3 SNAP April 2020

APRIL 2020 SNAPMAGAZINE WESTVILLE CAMERA CLUB

OUTING AFRICAN GLASS BLOWING ANTARCTICA STORYTELLING IN PHOTOGRAPHY SNAPMAGAZINE PUBLISHER Westville Camera Club

SNAPMAGAZINE EDITOR Natascha Weber

CONTRIBUTORS Jurgen Huse Judy Mann Geoﬀ Feldon

COVER PHOTO “The Cape Board Walk” - Ciska Venter Top Senior Image of the month PREVIOUS ISSUES 2019/2020

October November December February March SUGGESTIONS & ARTICLES Please let us know what you want to see in your magazine. More ar�cles? More images? More tutorials? More about the members? Please tell us. Send your news to the editor: [email protected]

The Westville Camera Club is proudly aﬃliated with the PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA www.pssa.co.za THIS MONTHS JUDGES

REMOTE: Dr Chris Swanepoel - Pietersburg Fotograﬁe Klub APSSA

LOCAL: Geoﬀ Feldon - WCC LPSSA

TOP SET SUBJECT - THE POWER OF COLOUR: A Sucker For Colour - Conrad Kelsey (Honours Gold) TOP JUNIOR: Wish you were here - Judy Mann (3 Star)

TOP SENIOR: The Cape Board Walk - Ciska Venter (Honours Pla�num) CONTENTS features

13 OUTING: AFRICAN GLASS BLOWING - Fascina�on over real Cra�sman - by Jurgen Huse 06 CHAIRMANS REPORT 07 GENERAL CLUB INFORMATION 17 ANtarctica - our story 08 meetings & outings - A once in a life�me opportunity not to be missed - by Judy Mann 09 CONGRATULATIONS 12 BIRTHDAYS 22 storytelling in photography 25 events & competitions - by Geoﬀ Feldon 27 skills pages 33 set subject 37 pssa salons 38 ED’S F-STOP 39 COMMITTEE DETAILS

westville camera club 05 CHAIRMANS

Friday 20 March heralds the end of Summer and the beginning of Autumn. Days are ge�ng shorter and “To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s the nights are star�ng to cool down. On the plus side, about ﬁnding something interesting an ordinary early morning sunrise is not quite so early anymore, place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you and the trees are all preparing to don their latest see and everything to do with the way you see them.” autumn colours. — Ellio� Erwi�

The ﬁrst compe��on event has taken place with our annual Tri Na�ons round robin compe��on having been concluded. Once again WCC took the winning place against some s�ﬀ compe��on. The standard of IANDAMERELL the compe�ng clubs is certainly improving, and we are going to have to keep the good work up if we are to maintain our top spot next year.

Our recent workshops and ou�ng to the glass blowers were very informa�ve events. Both were well received by our members and we had a great turnout. 2020 Has certainly taken a turn for the worse as we find ourselves confined to quarters under the Covid-19 lockdown. However, this does not mean the WCC has suspended all ac�vi�es and neither should any of you. Judging has and will con�nue to take place as normal. The presenta�on of results and feedback may be a li�le different, but we will get these out to all of you. Please take the opportunity to look at your fellow togs images and the comments as well as you would do in a normal judging evening.

It goes without saying that our mee�ngs and events will be cancelled for April as well. We will be ins�tut- ing some regular photo challenges though to keep everyone clicking and hopefully inspired and chal- lenged to try something else. Details will be posted on all our media pla�orms shortly so please keep an eye out for these. I encourage you all to take part in these fun events.

So, through all the madness that Covid-19 has brought us, and the uncertainty it has created in our lives I sincerely request of all of you that you take care of yourselves and your families. I am looking forward to seeing each and every member in full health when we are all back together.

Stay safe and healthy and happy clicking All.

westville camera club 06 generalclub info image entry digital submissions

Any digital image entered in a section may Digital images to be submitted electronically not at any time be re-entered in that or any via PHOTOVAULTONLINE. other section or medium for promotional purposes. Previously entered work, either wholly IMAGE SIZING or partially, may not be entered without sub- Width: 1920 pixels max stantial, content transforming modifications. Height: 1080 pixels max File Size: not exeed 2MB Proof of originality will rest with the author. All images contained within the image, must BORDERS – thin outlines are allowed but be the author’s own work. larger frames are discouraged.

Exceptions: IMAGE NAMES - Authors’ names may Computer manipulated filters, distortions and NOT be added to the digital images when textures. Images may not be manufactured submitted. Images to be named with the using stock material which has previously image title only. eg: Beach Sunrise been entered in promotional competitions without substantial modification.

Images taken in consecutive frames repre- senting the same scene or activity will be viewed as the same image and can only be allowed for submission once for judging.

Due to time constraints only 1 set subject photo from each member will be shown and judged by the members on the night of submission.

When downloading through Photovault the first SS image you download will be the quick judge image. If 2 photos are submitted they will both be judged the following month as normal. CLUB BADGES - R50

SALON SUBMISSIONS Anyone may enter a Salon. To find out more on how to do so, go to the Photographic Society of South Africa’s website [www.pssa.co.za] or ask one of the senior club members. The PSSA Salon Calendar may be found in the PSSA section of this months SNAP magazine along with other PSSA news.

westville camera club 07 meetings outings MEETINGS TO START PROMPTLY AT 19:00!

08 APRIL (Wednesday) WORKSHOP EVENING INSTEAD...

15 APRIL (Wednesday) As we are all at home and in LOCKDOWN with JUDGING EVENING plenty of time to spare, we hope you get out your cameras and start snapping away as WCC is asking each and every one of you to rise to the occasion and send in up to 10 images for each challenge we have. In total we will have 6 dates for each new challenge, namely: - 1 April - 10 April - 4 April - 13 April - 7 April Each challenge will start from 6am on the date nominated and end at 6pm on the 3rd day. At 6pm the next challenge will be decided for the next day. This will be put on Facebook and all WCC media. So all you photogs, get your thinking caps on and let's see who comes up with some amazing innovative ideas. We also encourage all members to treat the challenge as we would do a QUICK JUDGE, and on Facebook, Click 'Like" and add constructive criti- cism or thoughts on photos. At the end of the challenge the BEST 3 images voted from each challenge will be collated and put on Facebook and the website to acknowledge the photographers and the spirit of our amazing club. Happy snapping everyone and hope you and your families stay safe during these trying times.

westville camera club 08 congratulations!

As we are all at home and in LOCKDOWN with Salon acceptances plenty of time to spare, we hope you get out your cameras and start snapping away as WCC is asking each and every one of you to rise to the occasion and send in up to 10 images for each challenge we have. 4TH ALBERTON NATIONAL DIGITIAL SALON In total we will have 6 dates for each new challenge, namely: Acceptance COM - 1 April - 10 April Karen Fischer 3 - 4 April - 13 April Lucia Phillips 1 - 7 April Andrew Pike 1 Each challenge will start from 6am on the date Kazale�e Pike 2 nominated and end at 6pm on the 3rd day. At 6pm the next challenge will be decided for the next day. This will be put on Facebook and all WCC media. So all you photogs, get your thinking caps on and let's see who comes up with some amazing innovative ideas. We also encourage all members to treat the challenge as we would do a QUICK JUDGE, and on Facebook, Click 'Like" and add constructive criti- cism or thoughts on photos. FYI: PSSA HONOURS At the end of the challenge the BEST 3 images voted from each challenge will be collated and put Closing dates for Honours applica�ons: Twice per annum on 25 January and 1 July on Facebook and the website to acknowledge the photographers and the spirit of our amazing club. Results will be advised approximately two months a�er the closing date Happy snapping everyone and hope you and your families stay safe during these trying times. The Honours Division controls the awards made to members in recogni�on of a high standard of photographic ability and/or service to PSSA and to photography in general.

Applica�on is only open to full members of the Society. Anyone interested in applying for Honours may join at the same �me as applying. Proof of status of current membership must be included with your applica�on.

A�er successfully applying for your Honours you may list the relevant Honour a�er your name as long as you remain a fully paid up member of PSSA. All successful applicants may apply for an Honours e-badge which can be used on personal websites, le�erheads, accredita�on applica�ons etc. as long as you remain a full member of PSSA. Applica�on must be made to [email protected]

If you con�nue and achieve higher honours you only list the highest honour a�er your name, excluding Hon, (Dux) and (Vers) awards. The le�ers are listed without punctua�on or parentheses.

westville camera club 09 WELL DONE!

Congratula�ons to the following members who have achieved the below ra�ngs from PSSA a�er submi�ng a panel of 10 IMAGES in the respec�ve categories. 1st Attempt LPSSA COLOUR Di Wayne

Congratula�ons to the following members who have achieved the below ra�ngs from PSSA a�er submi�ng a panel of 15 IMAGES in the respec�ve categories.

APSSA MONO Willie Henegan

APSSA COLOUR Willie Henegan

westville camera club 10 WELL DONE!

1st Attempt APSSA COLOUR PRINTS Pieter Venter

Congratula�ons to the following members who have achieved the below ra�ngs from PSSA a�er submi�ng a panel of 25 IMAGES in the respec�ve categories.

1st Attempt FPSSA COLOUR Ciska Venter

westville camera club 11 westville camera club 12 PHOTO: jurgen huse OUTING - GLASS BLOWING FASCINATION OVER REAL CRAFTSMAN - 14.03.2020 by Jurgen Huse It was an outing which I originally could not attend and was thrilled to make after all, and boy was it worth it! Arriving punctually at the gate of 6 Key Ridge Road, Summerveld just before 10 am, I received a hearty welcome from other WCC members. This is the home of Guido and Coralie van Besouw, and also their business for African Blown Glass who supply art galleries, shops and interior decorators throughout the country. Guido is of a rare breed in South Africa, a true glassblower and an extremely talented one at that. His wife Coralie is right by his side, assist- ing him with his work. As there were 25 of us and only limited space in the workroom, I decided to follow Coralie’s recommendation to go and view the indigenous forest on the lower side of the horse paddocks. I snaked my way through the paddocks PHOTO: ALLAN BOWER westville camera club 13 with Greg, past the two mellow greys and the frisky brown. The forest was magnificent. Coralie proudly told me that they had removed a Blue Gum forest and planted these indigenous trees. The forest had such a wonderful ecosystem, burst- ing with life and no sign that it had ever been planted. With 40 years on the premises, the trees have had time to equilibrate. Greg and I took a small loop in the forest and felt its cool microclimate as compared to the muggy, hot conditions outside. We enjoyed looking at some wild flowers and also found an interesting moss-covered tree stump to photograph. ABOVE PHOTOS: JURGEN HUSE Then it was time to head back to the studio. BELOW PHOTO: ALLAN BOWER

westville camera club 14 PHOTO: GRAHAM GILLETT

A lean but strong man, Guido depicted extreme focus and concentration as he worked on a lump of glass as if his life depended on it. Initially just a glowing lump of glass, bit by bit it was turned into a masterfully crafted vase. Everyone of WCC was spell-bound, cameras pointing from all angles. The fascination was not only in our craftsman at work, but it was also intriguing to see such intense photographers. I took a short walk into the two display rooms and could easily have spent an hour or more looking at the great variety of masterpieces. From birds to vases and bowls to bottles to figurines, the array of colours and forms was PHOTO: JURGEN HUSE amazing.

PHOTO: ALLAN BOWER

PHOTO: SHIRLEY GILLITT westville camera club 15 PHOTO:: GRAHAM GILLETT Back in the workroom, I was magnetised by Guido’s dex- terity and could not leave this time until the vase was completed. On doing my own research, I learnt that it takes a 7-year apprenticeship to become a glassblower. I had an opportunity to chat to Guido. With all the dehy- dration whilst manipulating the glass in the furnace, I jokingly asked where he kept a big fridge with water and beverages in the workroom. He just chuckled and with a glint in his eyes admitted to drinking a lot of water. Our hosts were very accommodating and friendly, and great thanks to them, also to Jen and Shirley for organis- ing this outing. To say a “great” time was had by all WCC members is an understatement. It was intriguing and fas- cinating, a cultural experience of note, and a privilege to see and photograph a masterful craftsman at work.

PHOTO: JURGEN HUSE

westville camera club 16 - “WISH YOU WERE HERE” STORY & photos by JUDY MANN ANTARCTICA - OUR STORY I am sure that by now fellow WCC members are getting used to my photos of Antarctica popping up during our Judging Evenings. Natascha, our SNAP Editor asked me to tell the story of ‘How I got those shots’, which provides a perfect opportunity to tell the story of the trip of a lifetime. When a good friend, and an Expedition Leader for Quark Expeditions, asked “Would you like MV SEA SPIRIT to come to Antarctica with me, you just need to cover your flight to Ushuaia, and a small daily fee”, Bruce and I did not hesitate, we said YES with enthusiasm! This was an opportunity that would never come again. It was a dream come true. And so, in December 2013 – we were ready to go. Packing was tricky for the -4 to +2°C weather, but we found the thermal underwear, thick socks, gloves and waterproof gear quite easily. Packing camera gear was more complicated – after lots of reading about lenses and SD cards, UshUaia - ARGENTINA cameras and software, how to cope with temperature changes, snow and salt spray, I decided to purchase a Sigma 70 – 200, F2.8 lens for my Nikon D5100. This splurge was carefully consid- ered as I was not going to miss the opportunity to take LOTS of photos and I wanted the best lens I could afford. I also took my trusty ‘kit’ lens on my older D60 Nikon and a Sony point and shoot. Armed with my cameras and 4 x 32G SD cards I was ready. Bruce had his trusty little Canon under- water camera and a GoPro. The camera gear weighed almost as much as the clothing!

We flew to Buenos Aires and then down to Ush- uaia, a small town in Argentina near the tip of South America. Surrounded by spectacular moun- tains it is one of the two ‘gateways’ to the Antarc- tic. Here we boarded our vessel the MV Sea Spirit OUR CABIN ABOARD THE MV SEA SPIRIT

westville camera club 17 operated by Quark Expeditions. The vessel was We first explored South Georgia, one of the relatively small, we had fewer than 100 passen- world’s most important penguin and seabird gers and about 90 crew so it was super luxuri- breeding areas, before going south to the ous. Both Bruce and I had often lectured Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands onboard local cruise ships, starting with the and then crossing the Drake Passage back to Achille Lauro, but this vessel was in a class of its South America. own. Each cabin was well equipped with soft bed linen and a spacious bathroom – two critical ingredients for the first two days as I spent them intermittently sleeping and being seriously sea- sick! But – the weather was awful, so bad that as soon as we had left the Beagle Channel we had to hide behind Isla de Ios Estados as we were experiencing winds of 65+ knots and waves over 4m. When we did eventually make our way into the Scotia Sea and the notorious Drake Passage we faced waves between 11 and 16m!!! And we were in the ‘cheap seats’ up in the bow of the ship, aka the Vomitorium! BUT – once I had got my ‘sea legs’ and the weather had calmed down there was no OUR VOYAGE stopping my photography. At one stage Bruce asked if I was planning to photograph every penguin I saw, I said yes – of course – bearing in mind that some of the colonies were home to over 60 000 penguins! SOUTH GEORGIA KING PENGUIN COLONY

westville camera club 18 MV Sea Spirit was our home base but each day we ELEPHANT SEAL MOCK BATTLE did up to three excursions in a zodiac. These zodiacs were crewed by incredibly skilled and knowledge- able expedition staff. Each day was filled with excitement - we saw six species of penguin and over 30 different species of seabirds, including incredible albatrosses (4 species), whales and dolphins and four different seal species, including leopard seals. The scenery was breath-taking – icebergs and glaciers, waterfalls and sheer cliffs. The ice is never silent – groaning and cracking, popping and scraping – it feels alive. Being summer it was light most of the night, with a strange ‘dusk’ at around midnight. WILDLIFE PARADISE We visited Shackleton’s Grave, explored the old whaling station of Grytviken and other abandoned stations. Seeing elephant seal pups amongst whale bones was an eerie reminder of an earlier era when penguins, whales and seals were slaughtered in their millions. We covered over 3000 nautical miles in our 17-day expedition, and I took over 4000 photos! Not quite every penguin – but I did my best. BUT because I swapped SD cards between camera bodies and because I did not change the date on the cameras – boy did I have a mess when I got home. Sorting 4000 photos seemed to take as long as the SOOTY ALBATROSS expedition!

westville camera club 19 JUVENILE KING PENGUINS GLACIERS INTO THE OCEAN SCENERY ON SOUTH GEORGIA

GRYTVIKEN OLD WHALING STATION

A GLACIER

Keeping the camera dry FEARLESS

westville camera club 20 ADELIE PENGUINS

Visiting Antarctica was an almost spiritual experience. The scenery is spectacular, and the animals have little fear of humans; it was a reminder of a distant past, before humans came to dominate, exploit and destroy nature, not for need but for greed. Bruce and I returned home even more passionate about the environment and with a renewed appreciation of the fragility of nature. The fact that things we do in South Africa are impacting on life in Antarctica is a sobering reminder that we truly are all a part of the amazing world wide web of nature.

We still feel incredibly privileged to have experienced Antarctica and will forever be grateful to Pam for the incredible opportunity.

westville camera club 21 STORYTELLING IN PHOTOGRAPHY by GEOFF FELDON

If a picture paints a thousand words, Then why can’t I paint you?

What can we learn about Storytelling in Photography from these words from the song “IF” by Bread.

To be honest I don’t think anything at all - but it sounds good.

It is true that every picture tells a story but when storytelling is the objective of the Photo then the story needs to be strong.

There are essentially two types of stories that can be told.

OPEN

– this is where the story is open to interpre- tation and different people may come to different conclusions as to what the story is about. The photographer’s and viewer’s past experiences and emotions will affect how the photo is interpreted.

CLOSED

– these are photos that tell a definite story and most people will come to the same conclusion about the story. The photo would be organised and told in a straightforward way. Think of Photojournalism although they may not necessarily be photojournalis- tic photos PHOTO: Natascha Weber

westville camera club 22 PLAN

The key is to plan the story you want to tell. While some stories may just come your way you will much more successful if you plan carefully before hand - What is the story to be about? - Why do I want to tell it? - What symbols and elements am I going to use to enhance the story? - What research do I need to do to be able to tell the story? Use your instinct and be original. Tell the story as you want it to be seen. Don’t just copy or replicate some other work you have seen. Points to consider when making your images

COMPOSITION

- as with all photography, composition is important. Check to see that you have all the elements in the right place, to give emphasis where and on what you want it to be. Consider if you want a wide view to show the location or zoomed in to emphasise a detail. How do you want to direct the viewer’s eye?

Images from Light Stalking – Story Telling Through Photography DISTRACTIONS

– keep distractions to a minimum. You want to include all the necessary elements but don’t over clutter the image. Check your framing carefully. Remember leaving out some elements can create more of a mystery and raise curiosity. Less is often more

Images from Light Stalking – Story Telling Through Photography EMOTIONS

– include powerful emotions using body language, expressions, props, lighting, colours etc.

westville camera club 23 COLOURS

– use colours to help tell the story. Which colours will enhance the story – cool blues or warm reds, complementary or contrasting colours, or simple black and white.

A story can be a moment in time or tell of events over time.

Remember you only have one frame so:

- Decide on the story - Plan - Watch your framing - Consider the elements - Leave out distractions - Use composition - Use colours

westville camera club 24 APRIL EVENTS & COMPS

Since we're all at home, let's have some fun! We want to see what home means to you. Whether it's pics of your kids, your cat, your partner, what you're having for lunch, your couch, or your prize winning latte - we want to see it! So snap, share and win with us. We're looking for creative, quality shots. To enter, go to: https://broadcastlighting.co.za/ The Prizes First Prize - Enthusiast LED Lighting Kit, Backdrop Stand, White Muslin Backdrop - valued at R4,950 Second Prize - LED Light Box Photo Studio 80x80cm valued at R2,200 Third Prize - 18" LED Bi-Colour Ring Light with Stand - valued at R1,950 The top 3 entries will be selected by our panel of currently home-bound judges Terms: • Open to South African residents over the age of 18 only • By entering you agree to our official rules • Entries close midnight, Thursday 16th April 2020 • Entries limited to 1 per person

westville camera club 25 APRIL EVENTS

Covid-19 is seriously attacking public health. Frontiers are closing, governments are asking people to stay home for preventing its expansion. This is undoubtedly an unknown situation with many social side effects. Although it may sound easy to stay home for one day or two, it can become difficult if more people are obliged to remain home for a couple of weeks or even longer. We are not used to these circumstances and we even ignore how to spend our “free” time. FIAP is actively participating in the “We Stay Home” campaign. What better than taking pictures when you must stay home? For this reason, FIAP is announcing an international photo competition opened to all photographers of the world, with pictures taken at home during this period. The participation is without entry fees. Instead, for each photographer who participated in this special competition, FIAP is going to contribute a certain amount of money to a world organization specialized in the fight against the Corona Virus (to be advised by the World Health Organization). The rules of this competition are as follows: 1) No entry fees. 2) One (mixed) section with both Color and B&W digital images. 3) Free subject, under the special condition for the pictures to have been taken in the place photographers are confined after the 15th of March 2020. 4) Each photographer can submit up to 4 photos. Digital files must be in JPEG format, 8 bit, RGB, with the longest side 1920 pixels, 300 dpi. Each file should not exceed 4 MB in size. 5) Each photograph must have a unique title. Words such as “Untitled” and “No Title” are not acceptable even as part of an image title, nor are camera capture filenames. Photos with any watermarks are not accepted. 6) Closing Day: April 30, 2020

westville camera club 26 TABLETOP PHOTOGRAPHY By: Fix the photo https://fixthephoto.com/tabletop-photography.html LENSES: Since tabletop photography involves taking photos of the relatively small absolute must-have. Still, if your product is supposed to have certain defects, don’t 5. Avoid Filters things, there’s no need to buy the telephoto lens and the like. Your standard Kit lens mislead the potential buyers. On the other hand, a slight imperfection may become WHAT IS TABLETOP PHOTOGRAPHY 1. Work on Angles is an excellent reasonably priced lens that will be a perfect fit for beginners as well a part of your style, in case you don’t plan to use your photos for commercial Photographers use filters to retouch an image. However, you need to ensure that Tabletop photography is a genre of commercial product/still life photography, as for experienced professionals. It is a good universal lens, which is also suitable purpose. Each product is special in its own way and there is no single standard for choosing your product doesn’t lose its natural look. Don’t apply Retro, Matte, or Sepia filters which implies placing objects such as food and drinks, gadgets, cosmetics, etc. on for lifestyle product photography. the appropriate angle for tabletop photography. The difference between a 45- to your product photos. the table. Primarily, commercial photography is associated with advertising and degree and 90-degree angle can bring the fundamental changes to a perception promotion of a product and table top photography is no exception. It means that SHOOTING TABLE: Any space will do - even the floor! Consider your background, of a photo. You need to find an exact angle to complement your composition this genre is intended for commercial shooting of the products. A table is used as light direction, ease of access, and can you change the background using harmoniously by trial and error. a base. paper/board/fabric etc. [amended by editor] 2. Use Your Smartphone Why has tabletop photography become so popular? Firstly, it’s because of using LIGHTING SETUP: Having an expensive camera is crucial when you work in low such kind of product photography in Instagram. Secondly, arranging a tabletop light conditions or shoot moving objects, but it doesn’t apply to tabletop photogra- photo studio won’t take a lot of time and efforts, compared to the traditional phy. If you have a good DSLR, point-and-shoot camera, or even a smartphone, it’s product photography studios. However, image quality will meet the professional Here are 5 effective steps to create and organize a tabletop photography studio more reasonable to invest in lighting than to buy an expensive body. You can, of level standards. that allows you to achieve a better result with minimal time and money expenses. course, save even more and use natural light. ED - You can also use desk lamps, but make sure you use a strong bright globe which is a white light. Warm light will give your images a yellow cast. TABLETOP PHOTOGRAPHY TYPES One can divide tabletop photography into three most popular types – flatlays, TRIPOD: The main purpose of a tripod is to ensure the stability for a camera during

PAGES stylized and white background photos. Each one has its own purpose and the shooting process. This is especially important for still life photography, which peculiarities. calls for a clear and static image. If you aren’t going to change the shooting place very often, then you don’t need a portable tripod. 1. FLATLAY TABLETOP PHOTOGRAPHY 3. Prefer One Type of Lightning The flatlay tabletop photography is represented with photos that are taken from above, in other words, at a 90-degree angle. This style lets you showcase flat objects or a great number of them in the best way Also, to enhance the composition, you can use props depending on the fore- possible. For instance, it can be a thought style. You can use various acrylic trays or plants as jewelry photography pizza or a roomy suitcase, with the props. If you don’t know what food photography props to choose, authentic table contents that can’t be clearly seen serving like a slice of meat on a wooden board or any associated object like the from a side. Yet, if your object doesn’t ice cubes for cold drinks would be a great decision. You can even add a crafting fall under one of these categories, a touch to your tabletop photography setup, using DIY photography props. Just don’t 45-degree angle would look better First of all, you need to understand how you want to photograph a product, why do overdo and focus the main attention on your product. and more dimensional. you take a picture and for whom. Only after you’ve grasped the essence of the photoshoot, you can go ahead to the next stages and try to put your tabletop

SKILLS photography ideas into action. I also recommend getting acquainted with similar photos in order to analyze their strong points and improve the flaws. For this article Though the Automatic mode seems simple and very convenient, prefer a Manual 4. Prefer Soft Shadows I’ve chosen an ordinary white mug with the custom inscription. shooting mode. Only then you can adapt yourself to the shooting situation and 2. STYLIZED TABLETOP PHOTOGRAPHY show your unique style. Below you’ll find the basic settings that I use for tabletop The stylized tabletop photography photography: immerses an object into its “natural” • ISO: 100 (the lighter, the less is number and vice versa) environment, thereby creates an CAMERA BODY: If you plan to use your tabletop photography samples mainly on • Aperture: F/11 - F/16 authentic atmosphere. It can be a the web, then you’d better focus on the lenses, rather than on megapixels. • Shutter Speed: 1/30 cup of coffee in the coffee shop or a Although megapixels improve the clarity of your images, they refer more to the book in the library. You should printing than viewing visual content in digital space. If you’re ready to invest quite remember that it’s hard to carry a lot in a camera, but you still need something easy to use, these two options can In order to fulfill their main function, the commercial images should look as around all of the necessary satisfy your expectations. The first is a DSLR, the second is a point-and-shoot presentable as possible. That’s why you need to remove all kinds of scuffs, irregu- A great photo session is only half of the success. You need to use photo editing equipment (we’ll talk about it a little camera. Both variants prove that photographer skills more than a pricey equipment larities and other defects, especially, when it comes to the jewelry photography or software to get a professional and finished look. It’ll add an interesting flair to your bit later), thus, it’s better to prepare a influence the quality of the shots. shoe photography. most creative tabletop photography ideas. tabletop studio nook in advance. If you’re interested in food photography, then tasty and fresh looking food is an westville camera club 27 TABLETOP PHOTOGRAPHYCONTINUED...

3. WHITE BACKGROUND TABLETOP PHOTOGRAPHY LENSES: Since tabletop photography involves taking photos of the relatively small absolute must-have. Still, if your product is supposed to have certain defects, don’t 5. Avoid Filters This style of tabletop photography is things, there’s no need to buy the telephoto lens and the like. Your standard Kit lens mislead the potential buyers. On the other hand, a slight imperfection may become 1. Work on Angles intended predominantly for is an excellent reasonably priced lens that will be a perfect fit for beginners as well a part of your style, in case you don’t plan to use your photos for commercial Photographers use filters to retouch an image. However, you need to ensure that commercial purposes. You’ll often Tabletop photography is a genre of commercial product/still life photography, as for experienced professionals. It is a good universal lens, which is also suitable purpose. Each product is special in its own way and there is no single standard for choosing your product doesn’t lose its natural look. Don’t apply Retro, Matte, or Sepia filters see the white background photos on which implies placing objects such as food and drinks, gadgets, cosmetics, etc. on for lifestyle product photography. the appropriate angle for tabletop photography. The difference between a 45- to your product photos. the online markets because white the table. Primarily, commercial photography is associated with advertising and degree and 90-degree angle can bring the fundamental changes to a perception background doesn’t distract your promotion of a product and table top photography is no exception. It means that SHOOTING TABLE: Any space will do - even the floor! Consider your background, of a photo. You need to find an exact angle to complement your composition attention from a product and this genre is intended for commercial shooting of the products. A table is used as light direction, ease of access, and can you change the background using harmoniously by trial and error. a base. potential buyer can evaluate it paper/board/fabric etc. [amended by editor] thoroughly. 2. Use Your Smartphone Why has tabletop photography become so popular? Firstly, it’s because of using LIGHTING SETUP: Having an expensive camera is crucial when you work in low such kind of product photography in Instagram. Secondly, arranging a tabletop light conditions or shoot moving objects, but it doesn’t apply to tabletop photogra- photo studio won’t take a lot of time and efforts, compared to the traditional TABLETOP PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO phy. If you have a good DSLR, point-and-shoot camera, or even a smartphone, it’s product photography studios. However, image quality will meet the professional Here are 5 effective steps to create and organize a tabletop photography studio more reasonable to invest in lighting than to buy an expensive body. You can, of level standards. that allows you to achieve a better result with minimal time and money expenses. course, save even more and use natural light. ED - You can also use desk lamps, but make sure you use a strong bright globe which is a white light. Warm light will give your images a yellow cast. STEP 1: THINK OUT THE COMPOSITION One can divide tabletop photography into three most popular types – flatlays, TRIPOD: The main purpose of a tripod is to ensure the stability for a camera during stylized and white background photos. Each one has its own purpose and PAGES the shooting process. This is especially important for still life photography, which peculiarities. calls for a clear and static image. If you aren’t going to change the shooting place very often, then you don’t need a portable tripod.

3. Prefer One Type of Lightning

SKILLS photography ideas into action. I also recommend getting acquainted with similar photos in order to analyze their strong points and improve the flaws. For this article Though the Automatic mode seems simple and very convenient, prefer a Manual 4. Prefer Soft Shadows I’ve chosen an ordinary white mug with the custom inscription. shooting mode. Only then you can adapt yourself to the shooting situation and show your unique style. Below you’ll find the basic settings that I use for tabletop photography: STEP 2: PREPARE EQUIPMENT • ISO: 100 (the lighter, the less is number and vice versa) CAMERA BODY: If you plan to use your tabletop photography samples mainly on • Aperture: F/11 - F/16 the web, then you’d better focus on the lenses, rather than on megapixels. • Shutter Speed: 1/30 Although megapixels improve the clarity of your images, they refer more to the printing than viewing visual content in digital space. If you’re ready to invest quite a lot in a camera, but you still need something easy to use, these two options can In order to fulfill their main function, the commercial images should look as satisfy your expectations. The first is a DSLR, the second is a point-and-shoot presentable as possible. That’s why you need to remove all kinds of scuffs, irregu- A great photo session is only half of the success. You need to use photo editing camera. Both variants prove that photographer skills more than a pricey equipment larities and other defects, especially, when it comes to the jewelry photography or software to get a professional and finished look. It’ll add an interesting flair to your influence the quality of the shots. shoe photography. most creative tabletop photography ideas. If you’re interested in food photography, then tasty and fresh looking food is an

westville camera club 28 TABLETOP PHOTOGRAPHYCONTINUED...

LENSES: Since tabletop photography involves taking photos of the relatively small absolute must-have. Still, if your product is supposed to have certain defects, don’t 5. Avoid Filters things, there’s no need to buy the telephoto lens and the like. Your standard Kit lens mislead the potential buyers. On the other hand, a slight imperfection may become 1. Work on Angles is an excellent reasonably priced lens that will be a perfect fit for beginners as well a part of your style, in case you don’t plan to use your photos for commercial Photographers use filters to retouch an image. However, you need to ensure that Tabletop photography is a genre of commercial product/still life photography, as for experienced professionals. It is a good universal lens, which is also suitable purpose. Each product is special in its own way and there is no single standard for choosing your product doesn’t lose its natural look. Don’t apply Retro, Matte, or Sepia filters which implies placing objects such as food and drinks, gadgets, cosmetics, etc. on for lifestyle product photography. the appropriate angle for tabletop photography. The difference between a 45- to your product photos. the table. Primarily, commercial photography is associated with advertising and degree and 90-degree angle can bring the fundamental changes to a perception promotion of a product and table top photography is no exception. It means that SHOOTING TABLE: Any space will do - even the floor! Consider your background, of a photo. You need to find an exact angle to complement your composition this genre is intended for commercial shooting of the products. A table is used as light direction, ease of access, and can you change the background using harmoniously by trial and error. a base. paper/board/fabric etc. [amended by editor] 2. Use Your Smartphone Why has tabletop photography become so popular? Firstly, it’s because of using LIGHTING SETUP: Having an expensive camera is crucial when you work in low such kind of product photography in Instagram. Secondly, arranging a tabletop light conditions or shoot moving objects, but it doesn’t apply to tabletop photogra- photo studio won’t take a lot of time and efforts, compared to the traditional phy. If you have a good DSLR, point-and-shoot camera, or even a smartphone, it’s product photography studios. However, image quality will meet the professional Here are 5 effective steps to create and organize a tabletop photography studio more reasonable to invest in lighting than to buy an expensive body. You can, of level standards. that allows you to achieve a better result with minimal time and money expenses. course, save even more and use natural light. ED - You can also use desk lamps, but make sure you use a strong bright globe which is a white light. Warm light will give your images a yellow cast.

One can divide tabletop photography into three most popular types – flatlays, TRIPOD: The main purpose of a tripod is to ensure the stability for a camera during stylized and white background photos. Each one has its own purpose and PAGES the shooting process. This is especially important for still life photography, which peculiarities. calls for a clear and static image. If you aren’t going to change the shooting place very often, then you don’t need a portable tripod.

3. Prefer One Type of Lightning

Also, to enhance the composition, you can use props depending on the fore- thought style. You can use various acrylic trays or plants as jewelry photography props. If you don’t know what food photography props to choose, authentic table serving like a slice of meat on a wooden board or any associated object like the ice cubes for cold drinks would be a great decision. You can even add a crafting touch to your tabletop photography setup, using DIY photography props. Just don’t First of all, you need to understand how you want to photograph a product, why do overdo and focus the main attention on your product. you take a picture and for whom. Only after you’ve grasped the essence of the photoshoot, you can go ahead to the next stages and try to put your tabletop photography ideas into action. I also recommend getting acquainted with similar SKILLS photos in order to analyze their strong points and improve the flaws. For this article Though the Automatic mode seems simple and very convenient, prefer a Manual 4. Prefer Soft Shadows I’ve chosen an ordinary white mug with the custom inscription. shooting mode. Only then you can adapt yourself to the shooting situation and show your unique style. Below you’ll find the basic settings that I use for tabletop photography: • ISO: 100 (the lighter, the less is number and vice versa) CAMERA BODY: If you plan to use your tabletop photography samples mainly on • Aperture: F/11 - F/16 the web, then you’d better focus on the lenses, rather than on megapixels. • Shutter Speed: 1/30 Although megapixels improve the clarity of your images, they refer more to the printing than viewing visual content in digital space. If you’re ready to invest quite STEP 3: PREPARE THE PRODUCT a lot in a camera, but you still need something easy to use, these two options can In order to fulfill their main function, the commercial images should look as satisfy your expectations. The first is a DSLR, the second is a point-and-shoot presentable as possible. That’s why you need to remove all kinds of scuffs, irregu- A great photo session is only half of the success. You need to use photo editing camera. Both variants prove that photographer skills more than a pricey equipment larities and other defects, especially, when it comes to the jewelry photography or software to get a professional and finished look. It’ll add an interesting flair to your influence the quality of the shots. shoe photography. most creative tabletop photography ideas. If you’re interested in food photography, then tasty and fresh looking food is an

westville camera club 29 TABLETOP PHOTOGRAPHYCONTINUED...

One can divide tabletop photography into three most popular types – flatlays, TRIPOD: The main purpose of a tripod is to ensure the stability for a camera during stylized and white background photos. Each one has its own purpose and the shooting process. This is especially important for still life photography, which PAGES peculiarities. calls for a clear and static image. If you aren’t going to change the shooting place very often, then you don’t need a portable tripod.

3. Prefer One Type of Lightning

Also, to enhance the composition, you can use props depending on the fore- thought style. You can use various acrylic trays or plants as jewelry photography props. If you don’t know what food photography props to choose, authentic table serving like a slice of meat on a wooden board or any associated object like the ice cubes for cold drinks would be a great decision. You can even add a crafting touch to your tabletop photography setup, using DIY photography props. Just don’t First of all, you need to understand how you want to photograph a product, why do overdo and focus the main attention on your product. you take a picture and for whom. Only after you’ve grasped the essence of the photoshoot, you can go ahead to the next stages and try to put your tabletop STEP 4: ADJUST THE CAMERA photography ideas into action. I also recommend getting acquainted with similar SKILLS photos in order to analyze their strong points and improve the flaws. For this article Though the Automatic mode seems simple and very convenient, prefer a Manual 4. Prefer Soft Shadows I’ve chosen an ordinary white mug with the custom inscription. shooting mode. Only then you can adapt yourself to the shooting situation and show your unique style. Below you’ll find the basic settings that I use for tabletop photography: • ISO: 100 (the lighter, the less is number and vice versa) CAMERA BODY: If you plan to use your tabletop photography samples mainly on • Aperture: F/11 - F/16 the web, then you’d better focus on the lenses, rather than on megapixels. • Shutter Speed: 1/30 Although megapixels improve the clarity of your images, they refer more to the printing than viewing visual content in digital space. If you’re ready to invest quite STEP 5: EDIT THE IMAGE a lot in a camera, but you still need something easy to use, these two options can In order to fulfill their main function, the commercial images should look as satisfy your expectations. The first is a DSLR, the second is a point-and-shoot presentable as possible. That’s why you need to remove all kinds of scuffs, irregu- A great photo session is only half of the success. You need to use photo editing camera. Both variants prove that photographer skills more than a pricey equipment larities and other defects, especially, when it comes to the jewelry photography or software to get a professional and finished look. It’ll add an interesting flair to your influence the quality of the shots. shoe photography. most creative tabletop photography ideas. If you’re interested in food photography, then tasty and fresh looking food is an

westville camera club 30 TABLETOP PHOTOGRAPHYCONTINUED...

TABLETOP PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS LENSES: Since tabletop photography involves taking photos of the relatively small absolute must-have. Still, if your product is supposed to have certain defects, don’t 5. Avoid Filters things, there’s no need to buy the telephoto lens and the like. Your standard Kit lens mislead the potential buyers. On the other hand, a slight imperfection may become 1. Work on Angles is an excellent reasonably priced lens that will be a perfect fit for beginners as well a part of your style, in case you don’t plan to use your photos for commercial Photographers use filters to retouch an image. However, you need to ensure that Tabletop photography is a genre of commercial product/still life photography, as for experienced professionals. It is a good universal lens, which is also suitable purpose. Each product is special in its own way and there is no single standard for choosing your product doesn’t lose its natural look. Don’t apply Retro, Matte, or Sepia filters which implies placing objects such as food and drinks, gadgets, cosmetics, etc. on for lifestyle product photography. the appropriate angle for tabletop photography. The difference between a 45- to your product photos. the table. Primarily, commercial photography is associated with advertising and degree and 90-degree angle can bring the fundamental changes to a perception promotion of a product and table top photography is no exception. It means that SHOOTING TABLE: Any space will do - even the floor! Consider your background, of a photo. You need to find an exact angle to complement your composition this genre is intended for commercial shooting of the products. A table is used as light direction, ease of access, and can you change the background using harmoniously by trial and error. a base. paper/board/fabric etc. [amended by editor] 2. Use Your Smartphone Why has tabletop photography become so popular? Firstly, it’s because of using LIGHTING SETUP: Having an expensive camera is crucial when you work in low such kind of product photography in Instagram. Secondly, arranging a tabletop light conditions or shoot moving objects, but it doesn’t apply to tabletop photogra- A smartphone can be a good photo studio won’t take a lot of time and efforts, compared to the traditional phy. If you have a good DSLR, point-and-shoot camera, or even a smartphone, it’s and cheap variant, as it is suitable to shoot most types of product photography studios. However, image quality will meet the professional Here are 5 effective steps to create and organize a tabletop photography studio more reasonable to invest in lighting than to buy an expensive body. You can, of products. Modern smartphones level standards. that allows you to achieve a better result with minimal time and money expenses. course, save even more and use natural light. ED - You can also use desk lamps, but make sure you use a strong bright globe have many advanced character- which is a white light. Warm light will give your images a yellow cast. istics. The majority of modern flagships have a 12+ megapix- One can divide tabletop photography into three most popular types – flatlays, TRIPOD: The main purpose of a tripod is to ensure the stability for a camera during els camera and temperature stylized and white background photos. Each one has its own purpose and the shooting process. This is especially important for still life photography, which PAGES settings to adapt to different peculiarities. calls for a clear and static image. If you aren’t going to change the shooting place types of lighting. The still life very often, then you don’t need a portable tripod. photography equipment doesn’t have to be expensive or massive. 3. Prefer One Type of Lightning A certain light setting may not work for each individual product; a lighting system that works for some of them may have no Also, to enhance the composition, you can use props depending on the fore- benefit for others. Typically thought style. You can use various acrylic trays or plants as jewelry photography shooters choose between natu- props. If you don’t know what food photography props to choose, authentic table ral and artificial light for product serving like a slice of meat on a wooden board or any associated object like the photography. ice cubes for cold drinks would be a great decision. You can even add a crafting touch to your tabletop photography setup, using DIY photography props. Just don’t For commercial purposes, proper lighting helps to instigate First of all, you need to understand how you want to photograph a product, why do overdo and focus the main attention on your product. a purchase decision, especially you take a picture and for whom. Only after you’ve grasped the essence of the in the online stores, where a photoshoot, you can go ahead to the next stages and try to put your tabletop photo is the main factor. photography ideas into action. I also recommend getting acquainted with similar SKILLS photos in order to analyze their strong points and improve the flaws. For this article Though the Automatic mode seems simple and very convenient, prefer a Manual 4. Prefer Soft Shadows I’ve chosen an ordinary white mug with the custom inscription. shooting mode. Only then you can adapt yourself to the shooting situation and show your unique style. Below you’ll find the basic settings that I use for tabletop No matter what type of lighting photography: you use, be it natural or artifi- • ISO: 100 (the lighter, the less is number and vice versa) cial, your goal is to reduce the shadows while emphasizing the CAMERA BODY: If you plan to use your tabletop photography samples mainly on • Aperture: F/11 - F/16 quality of the product and the web, then you’d better focus on the lenses, rather than on megapixels. • Shutter Speed: 1/30 making it interesting to the site Although megapixels improve the clarity of your images, they refer more to the visitors. printing than viewing visual content in digital space. If you’re ready to invest quite a lot in a camera, but you still need something easy to use, these two options can In order to fulfill their main function, the commercial images should look as When it comes to tabletop light- satisfy your expectations. The first is a DSLR, the second is a point-and-shoot presentable as possible. That’s why you need to remove all kinds of scuffs, irregu- A great photo session is only half of the success. You need to use photo editing ing, balance is a key. camera. Both variants prove that photographer skills more than a pricey equipment larities and other defects, especially, when it comes to the jewelry photography or software to get a professional and finished look. It’ll add an interesting flair to your influence the quality of the shots. shoe photography. most creative tabletop photography ideas. If you’re interested in food photography, then tasty and fresh looking food is an

westville camera club 31 TABLETOP PHOTOGRAPHYCONTINUED...

One can divide tabletop photography into three most popular types – flatlays, TRIPOD: The main purpose of a tripod is to ensure the stability for a camera during stylized and white background photos. Each one has its own purpose and the shooting process. This is especially important for still life photography, which PAGES peculiarities. calls for a clear and static image. If you aren’t going to change the shooting place very often, then you don’t need a portable tripod.

3. Prefer One Type of Lightning

Also, to enhance the composition, you can use props depending on the fore- thought style. You can use various acrylic trays or plants as jewelry photography props. If you don’t know what food photography props to choose, authentic table serving like a slice of meat on a wooden board or any associated object like the ice cubes for cold drinks would be a great decision. You can even add a crafting touch to your tabletop photography setup, using DIY photography props. Just don’t First of all, you need to understand how you want to photograph a product, why do overdo and focus the main attention on your product. you take a picture and for whom. Only after you’ve grasped the essence of the photoshoot, you can go ahead to the next stages and try to put your tabletop photography ideas into action. I also recommend getting acquainted with similar SKILLS photos in order to analyze their strong points and improve the flaws. For this article Though the Automatic mode seems simple and very convenient, prefer a Manual 4. Prefer Soft Shadows I’ve chosen an ordinary white mug with the custom inscription. shooting mode. Only then you can adapt yourself to the shooting situation and show your unique style. Below you’ll find the basic settings that I use for tabletop photography: • ISO: 100 (the lighter, the less is number and vice versa) CAMERA BODY: If you plan to use your tabletop photography samples mainly on • Aperture: F/11 - F/16 the web, then you’d better focus on the lenses, rather than on megapixels. • Shutter Speed: 1/30 Although megapixels improve the clarity of your images, they refer more to the printing than viewing visual content in digital space. If you’re ready to invest quite a lot in a camera, but you still need something easy to use, these two options can In order to fulfill their main function, the commercial images should look as satisfy your expectations. The first is a DSLR, the second is a point-and-shoot presentable as possible. That’s why you need to remove all kinds of scuffs, irregu- A great photo session is only half of the success. You need to use photo editing camera. Both variants prove that photographer skills more than a pricey equipment larities and other defects, especially, when it comes to the jewelry photography or software to get a professional and finished look. It’ll add an interesting flair to your influence the quality of the shots. shoe photography. most creative tabletop photography ideas. If you’re interested in food photography, then tasty and fresh looking food is an

westville camera club 32 SETSUBJECTS 2020

This is the list of Set Subjects (themes) for the Westville Camera Club Monthly Photographic competition in 2020. Image submission day is always the Monday before the 3rd Wednesday of the month in question. i.e the Monday before Judging night.

Image dimensions are 1920 x 1080 pixels (the width must be either 1920 pixels or the height must be 1080 pixels or both), sRGB color-space and less than 2mb in ﬁle size.

SS QUICK REFERENCE for 2020 MONTH SET SUBJECT SUBMISSION DATE JAN Boudoir 13 Jan 2020 FEB Power of Colour 17 Feb 2020 MAR Architecture 16 Mar 2020 APR Water 13 Apr 2020 MAY Minimalism 18 May 2020 JUN Narra�ve/Story Telling 15 Jun 2020 JUL Ac�on 13 Jul 2020 AUG Double Exposure 17 Aug 2020 SEP Eyes 14 Sep 2020 OCT Fashion & Glamour 19 Oct 2020 NOV Commercial/Product 16 Nov 2020 JAN Personal Photo Project - presented as a Triptych 18 Jan 2021 FEB The Power of Red 15 Feb 2021

APRIL 2020 - DCC CHALLENGE: WATER Water in any form, be it seascape, waterfalls, drops, in a glass, etc. Water is everywhere and is life giving. Capture this element in nature, in a controlled environment, or anywhere you see ﬁt. Use fast or slow shu�er speeds to get the eﬀects you wish to portray. Water should be the point of interest in your image or the primary element of your composi�on. RULES: Colour or Mono. Manipula�on allowed. Submission Deadline: 13 April 2020

westville camera club 33 MAY 2020 - MINIMALISM The goal of minimalist photography, is to convey a concept or an idea to provoke an emo�onal response or provide a unique visual experience. Composi�onal elements must be kept to a minimum, and the ones that are le� should be essen�al for conveying the overall idea, or symbolism, of the photo. Minimalism commonly includes the following points: Apparent simplicity (but perhaps implying complex- ity), Powerful composi�on, Isola�on, Use of colour (or not), Lines and shapes, Nega�ve space RULES: The images must be taken at some�me from the 16th November 2019. Colour or Mono. Basic edi�ng allowed. No Manipula�on allowed. Submission Deadline: 18 May 2020 JUNE 2020 - NARRATIVE/STORYTELLING It is said that every picture tells a story, but here we are looking for a photo that the viewer is able to see a real story in the image. It could be a fairy tale, a real-life scene or a story about a person. They do not need to be photojournalism or documentary although they can be. “Storytelling photography is an image that captures a moment with tension, inspiration, and emotions. It tells the story of your subject matter without using motion pictures or words. Contrary to the movies, where you have thousands of frames to tell a story, here you have only one shot.” RULES: Manipula�on is allowed. Colour or Monochrome Submission Deadline: 15 June 2020 july 2020 - ACTION GENRE: Action Photography When the word Ac�on is men�oned, one immediately thinks of sport: freezing the decisive moment! Ac�on allows one to explore many more op�ons, it could be the playful or aggressive interac�on of animals in nature, man’s best friend playing on the beach or even a wave breaking against a rock. The classic image of someone blowing seeds off a Dandelion. Frozen in flight! Ac�on could also be accentuated by panning with a slow shu�er speed, or in the perfect light a combina- �on of a longer exposure and a flash to freeze the mo�on at the desired moment. Of course, you could a�empt to capture the perfect Sport ac�on image, a moment in �me showing all the desired emo�on and skill that the par�cular sport requires. RULES: Colour only. Basic edi�ng allowed. No Manipula�on allowed. Submission Deadline: 13 July 2020 august 2020 - DOUBLE EXPOSURE Double exposure is a technique that has been used by photographers for years. It combines photographic skills, imagina�on and crea�vity. It is a technique that involves combining two exposures to create a single image. The technique yields very interes�ng results and allows the photographer to produce ghost images and mirror images that tell a story in a unique way that can't be achieved with a single photo. In film photography, double exposures are made by exposing the same por�on of film twice, resul�ng in the second image being superimposed on the first. Some digital cameras are able to do this, but you may do this in post-processing if you prefer. Double exposure photography knows no bounds. RULES: Colour or Mono. Manipula�on allowed. Submission Deadline: 17 August 2020

westville camera club 34 september 2020 - EYES It is said that Eyes are the window of the soul so delve deep and be crea�ve. A�empt to capture an expression such as affec�on, happiness, love, hope, surprise, etc. will draw the viewer in to the signifi- cant story you are a�emp�ng to portray and kindle an emo�on within the viewer. Subject not restricted to human eyes. The eyes do however need to be the focal point. RULES: Colour or Mono. Manipula�on allowed. Submission Deadline: 14 September 2020 october 2020 - FASHION & GLAMOUR GENRE: Fashio/Glamour Photography Fashion photography is a genre of photography which is devoted to displaying clothing and other fashion items. It is most o�en conducted for adver�sements or fashion magazines such as Vogue and Vanity Fair. Fashion photography has developed its own aesthe�c in which the clothes and fashions are enhanced by the presence of exo�c loca�ons or accessories. Unlike fashion photography, Glamour photography focuses on beauty and charm. Glamour shoots mainly focus on physical beauty rather than on the ou�its and more crea�ve ligh�ng can be used than for fashion shoots. RULES: Colour or Mono. Manipula�on is allowed. Submission Deadline: 19 October 2020 november 2020 - COMMERCIAL/PRODUCT Photography GENRE: Commerical/Product Photography The essence of this genre is to accurately and a�rac�vely capture images that will be used to sell the product. These images will typically be used in magazines, brochures, catalogues, billboards etc. Images can range from small products to real estate and the goal is to present the best possible photographic representa�on to ensure a sale. Considera�on must be given to ligh�ng, background, DOF, angles and edi�ng. RULES: Colour only. Manipula�on allowed. Submission Deadline: 16 November 2020 JANUARY 2021 - PERSONAL PHOTO PROJECT - presenteD AS A triptych A personal photography project may be defined as choosing a subject to shoot over and over again over �me. It can be as simple as shoo�ng your kid’s spor�ng event every weekend, photographing an intriguing building near your home six �mes, or crea�ng a series of portraits of your friends. When star�ng a Personal Photography Project put some thought into your Subject Choice: 1) it should be a personal choice. It should be something which you really care about, or something which really excites you. Don’t choose a subject based on what others might like. 2) Set a Timeline – Without a �meline your project runs the risk on never ge�ng completed. Set a deadline for yourself. The �me can be a month, 3 months, 12 months or even a week. 3) Set a Goal to stay inspired. Decide what you are trying to achieve with your photography project. RULES: Colour or Mono. Manipula�on allowed. Must be presented as a Triptych within the submission size guidelines. Submission Deadline: 18 January 2021

westville camera club 35 FEBRUARY 2021 - THE POWER OF RED GENRE: “Revolutions are ignited by it; the camera loves it and people go to court over it – no other colour has the extraordinary appeal of red” - Charlo�e Sinclair We are hard-wired to red. Red takes no prisoners. It is emphasis itself. It’s the colour of kings and queens and power. It’s the colour of life and ac�on. It is shame and violence and blushing and rage. It’s the colour of revolu�on, Li�le Red Riding Hood, sports cars and high heels. Your goal is to evoke emo�on which is enhanced or portrayed by the colour red. RULES: Colour only. Manipula�on is allowed. Submission Deadline: 15 February 2021

KZN INTERCLUB CHALLENGE (interclub cup) TOPIC: FOOD OR BEVERAGE THEME: we eat & drink with our eyes first

All Entries must adhere to the Entry Guidelines indicated below: Colour only. Manipula�on is allowed. All elements in the photo must be made by the author. No TEXT to be added in the photo. If humans, logos and or brands are present in the photo, they should compliment the message but not be a dominant element in the story or message of the photo. In the spirit of the topic and theme of this challenge the emphasis should be on food and drink ready to eat or drink. All else as per the KZN Guidelines. GOOD LUCK ALL!

FOOD SUBMISSIONS CATEGORY: The committee has opened a new category on PVO for members to submit their food photography images in their monthly submissions. This falls into the normal monthly submissions of 4 images max.

westville camera club 36 westville camera club SALON CALENDAR it’s agood thing tojointhePSSA! it’s salons, upcoming localandnational photographicevents and alsotofindoutwhy Follow thelinkbelowtoPSSA websiteforanyinformationregardingthe PSSA, http://www.pssa.co.za 11-14 May@CapeStFrancis UPCOMING SALONS TBA -PSSAYouth DivPDISalon 2020.06.06 -HeigelPDISalon JUNE 2020.05.23 -Paarl PDISalon 2020.05.09 -MagaliesFoto Fun ClubPDISalon MAY 2020.04.25 -BoksburgPDISalon 2020.04.18 -17thPSSAUp&ComingCompetition 2020.04.11 -EdenvalePDISalon APRIL UPCOMING CONGRESS 6-7 June@Durban-Hostedby 37 westville camera club FROM THE DESK OF THE PRO APRIL 2020 phy asmuchofthispossible. us allup,letkeeponthisroadandshowus,throughyourphotogra- going andkeepdoingsomeincrediblethings.Abitofpositivitywouldcheer something incredible.We certainlyinPSSAwanttokeep our challenges IDEAS it doescheerusupandgivessomefun. to keepusallbusyduringthisLockdown period.Pleasekeepdoingthisas post imagesthatareencouraging, positive,challengingandinspirational group FBpagesaregivingoutsimilarmessagesandencouragingusto CHALLENGES. PERIOD. HAVE FUNANDENJOY ANDTRY ANDMEETTHE OF PSSAANDOURCLUBS BUSYDURINGTHISLOCKDOWN GOT THAT LIGHTBULBTO SHINETO ASMEMBERS KEEPUSALL, SOME OFUSONTHEBOARD PUTOURHEADSTOGETHER AND suggestions thatcameforthrecently. Manyofourother share yourinspirationalphotos. macro, stilllife,pets,familyandevenselfies.Please weeks. Getcreativeandhavefun.Theycanbe challenge. Take photosathomeoverthenext 3 Our FBchallengewhichCharmainegaveus-"Lockdown" their sightshigh,risetothechallengeanddo about, letustryandcelebratethosewhoset and inspiringthingswhichwedon’t alwayshear world isfullofpeopledoingamazing, uplifting is creatingmuchdespondencyaround.Our negativity, conflictanddivisionwhichIamsure media seem to pushoutrelentlessstreamsof positivity asournewschannelsandsocial Well howtostartourAprilNewsletterwithsome ments. positive, encouraging comment onthemwith some are encouragedto com- page andtheirmembers posted ontheirclubFB the garden,theyarethen around thehouseevenof it couldbethingsorrooms run forafewdaysattime, number ofsetsubjectsto Clubs arerunninga This isonlyoneofthe 38 ANOTHER MESSAGE THAT CAME TO US FROM THE CENTRAL GAUTENG REGION. Oh boy! Were we all hit between the eyes with our President’s message on TV about the national “lock-down”. What! – no more club meetings! But he said “lock-down” – not “melt-down”. So resilient as our clubs and photographers are they immediately sprang into action to find ways of keeping the club’s fire going and having their images shared with their members. Remote judging that was popular salon judging some years back, became the obvious way in which to continue with club submissions of images, having them scored and commented on then sending the results to the members. Sadly we will not be seeing each other for a while but keeping the flame alive is the next best thing. We are creative people and this “thing” will not get us down. We will just have to be more creative on our administration side as well as with the photographs. To keep our eye in we should take a photograph everyday of something around the home and in the garden. Maybe even start a club group especially for these photographs where we can comment on each others achievements.

Freeman Patterson in his workshops years ago used to throw a hula-hoop and you had to stand in the hoop, with as much of your equipment as you wanted, and take 6 photographs from that one spot without removing yourself from the hula-hoop. “There are photographs everywhere” was one of Freeman’s favourite saying. So let’s all see what we can do to challenge ourselves over the “lock-down” period. Hoping to see many masterpieces. You will have the time if your partner is not already setting you tasks around the house to do everyday. Looking forward to seeing all your faces again when this is over.

JUDGES/SPEAKERS AVAILABLE FOR REMOTE JUDGING AND/OR JUDGING IN GENERAL

Many clubs are also not meeting as normal but are trying various ways to keep the spirit, camaraderie and interest in Club Photography. Remote judging is being done for many of the clubs as well as some ZOOM Video Conferencing Meetings. PSSA has been trying to get clubs and club members to put forward the names of persons who are willing to judge. Some Regional Directors have put out notices to this effect, which has not brought as much response as we would have liked. We are therefore put- ting out an appeal to all the Chairpersons of clubs and even individual club members to complete this form, which can be found on the PSSA website and email the form to Corine Ross at [email protected]. Corine is compiling a list of judges that will then soon be made available to all clubs for use in seeking judges. FROM THE DESK OF PRO westville camera club 39 westville camera club FROM THE DESK OF THE PRO w.pssa.co.za. toseealltheimagesinourMonthlyCompetitions. theme forthismonthonly. Pleasecontinuetovisitourwebsiteregularlyww- LOUDLY. Have fun going through your images tofind the onethat fits this ness duringthislockdownperiod”ANIMAGE THAT TALKS TO YOU my libraryofimagesshowingmepositiveness,inspirationandmeaningful- normally is. Thethemewill be “An image that has comebackto me from We wouldliketohaveforthismonthONLY aTHEMEinstead ofOPENasit PLEASE NOTE FORAPRILMONTHOURWEBSITECOMPETITION– via ourweb site.www.pssa.co.za. the yearsto come.Keep lookingoutforfurther infoontheNEPCONGRESS lenges toworktowards. went intotheseachievements.Thisgivesusall,asmembersotherchal- few days.CONGRATULATIONS toalltheapplicants,lotsofhardwork tions ThepanelswillbepublishedonthePSSAwebsiteinnext Please followthelinktoseeresultsfromourrecentHonoursApplica- HONOURS judging MONTHLY COMPETITIONS CONGRESSES COMINGUP http://www.pssa.co.za/images/stories/galleries/2020/Honours/Jan2020Session/Successful%20Honours%20Applicants%20March%202020%20-%2030th.pdf add more value to our Congresses in to our add morevalue that wewillhavegone throughwill not toodistantfuture and thelearnings we willmakeupforall oftheminthe Country but hopefully situation inour cancelled/or postponed duetothe except fortheNEPonehavehadtobe It isverysadthatourCongresses lovely feelingoftranquillity. WELL DONE MARTIN, giving us a from SouthernSuburbsCameraClub. Peaceful Flamingo”byMartinBarber The Seniorwinnerthismonth“The challenges injudgingthem. the countryandjudgesenjoythese being producedbyourclubsaround Once againthismonthgreatimages 40 17th National Up-and-Coming Competition

Please visit our website for all the information. This salon is FREE for 1 to 3 Star workers who are affiliated to a PSSA Club, also for scholars. Closes 18th April.

SALONS – REINSTATING THE PREMIUM CLUB AWARD

“PSSA Board has agreed to re-instate the PREMIER CLUB AWARD for all clubs entering the PSSA National and International salons commencing in this Impala Trophy year. All PSSA and non-PSSA members that have entered and gained acceptances and awards, will contribute to those members’ club points. The overall scores for each acceptance, Certifi- cate of Merit and Medal will be added together for each club from every PDI and Print section in each of the specific salons in the Impala Trophy year. The club with the highest overall score will be awarded the Premier Club Award for that specific Impala Trophy year, which will be in the form of a certificate as well as an e-badge for the club to use in newsletters, website etc. There will also be certificates for those clubs who are placed second and third overall, using the same meth- odology. In order to make this a little more exciting, PSSA directors have agreed that there will also be a Regional Premier Club Award for the club in each region with the highest scores, also in the form of a certificate. These certificates will be presented at the PSSA Annual Congress to the club chairperson and/or relevant Regional Director.

We therefore wish to encourage all of you to continue to enter as many salons as you can, as this not only assists you in your personal photographic journey from a star rating perspective, but also to get your club hopefully to winning one of the Premier Club Awards. FINAL WORDS In ending this long Newsletter, and a Newsletter which was not so easy to put together due to our situation in our country and around the world at the moment but I feel the most appropriate words are the words of our great legend Nelson Mandela FROM THE DESK OF PRO westville camera club 41 westville camera club FROM THE DESK OF THE PRO PRO EVELYN IMAGES. FINGER CLICKINGANDSHAREWITHUSYOUR STUNNING FORWARDAS ALWAYS TO YOUR INSPIRINGIMAGES, KEEPTHE CHALLENGES THAT WEAREFACING AT THEMOMENT–WELOOK STAY SAFEALLANDLETUSKEEPINTOUCH WITHALLOUR Western DrakensbergnearElliot. image depictingthislongroadaheadofus.ThiswastakenintheSouth Thank youBertusdeJongfromPretoria PhotographicSocietyforthislovely linger, formylong walkisnotyetended.” moment, forwithfreedomcomesresponsibilities,andIdarenot back onthedistanceIhavecome.Butcanrestonlyfora to stealaviewofthegloriousvistathatsurroundsme,look I havetakenamomentheretorest, climb. to are manymorehills the secretthatafterclimbingagreathill,oneonlyfindsthere falter; Ihavemademisstepsalongtheway. ButIhavediscovered tried notto to freedom.Ihave road walked thatlong “I have 42 ed’s F-STOP

THERE IS NO ANGRY WAY TO SAY BUBBLES

westville camera club 43 YOUR 2020 COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN: VICE CHAIRMAN: Ian Damerell - 084 510 3890 Geoﬀ Feldon - 082 464 3221 [email protected] [email protected]

SECRETARY: MEMBERSHIP & WEBMASTER: Belinda Brodie - 072 426 5656 Karen Fischer - 084 707 9090 [email protected] karen.ﬁ[email protected]

TREASURER: ENTRIES STEWARD: Conrad Kelsey - 083 570 0217 [email protected]

OUTINGS STEWARD: WORKSHOP STEWARD: Jen Adam - 072 568 6802 Malcolm Reeves - 083 309 0585 [email protected] [email protected]

SNAP EDITOR: Natascha Weber - 079 220 8699 [email protected]

MEETINGS: GENERAL INFO: 2nd & 3rd Wednesday of the Month [email protected] 18h30 for 19h00

ACTIVE CLUB MEMBERS ONLY: WESTVILLE METHODIST CHURCH: www.facebook.com/groups/9611149381/ 38 Jan Hofmeyer Rd, Westville, 3629

westville camera club 44