of 10 Gold Awards in Society competitions.

From Advanced to Salon: 50 Gold Awards in Society competitions.

An Acceptance gained in national or international salons will count as one CTPS competition Gold Award; however a minimum of 30 Gold awards in CTPS competitions is required. Any image that ob-

www.ctps.co.za

•

Copyright CTPS

tains a salon Acceptance may only be used once to merit a CTPS Gold Award. An image may thus gain a CTPS Gold award and a salon acceptance.

From Salon to Master: A minimum of 10 CTPS Gold awards and 10 national or international salon acceptances for the competition year (October to September). However, the promotion to the ranking of Master is only valid for 12 months, and if the requirement is not met by the end of the following competition year, the photographer will return to Salon ranking.

Please note: All members who gain salon acceptances and wish them to be used for ranking promotion must inform the competitions convener by no later than three months after the salon takes place. The onus is on the photographer to inform CTPS of salon acceptances.

For the full Competition Rules 2017 please see the competitions page of the CTPS website.

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

-4-

September 2016

CTPS news flashes continue...

Cape Photographers Congress in Hogsback The mountains and forests around Hogsback - and possible even snow! – will offer unique photographic opportunities for delegates attending the 2017 Cape Photographers Regional Congress, hosted by the East London Photographic Society between 30 April and 03 May next year. This Eastern Cape region is truly “an earthly paradise of forest-clad mountains, grassy uplands and singing streams, a veritable haven of peace” as M.M.S. Ballantyne wrote in the book Hogsback Our Haven 1908 – 1982. Think “Lord of the Rings” landscapes!

Among the speakers will be Johan Kloppers, Koot Marais, Nico Smit, Hein Waschefort, Josef Steyn and Jill Sneesby and Jeff Morris on AVs. The AV Makers SA’s International 6-way challenge will be showcased on the final evening.

This famous Hogsback Inn will host congress delegates.

Jeanette scores again Jeanette du Toit keeps on flying the CTPS flag in local salons – also see how well she did in all three categories of the 2016 Impala Trophy in the article “CTPS members shine in Impala Trophy Results”. She already gained valuable points for the 2017 competition in the MFFC (Magaliesburg) National Salon with a Certificate of Merit for her entry “Elegance” in the Nature - Colour PDI (Excluding Scapes) category.

She also got two acceptances in the Open Mono PDI (Excluding Nature and Scapes) for “Black and White Shadow Play” and “Fatherly Love”, while her “De Hoop Dune Scape” was accepted in Scapes Monochrome PDI. Chris Coetzee also got an acceptance for “In Another Time and Place” in the Open - Colour PDI (Excluding Nature and Scapes) category.

CTPS members shine in Impala Trophy results Congratulation to all the members who achieved these fantastic results; with special reference to Jeanette du Toit who was among the top scorers in all three categories of the 2016 Impala Trophy.

CTPS print workers dominated the 2016 Impala Trophy results for print: the seven CTPS members among the top 16 are by far the most from any one club – and represents 44% of all the print trophy contenders.

Kim Stevens was placed 3rd in prints with 10 points, Jeanette du Toit (9 points) was 5th and Lambe Parolis and Joan Ward were joint 8th with 6 points. Shaun Laishley (10th with 5 points) and Lesley Parolis and Jenny Powis (13th with 2 points) are the other CTPS members on the list.

The 88 points Jeanette du Toit earned for her PDI salon entries during the past year earned her 35th place out of 465 in the PDI Impala Trophy rankings. Chris Coetzee was 95th with 43 points.

The CTPS AV Salon that formed part of the CTPS 125 Anniversary Salon at the end of last year was one of only four salons held during the year that enabled PSSA members to compete for AV Impala Trophy points. Jeanette du Toit came 4th, Antenie Carstens and Nellian Bekker jointly 9th and Joan Rathband (one of our “swallows” members) was 13th.

The Impala Trophy results are based on the points earned by PSSA members who enter or judge in salons between 30th June and 1 July each year. An image may not be entered more than three times in total, whether for print, PDI mono or colour. The points are calculated as follows: • PSSA gold medal for a category win in an international salon 6 points; • PSSA silver medal for a category win in a national salon 4 points and runner-up in an international salon 5 points; • PSSA bronze or club medal win 3 points in national salon and 4 points in an international salon; • Certificate of merit (COM) 2 points in a national salon and 3 points in an international salon • Acceptance in national salon 1 point and 2 points in an international salon.

PSSA members also get points for judging salons: • PDI: 4 points per category (4 images per category) • Prints: 6 points per category (6 images per category) • AV: minimum 2 points, depending on the average entry.

Important forthcoming dates 5th October 12th October 19th October 28th October 31st October

2nd November 9th November 16th November

www.ctps.co.za

Please diarize! : Competition evening. Theme: Vertical scapes. Judge: Lee Slabber. : AV evening. Guest speaker: Frank Reuvers. : E&D evening. Guest speaker: Garyth Bevan. : Western Cape Interclub evening at Sanlam HO in Bellville; at 18h00 Tickets are R75 per person : Upload via Photovault one image in each category (Best Print and Best PDI of the year - Oct 2015-Sept 2016) to enter the Annual CTPS competition. Prints must be handed in by 2nd November- at the com petition evening. : Competition evening. Theme: Triptych. Judge: Leon Oosthuizen : AV evening. Further details tba : E&D evening. Guest speaker: tba

•

Copyright CTPS

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 5 -

September 2016

CTPS news flashes continue...

Photographic Workshop on the West Coast The West Coast Photographic Society is hosting a Photography Workshop on Saturday 15th October from 10am to 5pm at the Port Owen Yacht Club near Veldrift. It will be led by two professional photographers from Paarl.

The maximum number of participants is restricted to 25 and currently there are only 10 places left. The cost is R160 per person.

A light meal will be provided for lunch. Please advise if you require a vegetarian option.

The morning session (lasting 2 – 3 hours) is a ‘Close-Up’ workshop starting at 10h00; and the afternoon session is about ‘Available Light Portraiture’ and will start after lunch and last for 2 - 3 hours or until everyone leaves.

Members are expected to bring their own cameras and if possible a reflector or tripod. They are also encouraged to bring their laptops for editing purposes afterward.

To book, please contact Desi on 072 678 8030 or e-mail info@ weskusfotoklub.co.za

Wild Shots event on 29th October at the Nedbank Auditorium at the V&A Waterfront. This will be retro-actively for members who have already paid and is in addition to any other discounts (e.g. for pensioners). Delegates pay R1 350 (with 20% reduction R1 080) or R950 for pensioners and students (R760 at 20% off).

This includes lunch and refreshments and a delegate’s pack.

Wild Shots brings together amateurs and professionals to learn and be inspired by top wildlife photographers. It is South Africa’s premiere annual wildlife photography conference. The central theme of these talks is using the power of photography as a tool to educate and inspire, and to assist with the conservation of nature in Africa.

Please contact Nicol du Toit if you want to make use of this offer at nicol@sportstrader.co.za so that he can make sure we reach the target. Remember to indicate on your registration form that you are a CTPS member.

2016 Interclub Competition Entries from CTPS The annual Western Cape Interclub Competition takes place on the 28th October in the auditorium at the Sanlam Head Office in Bellville - at 18h00.

The entries from CTPS are as follows: PDIs • •

Latest AV news

October Meeting: The next AV evening will take place on 12th October. This is what Nellian Bekker had to say about the speaker of the evening: “Frank Reuvers and his wife Gail travel a lot all over the world. He makes long AVs to tell people about his trips via photos, music and narration - what AVs are in essence. Normally AVs should be between 3-5 minutes, however, Frank’s superb AVs are much longer – I would guess up to 20 minutes?

“We would like to invite all the members of the club to join us on 12 October to enjoy his AVs with us. We will also be screening AVs of our members, should they enter for the evening.”

Invitation to enter AVs for the Interclub meeting: Nellian recently had a meeting with Alicia Greyling and Antenie Carstens, during which Alicia proposed that all the participating clubs in the Interclub competition are invited to send in some AVs. These will be judged on 15 October, to arrive at the three best entries, which will then be screened at the Interclub evening on the 28th October. “Who knows, it might lead to an AV Interclub in the future”, says Alicia.

Last reminder to register for Wild Shots seminar

As we announced already in the August issue, CTPS has negotiated a 20% reduction of fees for members who wish to attend this year’s

www.ctps.co.za

•

Copyright CTPS

• • • • • • • • • • Prints • • • • • • • • • • • •

•

alking with Giants by Ken Woods W Down the sacred river to Xanadu of Kublai Kahn by Jeanette Brusnicky Grandeur decay by Danie Coetzee Jazz by Andrew Denny Landing line by Joan Ward Pink water umbrella by Karyn Parisi Drifting along by Pat Scott She thinks she is human by Steffne Hughes Spiritual journey 2 by Danie Coetzee Sunrise in Cadiz by John Spence The kiss by Jeanette du Toit Tiled façade Porto by Mo Bass osque mosaic by Kim Stevens M My space by Joan Ward Blue wildebeest reflection by Jeanette du Toit Layers of paint by Anna Engelhardt Spider lily by Johan Strydom Synchronised take off by Pat Scott Shafiek by Arnold Castle Reflection on the Oaks Estate by Lesley Parolis Eiffel detail by Jacoba van Zyl Jeux d’hiver by Kim Stevens Arctic beauty by Karyn Parisi Gotham by Lesley Parolis

Cape Town Photographic Society

-6-

September 2016

Photo by Trudi du Toit

Photo by Richard Goldschmidt

Photo by Jeanette du Toit

September outing Wintery, wet and wonderful Greyton

P

Horrified looks appeared on the faces of our 36 members who had joined our outing and were sitting comfortably in the lounge of our rented main house in Greyton, when facilitator Paul Bruins announced after his introductory talk that we were all going out into the late afternoon rain to take pictures in the nature reserve just up the road. It had rained all the way during the drive from Cape Town to Greyton that afternoon and we anticipated great cloudy sunsets and sunrises, reports our intrepid RICHARD GOLDSCHMIDT. “We obeyed bravely, but it was just a bit too gloomy and too wet. At least we now know where to go back to, in order to get some beautiful landscape shots. We eagerly repaired to the restaurant shortly after, to warm up our bones around the fires and at the bar, before sitting down to a most welcoming dinner.”

aul got us all up, ready to leave Greyton at 05h45 the next morning and led us up along some 4x4 tracks, across flowing rivers, until we reached a farm dam high up in the mountains. We happily spent two hours shooting the reflections off the dam at sunrise and drinking Amarula coffee, before heading back to town and breakfast. Some of us caught a bit of shut-eye, whilst others took photographs around the town.

After lunch, we assembled again and headed back along the road to the historic mission town of Genadendal. The museum had stayed open for us, but dis-allowed photography! Most members found plenty to photograph around the water mill, the old buildings and the wedding that was happening in the old church.

There was little free time, as we had to meet Paul at 17h00 to head off once again to a farm, where we had to ascend a steep hill, which was to give us a fantastic view of the sunset. However, dark clouds covered most of the sky. When I looked at Orms’ latest photo of the month competition, I saw the photo I had taken of the sunset - who had entered my photo? But then I saw it was Paul’s. So we all took similar photos, but it is interesting to see the final post-processing result from others, as they all have a different interpretation, and of course, the whole exercise is a great learning

experience for many of us.

Dinner that night was back at our base house in Greyton, where four large fillets were cooked on an open fire and copious salads, snacks and desserts were provided by some of our lady members.

Neels kindly brought along his projector and screen, and many AVs were shown during the wait for the food. After eating, Paul showed us a selection of his fabulous landscape photos from all around the world.

To get to the Oaks farm dam in time for sunrise on Sunday morning, it was up again in time to leave at 05h45. Unfortunately, the cloud cover had moved up the coast and so sunrise was a bit of a disappointment, but for those who came along, they got some great shots. Maps of the local farm roads had been distributed, and the last task of the weekend was to travel along these roads on the way home to take photos of canola fields. Unfortunately some of the canola had already been harvested, but there was enough for those who looked. Members who could not make the weekend will see the results of a competition for the best images from this outing in due course, as well as an AV that will be made by Neels.

I am in no doubt that everyone who came enjoyed their weekend in beautiful Greyton.

Photo by Neels Beyers

www.ctps.co.za

•

Photo by Lesley Parolis

Copyright CTPS

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 7 -

September 2016

Photo by Richard Goldschmidt

Photo by Detlef Basel

Photo by Pat Scott

Photo by Pat Scott Photo by Richard Goldschmidt

Photo by Pat Scott

Photo by Lesley Parolis

Photo by Richard Goldschmidt

Photo by Richard Goldschmidt

Photo by Pat Scott

Photo by Detlef Basel Photo by Trudi du Toit

Photo by Lesley Parolisl

www.ctps.co.za

Photo by Richard Goldschmidt

Photo by Jenny Morkel

•

Copyright CTPS

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

-8-

September 2016

A Summer’s day in the country Forthcoming outing to Vergelegen Wine Estate

R

ICHARD GOLDSCHMIDT invites you to join him for an exciting outing on Sunday 16th October to this magnificent historic estate in Lourensford Road, Somerset West. The gate is open from 9am until 5pm and he suggests arriving

www.ctps.co.za

•

Copyright CTPS

around 10am and departing at times that are suitable. There is an entrance charge of R10 at the gate to the estate.

Photographic opportunities Besides producing award-winning wines, Vergelegen is known for its natural beauty and its history spanning over 300 years. It offers a wide range of photographic opportunities. Firstly, there are many different types of gardens, which will be at their best at this time of the year, especially the rose garden. Vergelegen is also famous for its massive 300 year old Camphor trees, in which owls can often be seen. Then there is the architecture of the various historic buildings, together with their contents. The Lourens River will keep some photographers engrossed for a long time. Generally there are photographic landscape opportunities around every corner, not to mention the opportunities for macro photography as well.

Food/Lunch Unfortunately they do not allow private picnics, so if you wish to eat, you need to make a booking at the Stables restaurant for a light meal at your own cost. Phone 021-8472156 to book. They are already almost fully booked, but may be able to accommodate small tables if you book immediately.

I have made a provisional booking for twelve people to join me on a CTPS table, so I will include the first people to contact me at that table. There is a more expensive and smarter restaurant should you wish to go there, a ‘premier culinary destination’. You can always have your own sandwich tucked away down by the river!

Cellar tours For those wishing to go up the hill to do the cellar tour, the first hour long tour is at 11.30am and the second is at 3pm. The cost is R20 and bookings need to be made by you phoning 021-8472122. Wine tasting can be done without going on the cellar tour at R30.

Please drop me an email at Richard@goldschmidt.co.za, if you intend coming along.

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 9 -

September 2016

Photographs by Gareth Bevan

Forthcoming E&D evening

Cellphones - an additional photographic tool?

G

Our next E&D guest speaker on 19th October 2016 will be GARYTH BEVAN, who was one of the inspiring speakers at the recent PSSA National Congress in Langebaan, where he talked not only about his attitude towards landscape photography but also about the impact digital mobile photography has had in the world of photography and how image making is drastically changing the course of traditional photography as we know it.

aryth was inspired by Kevin Russ’s comments and approach of ‘Skipping the golden hour’ and using a mobile phone. He began shooting at midday when the lighting was incredibly harsh and shadow details were none existent with such extreme contrast.

“Shooting this time of the day, I had to throw out all the traditional theories I had learnt and been teaching to students regarding landscape photography. Equipped with my mobile phone and no longer being able to rely on the ‘golden hour lighting’ or soft foreground textures, I began to explore and focus more on showing shapes of contrast and form against stark white backgrounds such as, for instance, sand,” he explains.

His presentation at the E&D evening will also be about ‘mobile’ photography and the digital platforms that are being used (and explored) by professionals and amateurs, says KIM STEVENS.

About the speaker Garyth Bevan picked up his first camera at the age of 20 while traveling abroad and immediately took to the medium. On his return he first studied at the Natal Technikon and later at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where he got his Degree in Photography. He now works as a freelance photographer in Cape Town but is also involved in teaching on a part time basis at the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography, which he initially helped to set up.

His freelance work covers a wide scope of genres from food, wine, product, landscape, weddings and people photography. He has done work for various international brands and magazines and keeps striving to explore and learn more in his field.

Garyth was one of the winners of the Indiafrica Photography Competition 2014 and is presently working towards an exhibition in early 2017 called ‘Midday Moods’.

www.ctps.co.za

•

Copyright CTPS

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 10 -

September 2016

Winning images from September Set subject: Street Photography The set theme of Street Photography for the month attracted a large number of entries - 99 in all.

The competition was held on 7th September and the judge was Tygerberg Photographic Club’s chairman Francois du Bois. Due to the unusually high number of images, this resulted in a rather long judging session; and we are grateful to Francois for his commitment and patience to give detailed feedback on all of them. He commented that he found the standard of many of the images was high and therefore a large number received gold awards. There were certainly many wonderful images submitted this month, comments LESLEY PAROLIS. Here are the winners in the various categories together with the judge’s comments.

Beginners & Intermediate entries:

Winner Print Set, Beginner - The final by Paul-Boer Putter (24).

“The story telling of this photo is well captured, portraying the utter disbelief, what went wrong or could it really have happened. The clever uses of DOF and the blur movement in the hand all contribute to the mood of the photograph. Good tonal range and well captured. The little bright yellow/orange spot behind the head is slightly distracting.”

Winner Print Open, Intermediate - After the storm by Mireille Landman (25). “A different look at a stormy scene. The sepia treatment and the sun rays through the clouds add to the mood of the photograph.

In a scene like this, a focal point is not really necessary. The black foreground and black clouds at the top help with the balance of the photograph.”

Winner PDI Open, Intermediate - Paternoster boats by Alison Bull (20). “A colourful panorama of this popular West Coast town. The photographer manages to capture a peaceful scene on an otherwise very busy beach. The bright colours of the boats capture the attention immediately.

Although the boats are placed in the middle of the frame, this does not detract from the appeal of the photograph. To make this even a stronger composition, it would have been better not to crop the boats on the right-hand side.”

www.ctps.co.za

•

Copyright CTPS

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 11 -

Winner PDI Open, Beginner – Welbedacht by Sagren Padayachee (23). “The vertical positioning of the landscape really works well in this case. The photographer manages to create a 3-D effect in this image. The wooden jetty takes the eye to a beautiful reflection and the dramatic sky adds to the mood of the photograph. Well seen. The brightness of the jetty could have been toned down a little.”

Winner PDI Set, Beginner - Odd acquaintances by Paul-Boer Putter (20). “There is a strong interaction between man and bird. The exposure was well handled in what seems to be an overcast day. The sky at the top of the frame could have been cropped slightly to place more emphasis on the two main subjects.”

www.ctps.co.za

•

Copyright CTPS

September 2016

Winner PDI Set, Intermediate - Wash Day by Alison Bull (22). “An interesting composition. The red garment draws the eye in, making it the focal point. The parallel lines of the shutters also help to lead the eye to the point of interest. The open shutter makes one wonder who is going to appear in it. The shadows of the washing help to create an interesting pattern on the wall, assisting the well exposed background.”

Winner Print Open, Beginner - Hout Bay Sailing by Stephen Gibson (23). “The conversion to black and white works well in this photograph and adds to the peaceful mood. The strong leading line from the right takes the eye to the three little boats in the bay. The lack of background detail also contributes to the tranquillity of the image.”

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 12 -

September 2016 Advanced & Salon entries

Winner Print Open, Salon - Shafiek

by Arnold Castle Salon (26). “Good composition, well-handled exposure and DOF. Shooting at the right height, the photographer ensures that there is virtually no distortion in the face. The photo is very sharp and placing it on a neutral background helps to enhance the colours. Not making eye contact with the photographer makes the reader wonder what he is looking at. The photographer also manages to get away from the typical posed photograph.”

Winner PDI Set, Salon - Street Music by Anna Engelhardt (27).

“A typical street scene - well seen and well captured. The exposure is well handled with no blowouts and lots of detail in the shadows, still capturing the environmental textures to give it a good balance. By using a different angle the photographer manages to draw attention to the well dressed, sexy female musician. With the guitarist looking towards her, it not only creates a strong leading line, but it forces the eye towards the focal point. A good crop compliments the layout of the photograph.”

Winner Print Open, Advanced - Painted Face by Paul Nuttall (27). “The photographer really manages to create a beautiful composition.

Exposure, DOF, focus and saturation are extremely well handled to create this photograph. The eyes are crystal clear, very sharp and full of life.

The lighting is spot on, still allowing separation between the head scarf and the black background.

The diagonal neck line of the dress and the shoulder slightly lower and to the front just adds to the “Wow” factor of this image. Well done.”

Winner Print Set, Advanced - Spoleto Saturday evening by Richard Goldschmidt (25).

“Management of exposure and DOF create a lot of mood in this street scene. The rays of light falling through the gaps between the buildings contribute to the interesting elements in the scene.

Including people in the photograph adds to the story telling of the image, although the people in the foreground could have been a little lighter.

A busy street scene well captured.”

www.ctps.co.za

•

Copyright CTPS

Winner PDI Set, Advanced - Die Bike Boek by Danie Coetzee (26).

“The successful management of some difficult exposure challenges contributes to the mood of this photograph. The book which the person is reading becomes a strong focal point. Very interesting are also the environmental textures, with the subject being placed on a strong third. The two white hessian bags and the two dark corners help to balance the photograph. Converting this photograph to black & white adds to the storytelling and the mood.”

Winner Print Set, Salon - Jeux d’ hiver by Kim Stevens (24).

“Through the conversion to black & white the photographer manages to intensify the mood of a cold and wintry day. The trees form a strong leading line, with the blacks, greys and whites well-handled and wellbalanced. In this case the photographer placed the subject in the foreground, quite different to what one would expect normally with such strong leading lines, but in this case it works.”

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 13 -

Winner PDI Open, Advanced - Brown Bear Salmon Catch by Catherine Bruce Wright (27). “An amazing wildlife shot. The exposure is well handled, successfully showing detail in the main subjects and surroundings. The bear with its catch is placed on a strong third but with enough of the surroundings included to tell the whole story. The flow of the water around the bear helps to frame the subject and leads the eye to the focal point.”

September 2016

Winner PDI Open, Salon - The Kiss by Jeanette du Toit (28). “This is an outstanding photo capturing the interaction between the two birds, just at the right time. The birds are placed on a strong diagonal line, which contribute to the excellence of the photograph. The image is sharp, well exposed and DOF is well handled, placing the birds on a dark, out of focus, background. Good detail in black and white of birds with a catch light in the eye. Well done.”

More competition images (25 & higher)

Abandoned by Jenny Powis (25)

Sundowners at Street Cafe

by Jeanette Brusnicky (26)

To much to drink by Paul Nuttall (25)

www.ctps.co.za

•

The corner locksmith by Jacoba van Zyl (26)

Sound of a Humpback Whalle by Catherine Bruce 25)

Copyright CTPS

•

Joy in Carmen by Neels beyers (26)

Bridge by Jennifer Morkel (25)

Street Art by Keith Bull (25)

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 14 -

September 2016

Study No 2 by Joy Wellbeloved (25) Ice Drama by Catherine Bruce Wright (26)

Walking the Medina by Kim Stevens (26)

The reader by Lesley Parolis (26) A blending of sky and sea and land

by Pat Scott (26)

Blue boat in the mist by Haralambos Parolis (25)

Midnight Rhapsody by Karyn Parisi (25)

Sand by De Hoop by Neels Beyers (26) End of a kill by Ken Woods (25)

Abandoned in the mists of time

by Lesley Parolis (25)

Babylonstoren Abstract

by Jeanette du Toit (25)

The Owl House by Karyn Parisi (25)

www.ctps.co.za

•

St james Abstraction by Johan Strydom (26)

Copyright CTPS

•

Female Pelican Portrait

by Jeanette du Toit (26)

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 15 -

September 2016

How to join CTPS’ Facebook page?

by Steff Hughes

The Cape Town Photographic Society Facebook group is a private group for paid-up society members. Although the name of the group and the cover photo can be seen by the world, only members can see the comments, photographs and articles that are posted into the group.

Request access to the group 1. Click in the Search Facebook box at the top of your Facebook page.

2. Type Cape Town Photographic Society.

3. Press Enter.

4. The group page opens.

5. Click Join.

Post a photo to the group Note: You may only post your own photos to the group - unless you first get permission from the author of the photograph. You’ll need to contact me and tell me that you have their permission otherwise I will delete your post in order to protect their privacy and copyright.

1. Resize your photo to 800x600px and save it as a jpg. (This loads faster than a high-res image) 2. Open Facebook and go to the group page.

3. In the Comments box, type what you want to say and then click the Add photo/video button.

4. Click Upload Photos/Videos again.

5. Choose your photo from the folder where you saved it.

6. Click Post.

Your photo will now appear to other group members only.

Share articles to the group Help to grow the skills of CTPS members or pique their interest by sharing interesting articles that you come across. Here’s how to do it.

• Share from a Facebook article: 1. Click Share. A dropdown list will appear.

2. Click Share in a group.

3. Start typing Cape Town Photographic Society and choose it from the list that appears.

4. Type a comment to go along with the article and click Post. The article will appear in the group.

www.ctps.co.za

•

Copyright CTPS

I will see your request and accept you to the group.

You will now be able to see all posts on the group.

You can also post your own comments, photographs and share interesting articles to the group.

• Share from an article on the Internet: Many websites include a button that allows you to share an article either by email, social media or other methods.

1. After reading an interesting article, look around on the web page for a Facebook symbol or a Share button.

2. Click the button.

3. A Share on Facebook window opens.

4. Click on the dropdown arrow next to Share on your own Timeline.

5. Choose Share in a group.

6. Start typing Cape Town Photographic Society and choose it from the list that appears.

7. Type a comment to go along with the article and click Post.

The article will appear in the group.

This article was written for those CTPS members who already have a Facebook profile, but haven’t yet joined our CTPS group. My next article will be for first time Facebook users. I’ll show you how to set up your profile so that you use the most secure settings. I’ll also cover how to be discriminating about who you allow onto your page. Email your questions about Facebook to Seh2110@gmail. com and I’ll do my best to answer them.

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 16 -

September 2016

AV News Winners at the PSSA National AV Salon

T

he PSSA National AV Salon live judging session took place on 30 August 2016 at Club Mykonos and disappointingly was attended by only three AV delegates. The venue was excellent, with top quality equipment and sound. Judges were Antenie Carstens (FPSSA), Roel van Oudheusden and Adri van Oudheusden (EPSSA, FPSSA, APSSA (vers), AV AFIAP), alternate was Paul Rixom (LPSSA (vers.).

Andri van Oudheusden writes: “Congratulations and well done to Anne d’Oliviera and Franz Jesche, who won the PSSA National AV Salon with “Silent Cries”. Well done also to Luana Laubscher who received a Certificate of Merit for “Kerse in die donker” and Nellian Bekker who received a Certificate of Merit for “Freeing Ivar the Great”. The judges commended her for “a good concept and story”.

”Freeing Ivar the great” by Nellian Bekker

Jeanette du Toit received an acceptance for “Auto museum jewels”, which the judges deemed to be “creative” with “a good flow”.

Ernest Preiss also received an acceptance for his “Kolmanskop”.

“In spite of the low number of only 15 entries received, the quality of them in general was good. The acceptance rate was 33.3%, with a maximum score of 14 and a minimum score of 12. In accordance with PSSA recommendations, the judges scored each AV out of 5, taking into account the criteria as described in the Salon Directors Manual, available on the PSSA Website, i.e. Visuals, Audio, Technique and Communication.

“We hope to have a bumper number of entries next year and will advertise well in advance. Thank you to everybody who entered, without you there would be no Salon!”

”Kerse in die donker” by Luana Laubscher

”Auto Museum jewels” by Jeanette du Toit

What is a Triptych (November competition theme) The set theme for the November competition is Triptych and our judge Leon Oosthuizen has given his views on what he expects to see.

• • • • • •

A triptych is NOT one image split into three. it is a collection of three images, same format and normally same orientation. they have been similarly or identically treated the three images should work on their own as standalone compositions. the three together should work together in a group to be more than the sum of the parts. In other words, there should be a common thread like a theme, narrative or visual element that ties the separate images together. Much the same way that a choir is different from a solo where harmony and/or deliberate discord is used. depending on how the images are cropped, treated and arranged, they could intensify or dilute the impact of such a miniseries.

Triptych is thus mainly in composition and how it can be used to instil meaning or convey a narrative.”

To present your triptych prepare one image containing the three elements. For the PDI do this in Photoshop (or similar) and for the print simply cut and paste the three printed images onto a blank card mount. (or simply have the digital triptych image printed) This is a challenging but exciting subject and I encourage you to enter. I recommend searching the web for good examples of Triptych art. There are many out there.

www.ctps.co.za

•

Copyright CTPS

•

Cape Town Photographic Society