F CUS NOVEMBER 2021
SHARING VISUAL ART
EDENVALE PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB PSSA / NEWSLETTER BRONZE MEDALIST 2021
02 / NOVEMBER 2021 COVER PHOTO This image was kindly supplied by Cyril Zuma, our special guest at the Awards Evening. More of Cyril’s work can be seen on instagram @cyrilzuma or www.cyrilzuma.co.za
CONTRIBUTE TO FUTURE ISSUES ANY MEMBER CAN SUBMIT MATERIAL FOR CONSIDERATION IN FUTURE PUBLICATIONS PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT IMAGES HAVE A MINIMUM RESOLUTION OF 1080 x 1925 pixels. Of course, we also have to adhere to the regulations for data protection and the rights of use according to the copyright law, therefore, we ask you to supply a declaration of consent of the person or website that you extracted your submission from. Please use the following email address to send contributions and consent letters hanlis54@gmail.com Proof reading of this magazine Kindly done by Clare Appleyard
EDENVALE PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA
03 / NOVEMBER 2021
DEAR MEMBERS My tenure as chairman of EPC has ended. With all honesty, this is a good thing as I will get to. I have seen the club go through some tough times and some good times. The tough times were not really “tough”, more political with members only trying to make EPC a better club. We appreciate this. Only through active member involvement can we drive EPC in the right direction. The AGM ushered in, not only a new chairman, but a change in the committee. This has brought new life and passion into the committee. I can only attribute this to member’s needs now finding a home in the committee. The ideas and fresh points of view coming forward are really exciting and 2022 promises to be an amazing year for EPC. This is accompanied with a new drive and willingness to make EPC a club to be proud of. All I can say is, watch this space. Hanli has stepped into the chairperman’s seat and she already making a huge difference which will be seen by all in the coming months. Hanli, I wish you only the best. We are all here to support you and I know you will be amazing in your new position. This is my last chairman’s chat. It will be the words of Hanli going forward and I really look forward to that. This is so long, but not goodbye. EPC is my home and I am proud to be an EPC member. Yours,
David Chairman: David Wolstencroft 083 229 8066 davewol@gmail.com
04 / NOVEMBER 2021
Committee Members
BI-MONTHLY MEETINGS ARE CURRENTLY CONDUCTED VIA ZOOM DUE TO COVID REGULATIONS David Wolstencroft 083 229 8066 davewol@gmail.com
Linda Carter 083 324 0702
Natasha Bird 082 920 8898 mnktrad@mweb.co.za
Andrew Mayes 083 417 2194
Hanli Smit 083 253 1034 hanlis54@gmail.com
Clare Appleyard 083 234 0247
linda@m-d-s.co.za
mayes.andy.1980@gmail.com
clare.appleyard@gmail.com
MEETING TIME AND PLACE 2ND AND 4TH WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH AT 18H30 FOR 19H00 EDENVALE COMMUNITY CENTRE CNR. VAN RIEBEECK & 2ND STREET, EDENVALE
Kenith Kubheka 082 671 8336 royal.kubheka@gmail.com
05 / NOVEMBER 2021
IN THIS ISSUE Page 6 Page 12
TIPS & TRICKS FOR PUDDLE PHOTOGRAPHY
SET SUBJECTS FOR 2022
Page 15
SALON CLOSING DATES
Page 16
10 NOVEMBER CLUB NIGHT WINNERS
Page 27
WHY JOIN THE PSSA?
Page 28
24 NOVEMBER CLUB NIGHT WINNERS
Page 38
ANNUAL AWARDS
Page 60
IT’S A WRAP
06 / NOVEMBER 2021
Source: Wikipedia
8 Great Tips and Tricks for Taking Awesome
Puddle Photos
https://contrastly.com/8-great-tips-and-tricks-for-taking-awesome-puddle-photos/
Are you interested in trying out puddle photography or puddle reflection photography? There is beauty in the reflections created by puddles. Puddle photos are captivating because they’re like mirrors; they make you see the world differently. These photos also attract a lot of attention and can even be conversation starters because they produce painting-like effects. However, taking good puddle photos is not as simple as clicking the camera the minute you see a puddle – or puddles. There are some things you need to consider. So if you’re thinking of trying out puddle photography, it would do you a lot of good to keep in mind several important tips.
07 / NOVEMBER 2021 1. Choose the right one The first thing you need to remember is that any reflection in the puddle that catches your attention can make for a good photo. But since there are different types of puddles, it is essential to choose the right ones. There are puddles that are smooth and still, and there are those that have ripples. Some puddles are small while others are big. What you should pay attention to, however, are the reflections you see in them. What is (or are) the reflection/s in the water? Do you see trees and houses or people and buildings? Maybe the water has a reflection of colorful flowers? Puddles with beautiful reflections are sure winners Lines and architectural details are also good for adding symmetry to puddles. Additionally, a good puddle is also one that has no unnecessary objects in them. So stay away from puddles that are littered with twigs, cigarette butts, plastics, among others. Although there may be times when any of these distractions can add some context to your photo, they’re really just objects that add clutter to the image you’re trying to create. If a puddle has a lot of leaves in it, the reflection that you’re after may not come out well on your photo. The most captivating thing about puddles is the glass-like reflections they make, so there shouldn’t be obstructions to them.
08 / NOVEMBER 2021 To avoid puddles with dirt, leaves, and other unwanted elements, go for those that are located in areas where it’s not too windy or where the weather is calm – so the water is smooth and still. Good examples would be an underground tunnel and a roofed parking garage. It is also not ideal to shoot in crowded areas for obvious reasons; but this is not a hard rule. A calm street or alley can offer great opportunities even when in the middle of the city. 2. Try different angles If you want to create a perception that the puddle is bigger than its actual size – or if you want a cool and dramatic effect – shoot from a low angle. Experiment with your position so you can choose which one is perfect for you. Maybe you’d like to show the skyline? Or maybe you’d like to include reflections of people? If you position your camera as close to the surface of the puddle as you possible, you’ll find it easy to create the expansive image you want. The best puddle size – one that creates a magical effect – is one that’s at least a foot long. It should be a bit wide, too. Also, try the ones that are on the ground or on the roads over those that are formed on a bank or curb.
09 / NOVEMBER 2021 3. Taking care of your gear Since you need to go as low and as close to the puddle as possible, you should take extra care not only of yourself but also of your camera. Make sure that you and your camera do not get wet. There are accessories though that you can use as protection for your gear If you bring an umbrella (go for the clear plastic ones) and a raincoat, you can play with the puddle to create some drama to your photo. For example, you can jump on the puddle so the water will create a splash. To make sure you capture the splash well, you’ll need a relatively fast shutter speed – minimum of 1/300 second. The faster, the better.
5. Try shooting after sunset or after dark You know, when the city lights are dazzling and dancing. To capture the colorful city lights in the puddle, prepare to shoot with long shutter speeds. Try 1 second and adjust from there. It is also important to adjust your ISO if you want to get your ideal exposure. If you do not have a tripod, look for something flat and solid, such as a bench, where you can place your camera to keep it from shaking. The steadier your camera, the better. 6. Adjust your focus If you’re having a difficult time focusing on the reflection – this can happen with shallow puddles – adjust your camera and make it focus on the actual subject (not on its reflection) first. Then slowly bring your camera back to the puddle and lock its focus.
4. Knowing when to shoot is also important As always, golden hour is a great time to take puddle photos. Just imagine how beautiful and mesmerizing your photos will be if you shoot when the sky is in its absolute best! The clouds dance in different patterns while a rainbow of colors paints the sky. (i.e. waterproof bags or containers, and even plain plastic bags). To make sure you’ll catch the golden hour – early in the morning as the sun is about to rise or late in the afternoon as the sun is about to set – be sure to monitor the weather in the area where you’re shooting. It always pays to be prepared.
10 / NOVEMBER 2021 Don’t hesitate to use post processing programs or apps. Use Lightroom or Photoshop to work on the sharpness, color, white balance, and tones of your photo. There may also be times when you will need to crop your images. 8. Find time to practice Finally, do not forget to find time to practice. The more you practice, the more familiar and comfortable you will become with the techniques of puddle photography. And, of course, you’ll get the chance to experiment with your shots. This will help you establish a particular branding or signature for your puddle photos. Practice also means joining groups, contests, seminars, and workshops. Puddle photography may not be as mainstream as other forms of photography, but it’s worth your time, effort, and creativity because it helps you create beautiful photos that tells many stories LIKED THIS POST? PLEASE SHARE IT: About the Author: Michael Gabriel
Michael Gabriel L. Sumastre is an experienced writer who loves to take pictures of the countryside as well as aerial photographs. He maintains his professional writing portfolio at TheFinestWriter, and you can visit his photography portfolio at Sumastre Photography. Michael was hired by Booking.com to photograph 10 of the most beautiful beaches in Palawan, Philippines
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12 / NOVEMBER 2021
Special Subject themes for 2022 We are very happy with the themes suggested and voted for by our members. The general idea of the set subject is to get us out of our comfort zone. It is not meant to be the place where we recycle our old images, although we are all guilty of just that. This year we want to ask you all to shoot for the theme, or if you do altered reality create for the theme..new images. If you use images older than November 2021 they are not eligable. Please make new images!!! Take another look at the talk done by Alta Oosthuzen on shooting for set subjects. Click on the link below https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WnMw6VtYrqnHbfot1BgsWwrwMB4bg4HG/view?usp=sharing
26 January...Reflections in a puddle 23 February...All tied up 23 March...Raindrops 27 April ...Song Titles 25 May ...Glass 22 June ...Flat Lay 27 July...Levitation 24 August ...The road to nowhere 28 September...Speed 26 October...The power of nature 23 November ...Music
13 / NOVEMBER 2021
Diamond Ratings and Salon acceptances explained.... DIAMOND RATING, DPSSA and EPSSA Diamond Ratings are for achievement by PSSA members in: South African National and South African International Salons with PSSA patronage. All other International Salons with patronage by one or more of: o The Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain o The Photographic Society of America o The Australian Photographic Society o The Chinese Photographic Society o FIAP (Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique) o No more than 50% of your acceptance points may be claimed from overseas based salons 1. Only three credits may be claimed for 1 digital image, print or audio-visual sequence. Some images can qualify for both Open and Nature (e.g. Landscape with no human elements) but still with a maximum of 3 acceptances per images. All credits are carried forward continuously as progress is made through the Diamond Rating. The onus to apply for advancement in the Diamond Rating will rest with the individual and not by automatic notification from PSSA. Acceptances received prior to joining PSSA may also be included up to one year prior to joining. 2. “Open” is everything that is not nature such as sport, altered reality, pictorial, photo travel, etc. A category that allows both Colour and Monochrome images will be classified as OPEN COLOUR
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3. An image is only eligible for a total of 3 acceptances. An image which has been accepted in colour and monochrome forms part of the count of 3 e.g. An image gains a total of 2 colour and 1 mono acceptance = 3 acceptances. 4. Salon Judges will be credited with a number of points per section they judge equal to the number of Images in that section, on both National and International Salons. Judging points may not constitute more than 33% of the total number of points claimed. 5. Non Members may apply for a 1 to 3 Diamond rating and only PSSA Members can apply for a 4 Diamond (DPSSA) and higher. Current fees are R150 for Non Members per category and R115 for Members per category. 6. Application forms are to be found under the Salons tab on the home page of the PSSA website. Please return your completed application form to the Regalia Division of PSSA, with the necessary fee. 7. As a PSSA member you automatically participate in the annual trophy competitions namely the Impala Trophy, the Top Ten Awards and the Top Salon Points Awards, based on total salon acceptances over a year (calculated from 1 July until 30 June). Impala Trophy points will be gained on national and international salons approved by PSSA and held within the borders of South Africa. Note: there have been changes to the Impala rules, so please familiarise yourself with content , you can find the updated rules on the PSSA website
8. No more than 50% of your acceptance points may be claimed from overseas based salons For more detailed information please go to the PSSA websites. https://www.pssa.co.za
15 / OCTOBER 2021
Closing dates for upcoming Salons 2021 find the information brochures on the PSSA website 2022-01-08 MIROC International Salon Circuit - Edenvale 2022-01-22 2nd Bethal National PDI Salon 2022-01-29 Boksburg Camera Club National PDI Salon 2022-01-30 13th Holland International Image Circuit (Brochure available) ADDITIONAL SALON JUST ADDED! 2022-02-02 5th PECC International Audio Visual Festival (Brochure available) 2022-02-12 Eden National Digital Salon 2022-02-19 Cape Town Photographic Society National PDI & Print Salon
2022-03-05 5th Rustenburg National Digital Salon
2022-03-19 Ermelo Fotoklub 3rd National PDI Salon
16 / NOVEMBER 2021
ONE STAR NATURE WINNER 10 NOVEMBER 2021
Cattle Egret Baboon Pond
Peter Fine Brian Abrahams
17 / NOVEMBER 2021
TWO STAR NATURE WINNER 10 NOVEMBER 2021
Kenton Sunrise
Linda Carter
18 / NOVEMBER 2021
TWO STAR PICTORIAL WINNER 10 NOVEMBER 2021
Jacaranda Time
Linda Carter
19 / NOVEMBER 2021
THREE STAR NATURE WINNER 10 NOVEMBER 2021
Little Egret Reflection Andrew Mayes
20 / NOVEMBER 2021
THREE STAR PICTORIAL WINNER 10 NOVEMBER 2021
Startrail
Tony Wilson
21 / NOVEMBER 2021
THREE STAR CELLPHONE WINNER 10 NOVEMBER 2021
Protea reflection
Caryn Wilson
22 / NOVEMBER 2021
FOUR STAR PICTORIAL WINNER 10 NOVEMBER2021
Cub Stare
Stephen
Kangisser
23 / NOVEMBER 2021
FOUR STAR PICTORIAL WINNER 10 NOVEMBER 2021
Portrait of Irene
Stephen
Kangisser
24 / NOVEMBER 2021
5* & 5 Star Honours NATURE WINNER 10 NOVEMBER 2021
Stately Flamingo
Dino Bottega
25 / NOVEMBER 2021
5* & 5 Star Honours PICTORIAL WINNER 10 NOVEMBER 2021
Days End
Dave Gordon
26 / NOVEMBER 2021
5* & 5 Star Honours CELLPHONE WINNER 10 NOVEMBER 2021
MonsoonDays
Vadivelu T
27 / NOVEMBER 2021
28 / NOVEMBER 2021
ONE STAR NATURE WINNER 24 NOVEMBER 2021
Sunset Portrait
Brian Abrahams
29 / NOVEMBER 2021
ONE STAR PICTORIAL WINNER 24 NOVEMBER 2021
Ride Him Cowboy Brian Shaw
30 / NOVEMBER 2021
TWO STAR NATURE WINNER 24 NOVEMBER 2021
Windy day
Peter Fine
31/ NOVEMBER 2021
TWO STAR PICTORIAL WINNER 24 NOVEMBER 2021
Memories of Grandfather Linda Carter
32 / NOVEMBER 2021
THREE STAR NATURE WINNER 24 NOVEMBER 2021
Falcon portrait
Tony Wilson
33 / NOVEMBER 2021
THREE STAR PICTORIAL WINNER 24 NOVEMBER 2021
Small jump
Tony Wilson
34 / NOVEMBER 2021
FOUR STAR NATURE WINNER 24 NOVEMBER 2021
White Bellied Sunbird
Brian Kleinwort
35 / NOVEMBER 2021
FOUR STAR PICTORIAL WINNER 24 NOVEMBER 2021
Victorian Portrait
Stephen
Kangisser
36 / NOVEMBER 2021
5* & 5 Star Honours NATURE WINNER 24 NOVEMBER 2021
Red Billed Oxpecker
Gary Andrew Peck
37 / NOVEMBER 2021
5* & 5 Star Honours PICTORIAL WINNER 24 NOVEMBER 2021
Pensive in Prayer Hanli Smit
38 / NOVEMBER 2021
EDENVALE EXPERIENCED TRUE RED CARPET TREATMENT FOR OUR ANNUAL AWARDS EVENING AT THE FOTOZA GALLERY IN ROSEBANK
The evening was captured by our own award winning Photographer Stephen Kangisser Stephen not only wins local competitions but is also raking in the International awards THANK YOU STEPHEN To see more of Stephen’s work...go to: Stephen Kangisser Photographer | Facebook Stephen Kangisser Wildlife Photography | Facebook Wildlife instagram:@skangi1
39 / NOVEMBER 2021 Cyril Zuma is a full-time professional photographer, with 7 years experience in South African commercial photography. His photographs have graced billboards around South Africa with work for Flight Centre and the Department of Tourism, amongst others. As an experienced event photographer, he has been the official photographer at events as diverse as the Miss Soweto beauty pageant and the Ultra South Africa EDM festivals. Cyril was fortunate enough to photograph the Springbok’s Soweto victory parade after their 2019 World Cup win, and is frequently called upon by local celebrities and influencers for publicity photographs. Both Sony and Samsung have partnered with Cyril to help introduce new cameras and Clare cellphones into the local South African interviewed market. Cyril has also launched a young his own stock photo website called Color vibrant Space, photographer started when he realised that many as an photos that advertising agencies were using introduction were not relatable to many South Africans. to the
evening.
https://colorspace.co.za
40 / NOVEMBER 2021
1 and 2 Star Winners
41 / NOVEMBER 2021
Fabiola Geeven 1 & 2 Star winner of Altered Reality and 1 & 2 Star Most Versatile Photographer
Brian Shaw
1 & 2 Star winner of Nature Category
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45 / OCTOBER 2021 Tony Wilson is the 2021 1&2 Star winner of
Human Portrait Animal Portrait Open Mono Open Colour Scapes Still Life and RUNNER UP MOST VERSATILE PHOTOGRAPHER
46/ NOVEMBER 2021 Gavin Dufy winner of Altered Nature and Photojournalism 2&2 Star Category
47/ NOVEMBER 2021
3 and 4 Star Winners
Andrew Mayes 3 & 4 Star Winner Altered Reality
48 / NOVEMBER 2021
2021
49 / NOVEMBER 2021 Stephen
Kangisser Winner of Altered Reality Animal Portrait Human Portrait Open Mono Open Colour Scapes Still Life & MOST VERSATILE PHOTOGRAPHER 2021
3 and 4 Star Winner 2021
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5 & 6 Star / Open Category Winner 2021
Natasha Bird Animal Portrait Open Mono Still Life
.....it’s a wrap
60 / NOVEMBER 2021
THERE IS NO DOUBT that the past two years have seen a fundamental shift in the way we work and live, while we are all coming to grips with the so called “NEW NORMAL” We had to learn a few new skills, like meeting via Zoom, paying our last respects to friends and loved ones via a Zoom memorial or funeral has now become “normal”. Joining weddingcelebrations via Zoom is now common practice. But South Africans are tough and resilliant, we embrace change and we look forward to new and exciting times ahead. Due to the pandemic we are in the fortunate position to be looking for a new “home” for Edenvale Photographic Club. The Committee is hard at work and will inform the members as soon as we find something suitable.
David Wolstencroft left a rather large pair of boors to fill. We really thank him from the bottom of our hearts for all the extra work he had to put in due to the online meetings and recordings. Our Newsletter is also now more interactive, if you click on a website link it should take you to that particular web page or video. We aim to add more and more interactive tips and tutorials to the Newsletter. With our new Professional subscription to ISSUU you will be able to download a printable copy of our Focus Newsletter. I am looking forward to 2022, to some awsome images and to some new and exciting ideas. Hopefully our set subject approach will keep all our members clicking and creating winning images.
Stay Safe and have a happy December holliday season Hanli Smit Editor & Chairperson
Hanli