Cape Camera August September 2015 by Cape Town Photographic Society

CAPE CAMERA August-September 2015 Official Newsletter of the

Cape Town Photographic Society

In this issue Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message News flashes E&D News AGM news Detlef Basel

2 3 4 5 6

Malcolm Jones Competition news Competition photos Past salons Anniversary Salon

8 10 11 14 15

Finding a home Memorable members AV Showcase PSSA congress Diary of events

16 19 22 23 24

August & September 2015

-2-

President’s message

uch has happened council term year — and for that, since last I wrote for my last as your president. Cape Camera. I must say that I have enjoyed The exhibition in working for you, and in no way will ArtsCape has been taken down, but I disappear off the radar. the many people who visited the I have made many friends and exhibition expressed their admiravalue this. Over the past eight tion for what Pat had put together. years that I have been at the helm, We thank you Pat, for all your time there have been many members and effort. who joined the club, but also othDuring our August outing to Posters who left for one or other reaberg, the flowers were at their best. son. Who but Pat could have made sure This is what happens in any socithat the weather was perfect! ety. People relocate, which makes The schools’ salon closed on 31 it difficult to keep up membership August and the CTPS 125th Anninumbers in the club. versary Salon is now open for enI thank all members for their suptries (see p15). Our thanks go to port and wish you all well in your Lesley Parolis and Jacoba van Zyl journey with your camera in hand. for coordinating the schools’ salon I hope to have more time on and we are looking forward to seemy hands and I will be subjecting ing the winning entries. you to some of my images in our The AV evening this month went well and I was pleased monthly competitions. I just need time to acquaint mywith the good turnout. Antenie Carstens gave us a very self with all the technicalities involved with photo vault. interesting demonstration of how AV’s were shown in Wishing you all well and I hope to see you at the AGM. the days before computers, using six projectors to pro- Yours in photography, ject slides in time to music. A big thank you to Nellian, who so ably ran the show, and of course, Pat, thank you Detlef Basel Hon PSSA; APSSA for the catering of snacks and wine (see more p22). This would be my last president’s page for the current ( Read the interview with Detlef on page 6)

Monthly meetings

Monthly meetings are held in the St Stephens Church Hall in Pinelands at 7pm.

On the cover

The Salon Print Open winner and PSSA senior entry in August was Reflections from a Ferry (28) by Jeanette du Toit. This image of people on a ferry was taken in Zambia, says Jeanette. See shot a lot of images because the people and surroundings were so colourful, and this scene captured that spirit. “The reflection was so good and clear that I didn’t need the rest of the image to tell the story. You can see everything that is important in the reflection.”

1st Wednesday: Competition 2nd Wednesday: Audio-visual 3rd Wednesday: Education & Development.

CTPS Contact details: Website: www.ctps.co.za Email: info@ctps.co.za Facebook : www.facebook.com/ groups/1530153687246454.

CTPS council members

President Vice-president Development & Education Honorary Secretary Honorary Treasurer

www.ctps.co.za

•

Detlef Basel Nicol du Toit Pat Scott Jacoba van Zyl Nicol du Toit

Property Manager Competitions Convenor Audio-visual Convenor Publications Officer Website

•

Richard Goldschmidt Lesley Parolis Robert Maginley Trudi du Toit Lesley Parolis

Cape Town Photographic Society

-3-

August & September 2015

CTPS news flashes

CTPS members receive their PSSA honours

Alicia Greyling received a PSSA meritorious award for services to photography, also beyond the club sphere. She was unable to attend the PSSA congress and received her award from Detlef Basel at the AV evening.

Neels Beyers received EPSSA honours at the PSSA Congress in Swellendam for having at least 500 acceptances in national and international salons.

Nellian Bekker received her LPSSA (Licentiateship) in AV from outgoing PSSA president Jill Sneesby at the PSSA Congress in Swellendam, while Antenie Carstens (below) received a Fellowship in Applied at the same event.

Cape Camera pdfs on CD This is the last Cape Camera edited by the current publications officer — the next issue, publication frequency, future deadlines, etc. will be decided by the Publications Officer elected for the 2015/16 term. We shall make the nine Cape Camera issues published between October 2014 and September 2015 (this issue) available as .pdfs on a CD to members who pre-order. Price: R15 each Contact: Trudi du Toit at trudi@sportstrader.co.za. Please supply your name, telephone number and email address. Closing date for orders: 23 October, 2015.

Awards and promotions

Important dates for 2015 Month Competition September 2 October 7 October 30 Gala Dinner November 4 November 6 Interclub December 2

AV 9 14

E&D 16 21

No E&D

Albums created for CTPS outings Please submit 1-5 images of CTPS organised outings to the albums on Photovault under the heading My Club Entries/ CTPS 125 year celebrations that you wish to share for use in Cape Camera or the AV’s made by Robert Maginley and the AV group, and for any promotional use by CTPS of our 125 celebrations.

www.ctps.co.za

•

There are no members that were promoted to a higher level in August/September. The following are the requirements to be promoted from one level to the next: • Beginner to Intermediate: 3 gold awards & 30 points • Intermediate to Advanced: 5 gold awards & 40 points • To Salon: 5 gold & 30 points in club competitions & 30 in salon acceptances / or 50 gold awards. Points awarded in club competitions count as follows: Gold = 3, Silver = 2, Red =1. Salon acceptances = 3 .

Points needed for Salon Advanced Intermediate Beginner

Gold 24 22 20 18

Silver 20 18 16 14

Red 16 14 12 10

New members CTPS has gained three new members: Sean Neethling, Elinor Muller and Chris Coetzee. Welcome to them all! We now have 146 paid and honorary life members.

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

August & September 2015

-4-

CTPS news flashes RPS and PSSA presidents to attend CTPS anniversary

The 125th birthday of CTPS on October 30th will be attended by two illustrious guests. Walter Benzie (left), the newly elected president of the Royal Photographic Society, is a UK chartered accountant who also has ties to Cape Town. He will be visiting for about a week during which he will attend our gala dinner. Francois Rousseau (right) from Midrand Photographic Club became PSSA president when Jill Sneesby’s term of office came to an end at this year’s PSSA Congress. He served as PSSA vicepresident for a number of years. He also accepted our invitation to attend the dinner.

Book NOW for gala dinner CTPS members are urged to book their seats for the 125th Anniversary Gala Dinner as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. There are unfortunately only 80 seats available for the event held at the Granger Bay Hotel School in Greenpoint on 30 October this year — exactly 125 years after the inaugural meeting held in the St George’s Grammar School in 1890. And it is filling up fast! Please notify Pat Scott at p.a.charteris@gmail.com if you want to attend and have not yet entered your name on the list. • Cost: R150 per member and R200 per non-member • Bookings: Pat Scott at p.a.charteris@gmail.com • Dress: At least jacket and tie (for gents), smart for ladies

View from the Hotel School terrace

Another Certificate of Merit for Jeanette du Toit

Jeanette du Toit got another Certificate of Merit (COM) and three acceptances in the Westville Salon. She got the COM in the Landscapes category for De Hoop Dune Detail.

She got acceptances for the following images: Nature — excluding birds: The Catch of the Day Landscapes: First Light Human Portraits: Natural Beauty

E&D talk on the impact of photos after the AGM

The AGM on Wednesday 16 September will be followed by a discussion by Sandra Maytham-Bailey, director of the Cape Town School of Photography (CTSP), of images that have made an impact in history. She will be posing the question: Where to from here. While many people believe that the Sam Nzima picture of a dying Hector Pieterson carried by his sister changed South Africa’s political landscape, Maytham-Bailey believes that Peter Magubane’s images from the Soweto uprising collectively remain the most poignant apartheid era photographs to this day, as she was quoted in an article titled Photographers’ Perspectives on the life and times of the South African image and where it’s taking us that was published in the Rhodes Journalism Review in August 2014. “I also think that the earlier images from the Women’s March in 1956 started the pressure for reform – an unforgettable sight of women standing peacefully shoulder to shoul-

www.ctps.co.za

•

der. We have such a rich visual history that it almost seems unfair that we default to one iconic image,” she was quoted in the same article. She is also quoted as saying: “... we are sitting at an interesting juncture of how we use images to educate, and the challenge this holds as the clutter explodes for both educators and practitioners. Our history has been richly captured by photographers through the years yet the same images are perpetuated in textbooks. Scholars are not taught to interrogate images or to be curious about the messages.”

Advertising world Maytham-Bailey graduated from Rhodes University in 1986 with a degree in photo-journalism, and later obtained a masters degree in documentary photography from the University of Cape Town. She currently lectures in visual literacy at the School of Photography.

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

-5-

August & September 2015

Have your say at the CTPS AGM

Members are reminded to attend the CTPS annual general meeting at 7pm on 16 September — or, alternatively, use the proxy form supplied that was emailed to members. Email voting preferences to the secretary JcVanZyl@mhg.co.za. Members will be asked to vote on a change to the constitution to change our investment strategy from investing in property, to investing in mutual funds and shares following the selling of our property at 28 Jarvis Street. The proposal reads: “The proceeds from the sale of 28 Jarvis Street should be invested as a long term investment with the goal of providing income for the society. Capital growth of CPI inflation, as per Statistics SA, (hereafter called the capital portion), should be allowed for. The balance of the growth in the investment (hereafter called the income portion) can be utilised for the benefit of the members. It will be council’s responsibility to consult with legitimate and recognised advisors (including a FSB registered advisor) before determining the investment strategy. While the income portion is available for use by the Society as decided by the Council at a properly constituted meeting, the capital portion cannot be utilised unless approved by 75% of members present in person and by proxy at a general meeting.”

These council members are available for re-election (although not necessarily for the position they formerly held) : • Detlef Basel, who will not be eligible to stand as president, but is available for election as an ordinary member (see more p6);

• Nicol du Toit, who served as vice-president (for one year) and treasurer for three years;

• Jacoba van Zyl, who served as secretary for three years;

• Richard Goldschmidt, who served as property manager for several years;

Two year term for new council A new council will be elected at the AGM. As no formal nominations had been received, nominations from the floor will be accepted. At the 2014 AGM members voted in favour of a constitutional change that council members will in future be elected for a two year term of office and that the president will not serve more than two terms in succession. In order to have continuity, half the members shall be elected in one year, and the other half in the other year. This year, continuity will be ensured by several council members who are making themselves available for re-election. In the previous council the position of PRO was not filled after Steffne Hughes resigned and the position for Outings Convenor was not filled because members had already volunteered to organise outings to celebrate the 125th Anniversary.

• Lesley Parolis, who served as competitions convenor for three years and adopted the responsibilities of webmaster when we experienced problems this year; • Robert Maginley, who served as AV convenor. He will not be able to attend the AGM as he is currently in the UK, but has confirmed his availability to stand for council. The following members are not available for re-election: • Pat Scott, who took responsibility for E&D, selecting judges and organised most of the 125 year celebrations; • Trudi du Toit, who was publications officer.

After graduation she joined the Young & Rubicam advertising agency as an account executive and later also worked as account director at Berge Farrell International, a Strategic Brand Design Consultancy. Since she resigned from the advertising and marketing world in 2007, she has been devoting her time and talents to photography. She also works as a freelancer. A former activist during the 1980’s, she believes in the power of that one iconic image to change perceptions. She has posted several photo-journalism essays on people in Cape Flats communities on Flickr ( see www.flickriver.com/photos/ sandy_bailey). Through her photos of the gardens in Lavender Hill she, for example, shows a different side of the people who live in drug-ridden suburb. She has also published a book titled Kranskop, recording her expectations, feelings and adventures experienced during a road trip to this farm on the border of Northern KwaZulu Natal and the Free State in 2009 (left).

www.ctps.co.za

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

August & September 2015

-6-

Nearly 50 years of service After eight years, Detlef Basel’s term of office as CTPS president comes to an end at the AGM on 16th September. He looks back on 70 years of photography and nearly 50 years of serving amateur photography in South Africa

etlef Basel has been serving South African amateur A fitting reward after 70 years as a photographer. photographic societies for close to fifty years. When his Detlef still has some of the negatives and prints he took with term of office as CTPS president comes to an end at the the Box Brownie camera he received as a ten year old. In high AGM on the 16th, he would have been serving on pho- school he started developing his own films — a practice he kept tographic association committees, boards and councils for 48 years up well into the colour era — and at the University of Pieterma— and as he will be available for re-election as an ordinary council ritzburg he also developed films for other people. A precursor member, he will, no doubt, hit the half century mark in 2017. of the time when the one-hour labs only took in colour films to Detlef was elected CTPS president at the AGM in 2007 and dur- develop and Detlef saw a commercial opportunity in collecting ing the past eight years steered the society back to a vibrant, the black-and-white films from eight labs to develop and print. active organisation with more than 140 paid up members, after One of six boys who grew up on a farm in Southern Natal, his famembership had dwindled to 40 paid members with meeting ther couldn’t afford to send him to university to study agriculture attendance sometimes as low as ten, in the as he wished to, and instead Detlef got a early 2000’s. He also got about 300 salon ac- bursary to study for a teacher’s diploma. Before that, he served on the committee ceptances in slides as well as “Once I started teaching, I enjoyed it of the Pretoria Photographic Society for 38 prints to become a 4-Diamond so much that thought this was a divine years, including three sessions of two years worker in both prints and slides choice,” he says. as president — their constitution set a limit He was five months old when the Basel on presidential terms. family came to South Africa from GermaIn fact, four months after he joined in April 1967, he was elected ny before the Second World War. They spoke German at home president — in absentia. His unexpected election was prompt- and the boys learnt Zulu from playing with the labourers’ chiled by the interest he had shown in assisting beginners and new dren, but when they went to school they had to learn English, members in the club — a natural interest after running photo- and later also Afrikaans. graphic clubs at the schools where he had taught for 40 years. Despite growing up so multi-lingual, it was science, not lanDetlef had agreed to serve on the committee, but was away from guages, which interested him. Pretoria when the AGM was held where he became president. Interest in science Apart from the long years serving on the Pretoria society committee, Detlef served on the PSSA board for 25 years as salon His first post in 1960 was as a science master at a Durban school, director, and one year as vice-president during the late 1970’s. where he promptly started a photographic club and set up a He was the Pretoria club salon director when the PSSA asked him darkroom used by the pupils during the day and by himself at night. He had always been interested in drama and during this to join the board. time he starred in a Passion Play in the Durban City Hall, where Awarded for service he was so grateful for the kind and capable way his make-up was He not only judged quite a few salons in Pretoria, but he also got done by a girl named Barbara, that he wanted to give her a speabout 300 salon acceptances in slides as well as prints to become cial gift. “I couldn’t think what to give her, so I asked her to marry a 4-Diamond worker in both prints and slides. me,” he says. During the time he served on the PSSA board, he was awarded In December they will celebrate their 53rd wedding anniveran APSSA (Associate of the PSSA) for service in the mid-1980’s sary. The Basels obviously marry for keeps as his five brothers and honorary life membership in the 1970’s. He was also award- will all celebrate their golden wedding anniversaries within a four ed life membership by the Pretoria Photographic Society and this year period. year at the De Hoop Congress, when he turned 80, CTPS awarded A week after Barbara accepted his proposal, Detlef had to start him honorary life membership. his tenure as head of the science department at a school in Ndo-

www.ctps.co.za

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

-7-

August & September 2015

la, in what is now Zambia. In those days it was part of the British UNISA, an MA from Potchefstroom University and her doctorate Protectorate of Northern Rhodesia (Zambia), Southern Rhodesia from Tukkies on Pieter-Dirk Uys/ Evita’s use of satire. (Zimbabwe) and Nyasaland (Malawi). Barbara joined him there At St Alban’s College Detlef had a school house and they realised that once he retired they would have no property. In about and in December of that year they were married. Again, one of the first things he did at the school in Ndola was 1969 the Basel’s built a holiday home in Uvongo for when they to start a photographic club. In 1965, after the protectorate was retired. But, as the children grew up and went their own ways, disbanded, they relocated to Pretoria — and yes, Detlef again they started visiting Cape Town, where their son was based, started a photographic club at St Alban’s school where he headed more often than Uvongo. Cape Town therefore became their retirement destination and in 1993 they bought a retirement house the science department. He taught there for 34 years. Apart from starting a photographic club, he also coached rugby here, where they currently live. In 2005, when Detlef turned 70 , they moved and cricket, ran a pottery club with 90 boys mixing their own glazes an using their four kilns, to Cape Town. At the AGM in 2007 he was electand started a mountain club who climbed in the ‘One day when I’m old, ed CTPS president. Magaliesberg every second weekend. He also I’ll retire’ — Detlef Basel The Basels loved Cape Town. ‘You can do so got awarded Northern Transvaal colours for lifemuch. The photographic possibilities are tresaving and coached swimming. Other clubs he ran at the school mendous,” he enthuses. were the German club and the young farmers’ club. Many interests in Cape Town Between 1980-84 he took a group of boys on trips to the Fish He continued to serve: not only at CTPS, but also as church warRiver Canyon, Etosha and the Okavango Delta (when it cost 1 den, as in Ndola and in Pretoria. His interest and involvement in pula per day per person) until it became too expensive. He also dramatic societies continued, for which he took many backstage took groups of boys on year-end hikes to the Drakensberg or the photographs. Barbara became president of the Muizenberg Dralowveld. matic Society and they also started attending concerts of the Join Pretoria Photographic Society Cape Town Symphony Orchestra. “I wanted to learn more about photography — how cameras He was barely in Cape Town, before the Cape Town Science worked, and other technical aspects — and joined the Pretoria Centre asked to make use of his services. “Teaching is fun, but it Photographic Society in April 1967,” he recounts. By August he wouldn’t have been if I had not taught science,” says Detlef. was president. At the MTN Science Centre he enjoys conducting science shows His photographic tastes are “pretty catholic,” says Detlef. “I en- and magic experiments where things change colour. He does a joyed landscapes and portraits. I did weddings as well — about 2 lot of work in township schools, introducing the Grade 10, 11 and 000 — which made good money.” He also earned money by go- 12’s to the formal science experiments required by the curricuing round to restaurants in Arcadia to take photos of people din- lum through the mobile science centre (a truck equipped with all ing out. He continued using slides as others moved to the digital the materials needed that the average township school lacks). medium. “In end I was only one doing slides and they didn’t want “During the last few years there has been an incredible change to put up the projector any more. of heart amongst the children,” he says. “They are keen, keen, In 1998 Detlef reached retirement age at the school, but, the keen as learners and ask such sensible questions. It is very enMuseum of Science and Technology offered him a job. Barbara couraging and satisfying. It keeps me young. One day when I’m was busy completing her doctorate in English at the University of old, I’ll retire.” Pretoria. Born in an era when it wasn’t considered necessary for He hopes to have more time for his own photography now that girls to study, she remedied this later in life by obtaining diplo- he is retiring as president of CTPS, although he will still be much mas in drama teaching from Trinity College in London, a BA from involved if he is again elected a member of council.

www.ctps.co.za

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

A life inspired by design August & September 2015

-8-

Malcolm Jones was the ideal person to lead the discussions on photography at the E&D meeting in August: he does not believe in judging photographs, but strongly recommends discussing concepts, perceptions and the meaning the photographer was trying to convey as a way of improving your photography. Photos: Nicol du Toit.

alcolm Jones believes the club competition system damages the development of photography, but that meeting to discuss photographic concepts can far better guide members — especially beginners — on how to improve their work. For example, when concepts like “what are you trying to say? Do you think your photograph portray that?” are discussed – not judged – photographers would be encouraged to be far more imaginative, instead of just following rules to get a good score, he believes. “It should be more about what the photographer tried to achieve and how well did he succeed. If he did not succeed, how can one help him to achieve what he wanted to capture?” he says, lamenting that there is too much emphasis on a mark awarded, and too little on what the photographer intended. “A good photo talks to you – but not necessary immediately, and you might only understand it over time. But, somehow it has to communicate with you.” Rules in photography are really recipes, short cutting the need for original creativity, he believes. Judges have to say something in your mind and is not communicated to an observer. It is imabout a photograph in a very limited time. Judging is especially portant to recognize this and try to include what will otherwise difficult when you only have a few seconds before you have to remain concealed in your mind, on the photograph – such as comment, and there is not much you can say other than refer to emotion. When you take a photo, the camera does not even these recipes. The issues that the judge picks to comment on – record what you see, because the iris in one’s eye is adjusting like thirds, space on the side, etc. – tend to become emphasised all the time, and you can therefore see detail in highlights and and are seen to be preferred, and over time they become sharpshadow. Not so with the aperture of ened as so called rules of photography, he the camera.” Malcolm immersed himself in this believes. Malcolm’s interest in photography You might get a false indication of which environment that included these started young, at about 14, when one photographs are good from judging, be- sculptors and painters, who were of the science masters at Coalbrookcause sometimes a judge, who has often modern masters of form and design. dale High School in the UK started a come up through the club system himself, photography club and encouraged can be quite misguided, Malcolm continthe pupils to make pinhole cameras and their own developer ues. “A lot of times people learn to know what judges like and and fixer. From the very first photo he took, Malcolm was pushstructure their photographs accordingly.” This stifles the imagi- ing the boundaries: he photographed a fly’s lungs on a micronation, he argues. scope slide by attaching the pinhole camera to the microscope. The cornerstones of photography — light, design, form and “It came out superb, because I used the high quality Zeiss lens technical soundness – had also been crucial in his career as a of the microscope.” pioneering architect. While this gave him the expertise to know His photographic interest continued at Sheffield University, a good composition when he sees it, he recommends that all where he also had access to the university’s darkroom. But, a photographers should be interested in other disciplines that burglary that resulted in the theft of his camera put his photohave a strong design element: whether art, architecture, furni- graphic endeavours on hold. ture, interior design, etc. Read as much as possible about all art Good in science, maths and art – he did his A-levels in maths, forms, the development of photography and study the classic applied maths and physics – his father recommended architecphotographs, he recommends. ture as a career. A bit of a rebel and again pushing the bounda“Design is crucial in photography,” he says. “It’s not so much ries, Malcolm chose to design a 410-bed NHS district general hosabout what you see, it’s what you perceive. What you perceive pital as a final year project, mainly because no public hospitals depends on previous experiences stored in your mind. Often, had been built in the UK since before the war and Enoch Powell the larger part of what you are trying to communicate remains had announced a new hospital building programme for the coun-

www.ctps.co.za

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

-9-

August & September 2015

try. The fact that this would be a unique concept for which there towels, waste bins, toilets, etc. can take a lot of time — an exwas going to be a huge demand, inspired Malcolm to resubmit perienced designer would know the correct height, dimensions, his proposal, even after his professor summarily turned it down. etc. but new designers would have to start from scratch. MalWhen he persisted, he was told that the department would not colm decided to capture these elements in 3D designs and store be responsible for the outcome because the project was much them in a computer library, for use when needed by all designers. When the styles changed, only the library record needed too big for a student. He did receive help from other sources, including a scholar- to be updated, everything else followed automatically. This pioneering development of the world’s ship to visit European hospitals to see first integrated computer aided design new developments and from medical system for hospitals, became known school lecturers who arranged for him as OXSYS. to spend time at Sheffield hospitals to The Oxford Regional Health Authorisee how they functioned. The result ty and Applied Research of Cambridge, was that the external examiners awardan off-shoot of Cambridge University ed him a distinction for the project, worked together on this project, which and he got the university prize for the Malcolm laughingly refers to as “one most distinguished student in the final of few known instances where Oxford examination. and Cambridge cooperated.” He started his career in London by doThen, on a cold February morning in ing research for one of the Metropoli1977, Malcolm got a call from a memtan Regional Hospital Boards, but was ber of a British trade delegation visitsoon asked to join the architectural ing Cape Town, where they learnt that firm that was tasked to redevelop St two new hospitals being designed had Thomas Hospital, which was bombed both gone far over budget. Could Malduring the war. He got the job of decolm fly out immediately and come signing the ward block of the hospital. and have a look? He did, and also met Before this was completed, they were a member of the CSIR in Pretoria who commissioned to design the new Oxinvited him to deliver a paper at an ford Academic Hospital. “You never international conference on hospital build a hospital in one go because then design in South Africa in November. all the funds for that area would be After delivering his paper, Malcolm used up in one go,” he explains. They A good photo talks to you – but not sat in the audience next to an aneatherefore did a development plan and necessary immediately thetist called Rosemarie, who was as the first phase, designed the matercompiling the Health Trends in South nity wing, because it had to have bit of Africa publications for the Department of Health. everything: wards, theatre, paediatrics, surgery, etc. This materAfter the conference, Malcolm went on a lecture tour in South nity wing was opened around 1970. Africa and Namibia, organised by Rosemarie. They had known By then, Malcolm was working for Sir Leslie Martin, professor each other about two weeks, during which they had spent the of architecture in Cambridge and friend to the leading UK modequivalent of three days in each other’s company when they ern artists of the 1930’s, loosely known as The Hampstead Set. decided to get married. Above Malcolm’s desk hung a Ben Nicholson painting, Malcolm They lived in Oxford, but during regular visits to Rosemarie’s spent an inspiring evening with Naum Gabo when he visited children in South Africa, Malcolm kept contact with his friend at and one of his sculptures, as well as works by Henry Moore, the CSIR, who eventually persuaded him to relocate to Pretoria Barbara Hepworth and Picasso graced the 6-storey Victorian in 1981 to work with the CSIR to introduce CAD for hospitals in water mill that became the professor’s house and office. South Africa. After 1994, Malcolm was appointed to the newly Malcolm immersed himself in this environment that included created post of National Director of Health Facility Planning. these sculptors and painters, who were modern masters of form and design. “There is an interconnection between art and Photography in Pretoria photography, but you need to know about the art movements to understand and appreciate it,” he says. This looking at forms Shortly after they settled in Pretoria, in about 1983, Malcolm came across a pamphlet advertising the Pretoria Photographic would also later have an influence on his photography. The very creative Sir Leslie, who was also the chief architect of Society in a camera shop. He contacted the president at that the Royal Festival Hall in London, was an inspiring mentor. They time, Detlef Basel, and became a member. His interest in phorelooked at more effective land use by placing buildings around tography deepened over time, aided by the odd workshop he courtyards. They also calculated that using this method, New attended and lots and lots of reading. He also became involved York could be rebuilt with buildings of no more than ten stories with the running of the society, including as president. “I can’t remember when,” he says. providing the same floor space as well as 29 open squares. At the turn of the century, the Jones’ bought a plot with a In charge of Oxford Health Authority stream in Darling during a holiday visit to the Cape, where MalIn the early 1970’s Malcolm was appointed Chief Architect of colm designed them a beautiful house with a studio for himself. He also joined CTPS, where he not only served on council, but the Oxford Regional Health Authority, which was responsible for all health buildings in Oxfordshire and three other counties. also played a very important role in helping to select photoWhile at Oxford he pioneered the development of the worlds graphs for Interclub and other competitions, to share his vast first integrated computer aided design system. When designing knowledge of photography, and mentor younger members. He a hospital, small details like the placement of washbasins, paper even judged — in club competitions, salons and at Interclub.

www.ctps.co.za

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

August & September 2015

- 10 -

Competition News

August and September PSSA entries The senior entry for the PSSA club competition in August was Reflections from a Ferry by Jeanette du Toit (see cover). In September, the senior entry in the PSSA monthly competition was Abstract by Johan Strydom (below), the winner of the Salon Print Open section. Judge Paul Bruins liked it so much that he offered to

2015 Set subject themes and judges The Set subject themes for the remainder of 2015 will be: 7 October: 4 November: 2 December:

125 year celebrations — judges Neels Beyers, Frank Reuvers and Malcolm Jones Shadows and/or reflections — judge Justin de Reuck Rustic — judge Stan Slater

buy the image. Johan is still one of the few members who works in film. The August junior PSSA entry was A Quite Read by Paul Nuttall (below), the winner of the Intermediate Print Open category. There was no junior PSSA entry in September.

August judge a macro expert

Macro expert Marcus Jooste was our judge in the August competition, where the set subject was ... macro. Jooste is a popular lecturer on the topic and he also conducts macro workshops. He says he is self-taught and that he creates images using “bits and bobs found in and around my garden and home” as well as imaginative lighting to bring them to life. He often talks about the garden snail Vincent, which he claims is the star of many of his creative snail macros (see below). Marcus is also a member of the Steenberg Photographic Club.

Paul Bruins at De Hoop, where he was a speaker at the CTPS minicongress.

A critical look at landscapes from our September judge Our September judge, Paul Bruins, spoke at the CTPS Congress at De Hoop, as well as the PSSA Congress in Swellendam, about landscape photography. He was therefore invited as the judge of the month in which the set subject was scapes. Bruins says that he loves looking at photos. Looking at images critically helps one to improve your photography, he believes, and as a judge he therefore does not aim to boost the photographer’s ego, but to give his critical opinion. “I am known for scoring mean, but I do not believe in giving high scores because you will then not realise that you still

www.ctps.co.za

•

have a long way to go to achieve perfection. “I am extremely critical of my own images,” he says. “My personal goal is to continue to improve my techniques with every photograph I take, and I will return to the same location again and again, until I am certain that all the elements have worked in my favour, and that I have produced an image that cannot be improved upon.” As a professional photographer specialising in landscapes, he says his aim is to share his emotions, experiences, locations and techniques with other like-minded photographers.

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 11 -

August & September 2015

Top scoring images August and September

See all the top competition images in “Galleries” on the CTPS website www.ctps.co.za

2 1

4 3

1)August winner Salon PDI Open (27): Spare ribs for supper by Pat Scott. Shot with a Canon 7D and 400mm lens. Exposure: 1/1600 sec, f/7.1, ISO 320. 2) September winner Salon PDI Set Subject — Scapes (26): Autumn Patchwork was shot by Jean Bradshaw with a Canon 5D Mark 111, with EF 70-200mm lens. Exposure: 1/15 sec, f/8, ISO 100. 3) August winner Salon Set Subject — Macro (25): The Oracle was shot by Kim Stevens with a Canon 5D Mark 111, using a EF100mm f/2.8L macro lens. Exposure: 1/750 sec, at f/2.8 and ISO 100.

4) September winner PDI Advanced Set Subject — Scapes (25): Positano Seascape by Richard Goldschmidt was photographed with a Canon PowerShot S120 with a 5.2-26mm lens. Exposure: 1/1600 sec at f/4.0 and ISO 160. 5) September winner Advanced Print Open (26): Working on Birdwing Roof Detail by Anna Morris represent a small cutout of the photo she took of the new substation at the World Trade Centre in New York with a Canon 70D and 18-270 mm lens at 1/200 sec, f/5.6 and ISO 200. 7 7) August Salon PDI Open (27): On Bended Knee was shot by Jeanette Brusnicky during a Kirstenbosch macro workshop by Greg Hillyard. She used a Canon 7D with EF-S18-135mm lens at /640 sec, f/5.6, ISO 100.

www.ctps.co.za

•

6) August winner Advanced Print Open (27): Young South African Opera Star by Anna Morris is a portrait of up and coming Cape Town opera singer Siyabulela Ntlala, who last year came second in an international singing competition in Germany. “He was wonderful to photograph,” says Anna, who approached her to take some photos for his portfolio. She used a Canon 7D and EF-S18-200mm lens. Exposure: 1/40 sec, at f/5.0 and ISO 400.

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 12 -

August & September 2015

More winning images in August: set subject macro

1) Winner Beginner PDI Set Subject: Misty Rose by Barbara Hallock. 2) Winner Advanced PDI Set Subject: To be or not to bee by Ken Woods. 3) Winner Advanced Print Set Subject: Artist Palette — Storm at see by Steff Hughes. 4) Winner Advanced PDI Open: Midnight Dancer by Anna Morris.

5) High scorer Salon Print Open: The Sentinels by Kim Stevens 6) Winner Beginner Print Open: Follow the Path by Carin Hardisty

7 8

7) Winner Intermediate PDI Set Subject: 3D Flowers by Paul Nuttall 8) Winner Salon PDI Set Subject: Rusting fixtures by Joan Ward 9) High scorer Salon Print Open: Undulating Dunes by Jean Bradshaw. 9

www.ctps.co.za

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 13 -

August & September 2015

Winning images September : set subject scapes

See all the top competition images in “Galleries” on the CTPS website www.ctps.co.za

1) Winner Salon PDI Open: Daisies for Dinner by Joan Ward 2) Winner Salon Print Set Subject: Natural Splendour by Shaun Laishley 3) Winner Advanced Print Set subject: Dubrovnik Roofscapes by Richard Goldschmidt 4) High Scorer Salon PDI Open: Safe Harbour by Lesley Parolis 5) High Scorer Advanced PDI Open: Cormorants at Noetsie by Catherine BruceWright

7 7) High Scorer Advanced PDI Set subject: Cast Fate to the Wind by Anna Engelhardt

www.ctps.co.za

•

6) High Scorer Advanced PDI Set subject: San Francisco Golden Bridge by Johan Greeff 8) Winner PDI Advanced Open: Tense

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

August & September 2015

- 14 -

Winning images from previous salons: Willem Kruger’s Star Trail Richtersveld in 2014 and Nico Smit’s Desert Crocodile in 2002.

CTPS 125 years:

Highs and lows of hosting salons The 2015 Cape Town Photographic Society Anniversary Salon and exhibition will not only end the anniversary year on a high, but will also be building on a proud — and sometimes not so proud — CTPS salon tradition

ince the early 1930’s CTPS has had a proud tradition of tra prints all over the place. hosting bi-annual international salons that attracted top “Tied-up parcels had already been despatched and new parcels photographers from across the world. This tradition, had to be made up for the odd print, but there were no stiffenhowever, had a somewhat shaky start and sadly lost mo- ers! Fred Harris in Johannesburg received his print folded in four mentum over the past two decades. — he was not amused, but even less amused when the salon secCTPS decided in 1932 to follow the example of the Johannes- retary did not respond to his letters. Then, a very curt appeal to burg Photographic Society, who had held an annual international the President and a demand for damages. It was all too pathetic.” salon since the late 1920’s, and also establish an international Despite this disorganised start, the Cape of Good Hope Salon salon called the Cape of Good Hope survived to be held every two years. International Salon of Photography, As the prints were extracted from It drew interesting entries, reports reports Eric Vertue in his centenary their wrappings, these were sim- Vertue. “There was Echague from publication Cape Town PhotographSpain with his beautiful Fresson ply flung into an empty room. Now ic Society – 30 October 1890 – 30 prints, Alec Keighley and his rich carcame the awesome task of trying to bon landscapes, F J Mortimer and October 1990. marry pictures to a parcel, some- his eye- catching seascapes and mulIt was a prestigious salon. The CTPS where in a sea of wrappers. president, A van H van Oudtshoorn, tiple negative landscapes, all from and Will Till from Johannesburg, England, Fraprie and Dr Max Thorak who were considered to be the two of the US with new techniques. leading South African photographers of the time, were on the These were exciting times, getting to know the members. The selection panel. East had not yet entered the salon scene.” Vertue had assisted the salon secretary when he lived in Johan- The start of colour nesburg and after he moved to Cape Town in 1936, he was asked to help with the parcelling of the print entries that had to be re- During the early days all the prints were entered in monochrome that were “rich in blacks,” writes Vertue. “We were in the period turned. when bromide or chlorobromide papers were rich in silver with Complete bedlam! plenty of scope for those little practices that every darkroom “Never was anyone more surprised than I to see how another sa- worker has made to put his personal stamp on his exhibition lon secretary organised his salon,” writes Vertue. “True enough, prints — not only secrets, but a practice his experience has deevery entrant was registered in a book, but there the organisa- veloped to suit a personal touch to his work.” But, as early as the 1930’s CTPS already had their colour worktion stopped. Full stop! As the prints were extracted from their wrappings, these were simply flung into an empty room. Now ers – even before Kodak and Agfa introduced their commercial came the awesome task of trying to marry pictures to a parcel, colour films after the war, which made quite an impact on salon somewhere in a sea of wrappers. It was bedlam and took night entries. “It was the East, though, that flooded salons with, at first, beauafter night of searching. Eventually, the job was done with ex-

www.ctps.co.za

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 15 -

August & September 2015

CTPS salon & exhibition to end 125th year with a bang The anniversary celebrations this year will end on a high with the CTPS 125th Anniversary Salon Exhibition where all the print entries that won Acceptances, Certificates of Merit and medals, will be on public display in the Cape Town Central Library. PDI’s and AV’s will be projected during the exhibition. The print and PDI entries will also be published in a glossy coffee-table book, while the winning AV’s will be distributed by DVD. CTPS members are especially encouraged to enter this salon, because in each category a CTPS bronze medal will be awarded to the member who has the best entry. This will be in addition to the PSSA silver medal for the winning entry in each category, as well as the CTPS silver medal for the runner-up entry in every category. The top 18-23% images in each category will gain Acceptance in the salon, and a Certificate of Merit will be awarded to about the top 10% of the Acceptances. The categories will be: • PDI (director Lesley Parolis): Open, Photojournalism and Macro. Maximum four entries per photographer. These will be judged by: Johan Kloppers, Robert Johnson and Tiens Mey (Open); Bennie Viviers, Birgit Hofmeyer and Deon Kuhn (Macro); Dinkie Marais, Derick Nel and Jean du Ples-

tiful colour, but mostly with the same theme: water reflection fishing scenes and misty mountains,” recounts Vertue. “Years later they branched out into general scenes.” Until the late 1940’s the Cape of Good Hope Salon only accepted prints, but after some deliberation is was agreed to accept slides as well – which turned out to be a great success. During the Second World War it was impossible to hold an International Salon, but the tradition of a salon every two years was kept up by holding a Members Exhibition, followed by a South African Exhibition. In 1976, the salon was hailed as the highlight of the CTPS year. This tradition of a Cape of Good Hope Salon every two years was unfortunately broken in the Centenary Year, 1990. It was, however, revived in 1992, when Roy Johannesson wrote as follows to publicise the salon: “The name Cape of Good Hope international Salon of Photography is world renowned and enjoys the support of photographers from no less than thirty countries. The Cape of Good Hope International Salon of Photography 1992 exhibit is an opportunity for the public to see photography of the very highest order, both in picture content (i.e. subject matter) and image quality; both of which contribute to successful Salon acceptances. “An opportunity like this occurs once every two years, so take time out to visit the Nico Malan Exhibition area (ArtScape today) to view the photographic prints and the home of he Cape Town Photographic Society, 28 Jarvis Street, Cape Town to see the colour slides. The opening of both the print and slide exhibitions is

www.ctps.co.za

•

sis (Photojournalism). • Print (director Antenie Carstens): Open, Photojournalism and Macro. Maximum six entries per photographer. These will be judged by: Almut Hofmeyer, Lee Slabber and Niel Goslett (Open); Peter Hardcastle, Peter Brandt and Philip de Lange (Macro and Photojournalism). • AV (director Nellian Bekker) Open and Documentary. The judges will be: Thomas Niemeyer, Friso Woudstra and Paddy Howes (Documentary); Izak van Niekerk, Ronnie Hazell and Friso Woudstra (Open).

At a glance • Closing date: 24 October • Enquiries to salon director, Nicol du Toit, on email nicol@ sportstrader.co.za • Cost: PDI and print R6 per entry for PSSA members and R9 per entry for non-PSSA members. R50 per AV for PSSA members and R75 per entry for non-PSSA members. • Brochure: All information and entry forms can be found in the salon brochures on the PSSA website www.pssa.co.za. Click on the Salons menu, then Salon Calendar and Results. Select Salon calendar for year ending June 2016. Scroll to: 2015.10.24 - Cape Town Digital, Prints & AV Salon.

on the 16 November.” Sadly, the 1998 international salon was again cancelled “because there is not enough interest” the council minutes of June 2007 recorded. In 2002 Neels Beyers again revived the Cape Town Salon, although it would be a national, not international, salon for prints and slides. He published a catalogue of the winning images and acceptances and club members Gail and Frank Reuvers were among the medal winners. Twelve years would lapse between this salon and the next Cape of Good Hope National Digital Salon in 2014. It is obvious that CTPS salon directors have learnt much since that first salon in 1932, as the organisers received many compliments from the seasoned salon entrants — for example, medal winner Heinrich Albrecht wrote: Thank you for a well-coordinated Salon, I will surely participate again. Peet Mostert from Montanapark wrote to say: You can be proud how you handled your salon. This salon was for PDI’s only and a special medal was awarded to the CTPS member with the most successful entries, to encourage other CTPS members to enter. The 2015 Cape Town Photographic Society Anniversary Salon will build on this tradition by again awarding a CTPS medal for the club member who does the best, but this time in each category. The experience Nicol du Toit and Lesley Parolis gained by organising the successful 2014 salon, will also be utilised. In addition, acceptances and winners will be exhibited to the public at the Central Library in December and published in a book. CTPS members are therefore encouraged to get their images ready to enter the different categories. (See above)

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

August & September 2015

CTPS 125 years:

- 16 -

Finding a home

CTPS members owe a huge debt of gratitude to the council members in the 1960’s who raised funds to buy 28 Jarvis Street ... but being landlords didn’t put an end to the society’s nomadic search for our own premises

he fortunes of CTPS have been closely linked to our former building, 28 Jarvis Street. We owe much gratitude to the foresight of council members in the 1960’s who worked so hard to raise funds — especially former treasurer Gilbert Whiteing, whose R25 started the building fund in 1964. But, it was the decision by the council in 1995 to rent out the building that began turning the tide so that nowadays CTPS can fund so many member activities, despite our low membership fees. Before that, CTPS had to limit expenses to the income covered by the annual membership fees – like any other club. Had that been the case today, we would not even have been able to afford the rent and expenses of three meetings per month in our current premises. Finding and maintaining suitable premises would become a recurring issue throughout the society’s history. Eric Vertue, whose council in the 1960’s took the decision to buy a building, recounts CTPS’ nomadic existence before that decision was made in the centenary publication Cape Town Photographic Society – 30 October 1890 – 30 October 1990.

The early days The inaugural CTPS meeting was held in the St George’s Grammar School Room, next to the Cathedral in Adderley street, on October 30, 1890. The school – which subsequently moved to Mowbray – was not available for subsequent meetings ... and from the first meeting members were asked to make suggestions for suitable meeting rooms. At the meeting in April 1891, it was decided to rent Mr Dix’s cafe once a month from 7.30-10.15pm for 10/- per month. He was also willing to make it available to members daily for the reading of the photographic periodicals — on condition that a case was provided to store them, reports Vertue. “Without any previous mention we find, in the minutes dated 2 March 1893, that the meetings are held in the YMCA Dining Room and not at Dix's cafe,” wrote Vertue. “Just what led up to the change is not noted. It did necessitate a change of meetings from a Thursday to a Wednesday.” In April 1895 the Mountain Club proposed that they share suitable premises with CTPS. One of the prominent CTPS members, dr

www.ctps.co.za

•

Rudolf Marloth, founded the mountain club in 1891 and chaired it until 1906, and he formed a close link between the two clubs. The proposal to find joint premises was, however, postponed indefinitely, but would crop up later in the history. During 1896 the YMCA changed the band practise evening to a Wednesday, which made it impossible to hold a CTPS meeting above the noise emanating from the practice room. “The practise night was changed but there must have been other unhappiness as we are to learn shortly of a move of premises,” reports Vertue. The minute books of the period 1897-1906 unfortunately went missing, but during this period the name of the Cape Town Photographic Club was changed to the Cape Town Photographic Society, and meetings were moved to the Old City Hall premises on Greenmarket Square after the new City Hall was opened in 1905.

Meeting in the Old Town House The mayor of Cape Town from 1904-1907, Hyman Liberman, was a CTPS member and he arranged a meeting room and a dark room for the society in the old Town House, reports Vertue. “There is no mention that any rental was to be paid. There was a charge of £1/9d for water, but soon afterwards the dark-room had to be closed as the sanitary inspector wanted a new water outlet installed, but finances did not permit the expense.” A major problem during the early years had been to find a meeting room that could accommodate the growing number of members. “We know that at least one lecture by Dr Marloth had to repeated as a great number of members and their friends could not gain admittance,” reports Vertue. This problem was not solved by moving meetings to the Old Town House, as had been hoped, and two years after the move, CTPS was talking about returning to the YMCA. “All this was very upsetting, particularly as equipment was gathering and all this had to be moved too. Eventually, it was decided to stay in the space provided in the Old Town House, with an arrangement with the YMCA that when a popular lecturer was arranged they could move to the Oak Lounge at the YMCA.” This arrangement unfortunately came to and end when the Old Town House was required to house the Michaelis Collection of Fine Paintings donated by Sir and Lady Michaelis and the Cham-

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 17 -

Jarvis Street in 1972. Opposite page: The building today.

August & September 2015

Jarvis Street from the back, in 1969.

ber of Commerce. CTPS were requested to move out. “This request was tempered with a promise (the letter is in our records) that when the National Art Gallery was established, suitable accommodation would be made available,” Vertue recorded. “This promise was kept, but the members decided not to avail themselves of the offer. The Art Gallery was built in the Gardens and not centrally placed as originally intended. The buildings were just too far from transport.”

able. “The hall was small and intimate,” writes Vertue. “We got permission to stretch a wire above door level along one wall on which we could hang a screen of hessian for displaying the competition prints. Our old lantern was taken out of storage and put back into service, and what was appreciated even more was that we were given the use of the kitchen.” The society was very happy in Medical House and sad when in 1950 they were advised that the building was to be changed and another floor added. The search for new premises was on again. Share with Mountain Club Horace Lawley, who served on the St Georges Cathedral comSome time during the 1930’s CTPS arranged to share a meeting mittee, suggested the Cathedral Hall. He could arrange for the room with the Mountain Club on the top floor of the Yorkshire society to use the hall on Wednesdays, the caretaker’s day off, at House Building in Strand Street. “Here the Society stayed for a very reasonable rental, provided that they collect the key durmany years, in spite of the occasional upset with the caretaker, ing the day, take responsibility for the premises, and take the key who strongly objected if a meeting was not completed by 10 pm.” back the next day. The venue was not ideal — there were no screens so the prints “This worked out very well as now the photographic section were laid flat on trestle tables and the older members com- could still have their two meetings and the cine section could have plained of the stairs as the lift was often out of two meetings. When a fifth Wednesday action. But, it was close to transport and memoccurred, it became a combined meet‘CTPS cannot afford to keep ing,” writes Vertue. bers could get together here. In 1941 CTPS heard that the Yorkshire was go- the hall for much longer. We “This was a happy arrangement, except ing to be demolished and rebuilt and the search must look for another venue’ for the confounded key. It became a probfor a new meeting room started all over again. lem until Herbert French, being someThe Mountain Club had been searching for what more courageous than the rest of suitable premises to buy for some years and had built up a sub- us, had a duplicate made. We also had the use of the Green Room stantial fund for the purpose. They asked CTPS to join them in and this became the library and store room. What a chore to drag the project and a joint committee was set up to investigate the all the equipment up and down a narrow stair every evening!” possibility of buying premises jointly. A building that could be adapted to the society’s needs, was A plot of land in Hatfield Street, owned by the City Council, was still high on the wish list – but due to the low subscription funds, bought by the Mountain Club, but “while negotiations regarding chances looked slim that CTPS would ever have sufficient funds the financing were taking place it was found that should the Pho- to buy premises. tographic Society join in the scheme, the building would attract Our own building, finally annual rates,” reports Vertue. “According to the relative Rates Ordinance the Mountain Club In 1964 the society established a building fund with a R25 donawould not pay rates as it was classed as a sporting body. The Pho- tion by Gilbert Whiteing — five years later it was growing steadily tographic Society was classed as a Cultural body, and would pay from generous donations by members, allocations from subscriprates. There was no alternative but to abandon what could have tions, and various forms of fundraising. For example, when the been a most pleasant arrangement.” CTPS Survey Group published their book on old farmsteads, From One of the medical members suggested the hall in Medical the Days that are Gone, all the profits went to the Building Fund. House in Wale Street, which turned out to be suitable and affordThe funds were invested by Brian Greener, the To p18

www.ctps.co.za

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

August & September 2015

- 18 -

The quest for a permanent meeting place cont. from p17 society's able treasurer, to earn good interest. According to the tenance. The minutes of just about every council meeting during 1969 Annual Report the building fund had grown to R8 298. By the 1990’s record discussions about the high cost of repairs and 1970 the Building Fund had grown to R11 544 and the Annual maintenance — especially the roof and floors — and concerns Report of 1971 recorded that there were R14 354 in the fund. about the structural soundness of the building. In June 1995 the treasurer, Brian Greener warned “CTPS cannot “Special mention in this connection must be made of Mary Rawkins for her continued efforts in organising rummage sales,”writes afford to keep the hall for much longer. We must look for another venue.” Vertue. Many possible buildings and sites were investigated and found Sell the building wanting — for various reasons. But, at last, the building committee became enthusiastic about a disused old Baptist Church Hall During the 1990’s the need to sell the building was discussed at close to the centre of town. In August 1970, the 322 CTPS mem- several council meetings, until in September 1994 it was decidbers took transfer of 28 Jarvis Street to become the proud owners ed to let the hall to photographer Neil Hermann at R1 375 per month, and to use the rent money for much-needed repainting of a somewhat dilapidated building. The building committee, however had seen the value of having and replastering of the Long Gallery. CTPS would continue to use the hall for meetings and various a hall for meetings — which were attended by an average of 6090 members at the time — a museum in which to keep the very rooms for storage of books, cameras and other equipment. This became the turning point in the fortunes of the society, but considerable collection of old photographic equipment collected also created new problems: the minutes of nearly every council over the years, an archive to house the old records, a workshop meeting records expenses relating where members could gather to to the upkeep of the building and work on projects connected with As the Cape Quarter area around Jarvis Street complaints that the tenant was entheir hobby and a library with a worthy collection of books on pho- upgraded and became a prime office and croaching on CTPS space. Over the shopping area, the benchmark for market- next few years several offers to buy tographic matters, reports Vertue. related rent grew correspondingly. But, this the building were considered, but Moving in to Jarvis Street didn’t cushion CTPS from the usual landlord turned down. Despite the (relatively low) rental Several members worked together problems: tenants failing to pay, and expenincome, CTPS had a bank balance to maintain and repair the building sive maintenance work on the roof, floor, in October 1997 of only R9 000 so that a tenant could be installed until it was ready for occupation by walls becoming a constant time-consuming after R18 000 had to be spent on renovations. But, once the rent CTPS. Renovations had to be made and money-draining concern was increased to a more marketto rectify structural and other probrelated amount at the turn of the lems before the society could move in. Architect Hillel Turok was a member of CTPS and could give century, the building fund steadily started growing. By 2004, when the tenant gave notice, the area around the valuable advice. A sagging corner had to be underpinned, a huge baptismal fount moved, wooden floors patched, the projection building had improved and the building was now valued at R1 609 583. A new tenant, Veo Galleries, signed a 3-year lease in room and committee room walls raised, etc. The work proceeded slowly until the Cathedral authorities December 2004 at a much improved (for CTPS) rent, which would wanted to build an Ecumenical Centre on the site of the Cathedral increase by 10% per year. Hall — CTPS was asked to move, although the Ecumenical Centre On the move again did not eventuate. During the course of 1976 CTPS finally moved into their prem- When the tenant got permission to sub-let the basement in Noises at 28 Jarvis Street. The building committee was the first to vember 2006, an alternative meeting place had to be found. Parkutilise the new building when they held their first meeting in the ing in the area with its narrow streets had become a problem committee room on 15 October, 1975, while the renovations for members, who also felt unsafe if they had to park elsewhere were still being done. The first council meeting was held there on and walk some distance to attend meetings at night. The move to Huis der Nederlanden in Pinelands as a meeting place was there2 December, 1975. The society moved in stages: members helped to move the li- fore welcomed by most members. In June 2009 CTPS was, however, given notice that Huis der brary books from the Cathedral Hall and work parties assisted with setting everything to rights at Jarvis Street Hall, which be- Nederlanden can only provide accommodation till the end of the came known as the Hall. Pieter Baartmann arranged a truck to year. Member Rashid Latiff kindly offered his Capetonian hotel as move all the valuable old cameras, apparatus, the library and an alternative, but the storage for the projector and other equipmany other goods — the many trips he had to make indicated ment proved to be a problem. As the Cape Quarter area around Jarvis Street upgraded and behow much CTPS had accumulated. The Hall was opened on 22 April 1976 by the Deputy Minister of came a prime office and shopping area, the benchmark for marInformation and of the Interior, Louis le Grange. The Good Hope ket-related rent grew correspondingly. But, this didn’t cushion International Salon exhibition was simultaneously opened and CTPS from the usual landlord problems experienced by owners of Vertue reports that “A delightful opening party was followed by a old buildings: tenants failing to pay, and expensive maintenance work on the roof, floor, walls becoming a constant time-consumpresentation of the Salon slides.” But, unfortunately, Jarvis Street did not answer all CTPS’ ac- ing and money-draining concern. The tenants, who experienced cash-flow problems after the commodation prayers for long. Being landlords of an old building proved to be more costly than anticipated. During the early sub-tenant moved out, didn’t renew their lease and at the end 1990’s CTPS had on average around R20 000 in the bank, from of March 2010 Adrian Steirn, who made the 21 Icons series on To p21 which funds constantly had to be withdrawn for building main- famous South Africans, became the new tenant.

www.ctps.co.za

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 19 -

August & September 2015

Long-serving stalwarts (2) Over the years, many CTPS members had been contributing to the society for decades — for example, Honorary Life Members Henk Mulder, Mels Homburg and Ian Levy have been members for a total of 113 years. JOY WELLBELOVED asked them to share their memories. We’ll feature more of these stalwarts in the next issues of Cape Camera

Mels Homburg, former president and committee stalwart Mels HombUrg has been a valopportunity to expand our members’ exued member of CTPS for 32 years, pertise. So, I drew up a list of ten set suband especially played a significant jects in a variety of genres. role on council during the 1990’s “On paying the entry fee, which covand 2000’s, serving as president, ered the cost of the camera, developing among other roles. These are his and printing, each entrant was handed recollections: the list and the camera and told to go “I was given my first camera, a take photos of the listed subjects with Zeiss Box camera that took 120 film, the disposable camera, and then to rewhen I was about 12 years old. It turn the camera to me for processing by lasted me a long time. Agfa. Members were marked on their “I had trained as an electrical enentire panel. gineer (heavy current), and my “A certain member refused to hand in hobbies were photography and Hithe camera, insisting on processing the Fi — I built my own amplifier and film. That member’s panel was the best preamplifier, for example. A friend by far. Unfortunately, the image qualof mine was a member of CTPS, and ity was way beyond what the disposable I went to a meeting with him some camera could do, so the member obvitime in 1983. When he introduced ously cheated. Sadly, some people just me to Eric Vertue, he said that I was have to win — regardless. This proved to just the kind of person that CTPS be a popular set subject, and was repeatneeded with my interest in photog- Mels Homburg photographed by Joy Wellbeloved. ed a few times. I am proud to say that I raphy and my electrical engineering even won once!” knowledge, as I could help in the projection room with the What he misses sound system and the projector. So I joined. “During my time at CTPS I served on many committees, and “I feel that CTPS has grown too big, and has lost the feeling held many portfolios — in fact I did a little bit of everything. of camaraderie that existed when it was smaller, and meetAfter some political in-fighting among members of council, ings were held in more comfortable surroundings. “The large membership has resulted in a large number of enthe president resigned (in 1995), and I took over for two years. tries on competition nights, which puts strain on the judging With me were Tom Niemeyer (vice-president), Jenny Powis process, and does not allow for interaction. As a result, what (secretary), and Brian Greener (treasurer). could be a valuable opportunity to learn from the judge’s “When Brian Greener died I took over as treasurer, a posicomments, has been lost. tion that I kept for 10 years. The finances were in a bad way, “In my opinion, CTPS no longer carries the prestige that it and with great reluctance a decision was taken to let the hall used to have, and has become just another camera club. in Jarvis street during the day, with CTPS still having access “In the good old days, being seriously interested in photogfor meetings. This continued for a while, then the premises raphy represented a considerable investment. Apart from became full-time rental.” your camera (unless you took slides where commercial proFond memories cessing was acceptable), you needed a whole darkroom of “I feel that we are in the age of photographic specialists — equipment. Then you had to learn how to develop and print people who are good at one or two photographic genres — your own images, as commercially processed prints were not like portraits, or wildlife, or landscapes. Very few photogra- accepted by CTPS. “I find it a shame that anyone who owns a cell phone these days can call themselves a photographer, and phers can work well outside their comfort zone. When Agfa brought out a cheap disposable camera (le Box) join CTPS. As a result, we now have many members in the top that could take about 27 pictures, and whose price included sections of the society who have no idea how to develop and the developing and printing of the built-in film, I saw a perfect print images.” To p20

www.ctps.co.za

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

August & September 2015

- 20 -

Ian Levy: nearly 50 years of CTPS service Ian Levy, the longest-serving CTPS member, has seen the society grow and change over nearly half a century. Since he joined in 1967, slides have disappeared, AV has taken over from cine, digital has surpassed prints and the society celebrated a centenary as well as 125 year anniversaries. He remembers as follows: “By trade I am an interior decorator and manufacturer of soft furnishings. To this end, it was fortuitous in that photography and colour went hand in hand with my profession, as I was able to compose in my mind the finished project and colours that complimented the assignment. “My late dad was a very keen photographer and so it was through him that I was taught the basic rudiments of photography. At the age of six, I am told, I was quite adept at developing film in a dish under his desk, moving the film, left to right in a U configuration. “A Jack Zive, a member of CTPS, moved in as a neighbour and became my mentor. By the age of twelve I was quite adept at re-touching black and white photographs to the extent that I could remove freckles completely from a photograph. “By the time I was 15/16 years old, I was the school’s photographer for the various divisions in their rugby, cricket and hockey teams. This was a very lucrative period financially and it enabled me to purchase a Rolleiflex camera.

Cine accolades “In my early twenties cine photography became my main interest and I joined the Cape Cine Club, which had a reciprocal membership with CTPS. In 1965, I became president. “I once more gravitated to still photography, in particular printing my own colour photographs, and also became a member of CTPS. “By 1970 I was running a parallel interest, that of producing 16mm documentary films and prints. In the same year I was approached by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) to produce a 20 minute documentary that would inform the public and oil companies of their aim and thus promote their cause. The fledgling institute at that stage only had one boat on which to rely for sea rescue. I completed this project — their first promotional film — which I entered in the PSSA ten best film competition, where it won first place. Needless to say, the film has led to the saving of hundreds of lives and NSRI now has many boats along our coastline. “I was subsequently approached by MedicAlert to emulate the documentary made for NSRI. That the number of lives saved runs into thousands, is an understatement. “Both films were made free of charge as a donation to both organisations. The MedicAlert film also won the PSSA ten best competition and the film was also sent to the States, where it was a resounding success. “As I was a member of CTPS, and a competitive member in the cine section, the films indirectly brought accolades to the society. “An extra accolade of the year 1971 was the winning of the PSSA medal for the best produced magazine for that year. “I served on the CTPS print committee and was vice-president

www.ctps.co.za

•

of the society (in the late 1970’s) and in 1992 was presented with a PSSA service medal for organising the Cape Town Congress (of 1990) — it was the first time that a PSSA congress showed a profit. “Part of the success of the congress was due to procuring the services of Ashley Lazarus, the producer of the famous Peter Stuyvesant action adverts, and the interception and diversion to Cape Town of the Kodak colour print exhibition, which was on its way to Fotokino (the Long Street camera store). A big thank-you is due to our wonderful working relationship with a Mrs Poldon of Kodak, which enabled this.” His best memories of CTPS has been the many accolades he had won. For example, winning the Inter-Club print competition in 1999 and 2003 and being runner-up in 2002 and 2004. After receiving an award for meritorious services to PSSA in 1992, CTPS awarded him a Certificate of Appreciation for his service to the society in 2003. He was also a regular trophy winner at the CTPS year-end functions: in 1985/6/7, 2002 and 2005 he won the Vertue Trophy for Best Colour Print, in 1986 and 1991 he won the Kodak Trophy and in 2003 the Lawley Trophy for Best Monochrome Print. In 2002 all five his entries got acceptances in the Cape of Good Hope International Salon. “In 2013 the high point of all the above was being made an Honorary Life member of CTPS,” he remembers.

JR Ewing disrupts meetings His worst memory of his time as a CTPS member is of the period when he was vice-president. “A gentleman by the name of J.R. Ewing of Dallas appeared on the Wednesday night scene (in 1978) and at times we had an attendance of only five to eight members — a very difficult time. I would place the exhibition free standing boards in a semi-circle closer to the front of the hall, so that the hall did not seem so big!” “I think that CTPS has done admirably in progressing with the times, but the tools used today do not give an insight into the comprehensive manual workings of photography as in years gone by when certain techniques were achieved by an intimate insight of the tools needed to produce the perfect print.” “A light meter, if used, and a reading of the average shadows between light and dark, relied on the ability of the photographer’s expertise to produce the correct print. Today it is just point … and a little diode does the rest — commendable, but is it satisfying? “To me, the satisfaction of a winter’s night, working in the darkroom, enlarging your print and watching it materialise as a manifestation of your creation, cannot be surpassed by handing your work over to some machine, which automatically corrects any errors in exposure and colour. But yes, us oldies of a bygone era we must do or die! “Fifty years, a half century, has seen a tremendous metamorphosis in photography and one cannot ever anticipate the changes to come. “ To all at the society, I salute you in your understanding of the new digital world — may you go from strength to strength.”

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 21 -

August & September 2015

Henk Mulder, a ‘Jack of all trades’ Henk Mulder has not only been a CTPS member for 33 years, but a good deal of this time was spent serving the society in various capacities. This is how he remembers the early days: “I was very young when I got involved with photography. Somewhere between 6 and 16, as they say, my father, a keen amateur photographer, gave me a Kodak 620 folding camera that used 120 film. “Later, when I was in Std 1 (Grade 3) I got what was called a miniature camera — a 35mm Nikkorex 35mm that was first introduced around 1960,” he recollects. “Later still, but while I was still at school, I got a 120 twin lens reflex camera — like the Rollei I still have.” At school, he was the sports events photographer. After school, he qualified as an accountant. “In 1974, when I was Financial Director for Anglo (American) I was transferred to the Cape to handle the merger of the Boschendal Estate to Rhodes Fruit Farms. With my interest in photography it was not long before I joined a photographic club in Bellville, where I lived at the time.”

Joining CTPS He heard about CTPS from his dentist, Johan Kloppers (the current PSSA regional director). “Around this time we discovered that my son Lawrence — although brilliant — required special schooling as a result of his dyslexia. So we moved to Newlands in Cape Town and in 1982 I joined CTPS.” He was soon involved in council and contributed in many ways to the running of the society over the next decades. “I call myself a Jack of all trades as I have been involved in many projects at CTPS,” says Henk. He had been print coordinator, served on council as a member responsible for various portfolios, including president (1998-1999), vice-president, treasurer, in charge of property, etc.. He has also been judging in competitions.

He is also a top p h o t o g r a p h e r, who, for example, won the Interclub prize for the best PDI image in 2007. “The thing about CTPS that I liked best was the sense of camaraderie. If you had a problem someone was there to help you. There were no arrogant members who were not prepared to help new members.” He has special fond memories of Colin Richards, a professional pho- Henk Mulder by Joy Wellbeloved. tographer. “He was very knowledgeable, and always willing to help. One evening while I was judging, Colin submitted a large black and white print of a lion kill which had just happened, with a herd of zebra looking on. “I gave it a score of 30, and suggested that Colin change the name to Street Mugging as it was just like in the city — when someone has been mugged, everyone stands around looking on, but no-one saw anything. When Colin died, he left the print to me in his will.”

Changes since he joined “These days I find that the St Stephen’s Church hall lacks the cosy atmosphere that existed in Huis Den Nederlanden, and the seats are very hard on the bum. The meetings are too long and hurried. There is no time allowed for meaningful dialogue between the judge and the author of the image.” He now attends the Durbanville Photography Club, which is 5km closer to where he lives in Duynefontein (near Koeberg). Other members also live in the area and they share lifts. His advice for other members? “Pardon the youth for their ignorance — it is part of their joy and charm.”

CTPS dreams of a building of our own cont. from p18 When the Huis der Nederlanden (now known as the SA Centre for the Netherlands and Flanders) again became available in June 2010, it was decided to move back, even though the rent, catering and security would cost R1 000 per meeting. The high rental and other problems, however, again prompted a search for alternative meeting space. In July 2011, CTPS moved around the corner to St Stephen’s Church Hall in Pinelands, where the rent would be much less, and convenient storage, parking and tea facilities would be available. And that is where we still meet today. The (by now substantial) rent continued to grow our bank balance, especially after the current treasurer discovered that the tenant owed R111 000 for outstanding rates increases. But the upkeep of the building was very time- and money-consuming.

www.ctps.co.za

•

For example, the council minutes of April 2010 record that R67 000 had to be spent on repairs, in October 2012 the tenant requested upgrades to the value of R173 214 of which CTPS agreed to cover half the amount — and so it went on at regular intervals. At the AGM last year members approved a proposal that the Jarvis Street property may be sold. At a Special General Meeting held on 5 November 2014, members approved the sale of 28 Jarvis Street to the current tenant, 21 Icons, for R4-m. The search for a building of our own is again on: a place where all books, old photographs, valuable cameras, and archives currently in storage could be displayed, where members could have studio space, where a library could be set up, where exhibitions could be held, where meetings could be held ... and thanks to the foresight of older members, we have the funds to buy.

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

August & September 2015

CTPS 125 years:

- 22 -

A showcase of AV’s During the September 125 year celebrations all members of the AV group showcased their work — from novice to experienced — and further entertained other CTPS members with wine and snacks. The evening kicked off on a high note when Antenie Carstens showed how slides were used to create an AV in the olden days. He used no less than six slide projectors to create shows set to music that compare well with some modern AV’s. He explained this method in the Cape Camera of June/July 2015

John Spence filmed the evening and Jeanette du Toit’s AV on the elephant clans in the Etosha was showed.

Antenie Carstens setting up the six slide projectors he used to show four AV’s made in the days before computers.

The nature AV’s made by Margaret Collins and Len van Wyk (entertained the audience.

The evening was successfully organised by Nellian Bekker, here with CTPS property manager Richard Goldschmidt.

Right: Vic Els and CTPS vice-president Nicol du Toit enjoying the break. Left: Two guys who helped contribute to the success of the evening are Ken Woods (left), who assisted with the projection and music for Antenie’s show and Johan Beyers, who provided the wide screen needed for Antenie’s AV’s. Right: Joy Wellbeloved and Steffne Hughes in thoughtful conversation.

Above: Marius Stockenstrom and CTPS secretary Jacoba van Zyl talk AV’s with Antenie Carstens. Joan Ward (right) greeting her friend, Pat Scott, who provided the refreshments for the evening.

www.ctps.co.za

•

Right: Johan Strydom and Andrew Denny enjoying the refreshments served during the break.

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

- 23 -

August & September 2015

CTPS members enjoying the gala evening at the congress. 1) Lionel and Elmara Willis. 2) Margaret Collins and Len van Wyk. 3) Antenie Carstens. 4) Jeanette du Toit and Nellian Bekker. 5) Carin Hardisty, Nicol du Toit and Neels Beyers.

PSSA dedicates congress to us

The 2016 PSSA Congress in Langebaan will be dedicated to the CTPS 125 Year Anniversary. Judging by the programme and the fun members had at the PSSA Congress in Swellendam, this will be a not-to-be-missed event

he next PSSA Congress, which will be held at Club Mykonos, Langebaan, from 26 August to 1 September 2016, will be a celebration of Local is Lekker, Western Cape Regional Director Johan Kloppers told delegates to the 2015 PSSA Congress in Swellendam. And, it will be dedicated to CTPS’ 125th year celebrations. Registration is now open on the PSSA website, where the full programme of top speakers like Lee Slabber, Albert Froneman, Chris Fallows, Nicole Palmer, Willem Oets, Paul Bruins, Gus Waschefort, Manus van Dyk, Theo Lategan etc. will in time be made available. Although Tuesday 30 August is officially an open day, it could prove to be a highlight as a visit to Evita se Perron is planned, where Hein Waschefort and Laetitia Kenny will present workshops. This outing is not covered by the registration fee as only 120 people can be accommodated at an additional fee of R300.

Altering reality Members attending the PSSA congress in Skukuza in 2014 and the JAP course on Altered Reality will be familiar with the creativity of Waschefort and Kenny, who have the ability to transform photographs to mimic other art forms. Apart from presenting an opportunity to photograph canola fields, this year’s congress offered a varied programme — with iconic photographers like Obie Oberholzer and Benny Gool providing some fresh insights that were among the highlights

www.ctps.co.za

•

of the congress. Oberholzer’s off-beat humour — for example, presenting a sleeping camel as an example of his wildlife photography — lightened the somewhat serious mood considerably. In contrast, Benny Gool’s description of how he had to hide from PAGAD, the Staggie gang and the NPA, who all wanted the images he shot of the murder of Rashid Staggie, was a sobering reminder of the responsibility of the photojournalist not to take sides. On the other hand, as custodian of the media coverage of Madiba and Archbishop Tutu, he ensures that personal privacy remains intact.

Interesting presentations The presentation Koot Marais did for his Masters Application and Paul Bruins’ The 10 most valuable lessons I learnt to improve my photography were among the other presentations that delegates enjoyed. Antenie Carstens also gave a very interesting presentation about the history of the PSSA — and the important role some CTPS members played in the formation. The PSSA Forum and Cape Photographers’ AGM were unfortunately not well attended ... but then, not much seems to have happened about the resolutions that were adopted in 2014. The Cape Photographers is organising a National AV Congress from 25-29 April 2016 in Prince Albert. This event will also include the 2nd PECC International AV Festival. Registrations are open now on the PSSA website (www.pssa.co.za).

•

Cape Town Photographic Society

August & September 2015

- 24 -

125 Year celebration diary Save these dates for 2015

16 September

CTPS AGM and Council election. Please think about nominations to fill council positions. Proxy voting forms and notices have been sent out and nominations may be made from the floor.

16 September

After the AGM (from 8pm onwards) Sandra MaythamBailey will talk about the power of photographs. See p4

7 October

Competition Set Subject: images taken during our 125 year anniversary outings and events. Judged by Neels Beyers, Frank Reuvers and Malcolm Jones.

24 October

Entries close for the Cape Town Photographic Society 125th Anniversary Salon for print (Antenie Carstens), PDI (Lesley Parolis), AV (Nellian Bekker). Salon director: Nicol du Toit. See p15.

30 October

The society’s birthday will be celebrated with a gala dinner at Granger Bay with prominent speakers like the presidents of the Royal Photographic Society and the Photographic Society of South Africa. See p4

4 November

Competition Set subject Shadows and/or Reflections. To be judged by Justin de Reuck.

6 November

Interclub competition prize giving and results in the Sanlam Centre, Bellville. Hosted by Swartland Club.

December

Exhibition of the acceptances and prize winning prints in the CTPS 125th Anniversary Salon in the Cape Town Library, with PDIs and AVs projected during the exhibition. A salon catalogue will also be published.

For updates on outings, consult the CTPS website at www.ctps.co.za or the Facebook page.

www.ctps.co.za

•

Cape Town Photographic Society