Sharp Focus July 2025

From the Editor

July 2025

Dear Members,

With so many members away on the traditional trek north – and the rest sick in bed – just a brief update.

Hopefully Betzi will be back with lots of news from Congress next month and normal service will be resumed.

Take care, take photos, and keep warm.

Margaret

Exhibition at Fish Hoek Library

A small exhibition of the clubs work is being held throughout the month of August at Fish Hoek Library.
We are hoping to generate interest in the club and garner some new members.
I’d like to thank everyone who contributed, especially the new members who had about 2 weeks notice to prepare images. And a special mention to those whose work, for one reason or another, was not suitable this time around.

It has been a sharp learning curve trying to pull it all together. However, we are hopeful this will be the inaugural of many such events.

We are initiating a soft launch – which means will you please use your social media accounts, and good old word of mouth, to encourage as many of your friends, family and anyone who you think may have an interest in photography to go and view the images.

For a full list of Salons please click here https://pssa.co.za/pssa-salons/

Please enter Salons if you have the portfolio and time, as the points go towards our standing at a national level. Presently we are 6th out of 17 in the Western Cape and 47th nationally.

Monthly Submissions and Themes

Submission deadlines are always the same (the 3rd Monday of the month ie one week before our meeting on the 4th Monday of the month).
Upcoming themes you could/should be researching and working on….

August – Churches and Graveyards.
September – Black and White Street.
October – Backlit

Click here to view the full list of themes, workshops and outings.

Theme for August – Churches and Graveyards

When photographing in cemeteries, respect for the deceased, their families, and the sanctity of the space, is paramount.
Avoid photographing people, and recent graves. The long established markers are generally more interesting anyway.
If you can, obscure names and dates even on older stones when possible, either in-camera or in post-processing.
Check at the entrance for specific rules and regulations before photographing.
Be respectful at all times – even if the graves looked abandoned.
Don’t walk or climb on graves, or disturb flowers or other items placed on headstones.
Absolutely don’t photograph funerals or committal services.
Always consider the impact of your photography on others who may be visiting the cemetery for mourning or remembrance.