From the Chair
As we close the chapter on another financial year, culminating in our Annual General Meeting, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the highlights that made this past year so memorable for the Fish Hoek Photographic Society.
This year brought us an inspiring mix of photographic outings and learning opportunities—from star trails and long exposures to levitation and street photography. Our workshops were packed with practical insight and creativity, thanks to the generous contributions of members and guest presenters alike. Special thanks to those who led sessions and to all who participated with such enthusiasm.
On the competitive front, we proudly maintained our presence in both the Western Cape Photographic Forum and the national PSSA Interclub Competition. While there’s always room to grow, our standings—29th overall out of 38 clubs—show that we’re on a strong path. Notably, several members advanced in their PSSA star ratings, and we celebrate Johan Kloppers’ remarkable achievement of Dux Honours. Well done!
Our annual exhibition at the Fish Hoek Library and participation in the WC Forum exhibition in Stellenbosch showcased the diverse talent within our club, while reinforcing our commitment to photographic excellence and community involvement.
Lastly, I’m thrilled to welcome our new members that joined this year: Charley Lewis, Kyle Laskey, Amanda Venter, Theo Potgieter, Geoff and Nikki Twomey, and our most recent additions, Alan and Hazel Partington. We’re so glad to have you join our photographic family and look forward to seeing your work and sharing the journey ahead.
As we enter a new club year, let’s continue to grow, learn, and be inspired—together.
Warm Regards
Betzi
End of Year Social and Awards – 22nd November 2025
The date has been set, so please diarise Saturday the 22nd November for an evening supper at the Simonstown Country Club (the golf club as most people refer to it!). There are awards and acknowledgements – receive more about these events, and how you can participate, on the Strictly Photographic Whatsapp group.
Image of the Year – this is a self nomination category and is a very sought after award. Select an image from those you submitted to club between October 2024 and September 2025, and send the image by email with “Image of the Year” in the subject line to info@fishhoekphotoclub.co.za by 3rd November.
Our guest judge will give them all due consideration for the prestigious title, which will be announced on the night.
Salon acceptances – Durban Camera Club
We had 2 acceptances – well done Derek.
Please consider entering a Salon – not only is it necessary for you to progress through the ratings but as the points go towards our standing at a national level, it helps the club.
Presently we are 6th out of 17 in the Western Cape and 47th nationally. Due to the rating system it is arguably easier to achieve acceptances if you are a Junior (1,2 or 3 star) but the judges are still quite strict about the basic rules.
So make sure you utilise the PSSA guidelines and pay attention to the following evaluation aspects:-
1. Exposure: assess whether the image has been exposed correctly.
2. Sharpness: assess whether the image is sharp or not.
3. Composition: assess whether the composition of the image is done well. Elements like form, line, shape, balance, colour, light, mood etc. should be considered.
4. Digital processing: assess whether the digital processing of the image has been done well. Aspects like dust spot removal, saturation, contrast, colour cast, over sharpening, haphazard selective processing are to be considered.
5. Impact: assess whether the image has impact. This is where subjectivity comes into play and judges need to be aware of their own preferences so that this does not come in the way of prejudicing the image. Care should be taken if an image comes after a stunning image that as a judge you don’t compare this image up for assessment bearing in mind that if an image comes after.
Border control – our judges recommend taking a look at the edge of your image for unresolved strays or distractions.
There are 3 more Salons coming up before the end of the year.
Full list here
How to submit to a Salon
The full list of PSSA Salons and their criteria can be found at https://pssa.co.za/category/salons/calendar-results-for-year-ending-june-2026/
You can enter as few images as you want but there is an upper limit. There is usually a small charge for each picture you submit. The exception is when PSSA run their “Up and Coming Salon” which is free for Juniors – which is what 1, 2 and 3 star are also known as.
First Step – join Photo Vault. https://www.photovaultonline.com/photovault/index.php?r=register/create
This is a secure online vault where you load and store your images.
Create your user name and password – this is VERY important, as this is used to track your entries for all future events.
Step Two – Load the images you want to submit. Sizing is important but the rules are the same as for our club and Photo Vault will tell you if you mess it up. You can load images to PhotoVault at any time. Once uploaded they are held there unless you delete them. PhotoVault makes it easy to resubmit the same images in other salons, (if the rules allow)
If it is a salon that requires payment you must also include your POP (proof of payment) with your entry.
And that’s it!
NOTES
General – It really is very easy to enter Salons – but because they are national (and international) it is quite an achievement to do well i.e. get an acceptance.
Scores – You are expected to keep a database for Salon acceptances. Details can be found at https://fishhoekphotoclub.co.za/record-keeping/
Judging – Unlike at our monthly meeting there is no feedback on your entry. And if there were a high number of exceptional images submitted, the “pass” mark can be very high.
Manipulation and AI – Every Salon has a complete set of rules which are very clear about what is and isn’t allowed. If the judges feel an image has been manipulated outside of the category rules they may ask you to produce the RAW file.
Winners – I would suggest that everyone takes a look at the award winners of each of the salons. This enables you to see what is being done in the rest of the SA and overseas. Be inspired!
October Theme – Backlit
Backlighting is a great technique for club photographers as it allows members to stay within their chosen area of interest while challenging them to use light in their composition. Nature and street photographers can utilise natural light, while those more at home with portraiture or table top compositions can introduce artificial lights – all genres aiming to provide that impactful, dramatic effect. Expect a lot of trial and error, especially if you are trying to utilise the Magic Hours of sunrise and sunset in your image.
Whatever your route the Judges have confirmed manipulation is NOT allowed, but strong processing is permitted.
Unless going for silhouette shots, people are encouraged to consider experimenting with flash for fill or effects.
For inspiration and education. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-backlighting-in-photography
Golden Hour, Blue Hour and Twilight Explained. I found this site particularly useful in understanding how to best utilise the light in landscapes photography. https://www.meredithfontana.com/blog/what-is-golden-hour
Submissions as usual to be emailed to info@fishhoekphotoclub.co.za by midnight Monday 20th October. Make sure you follow the naming conventions as detailed on our website here. The convenor has recently made a couple of exceptions for incorrect title lengths, spurious underscores instead of dashes – Salon Judges would NOT be so lenient.
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).
As the end of year approaches try and squeeze time to work on the last theme of the year due for November – Signs and Symbols of Yesteryear
Theme nominations for 2026
By the end of October, we need to collate your nominations for next years monthly Themes. Rather than a single word submission we are asking for a little bit more background to leave no doubt or incorrect interpretation as to the desired result. For example, instead of simply saying TRIANGLES please expand to “Triangles In Nature – No Manipulation Allowed – Colour or mono.” Apologies for the awful example – especially if the idea was purposely to challenge the participants to interpret triangles across the genres!
Now you know why we need concise direction, duh. We will have time to discuss at the next meeting if you have any questions or suggestions.
Happening in OCTOBER for inspiration
Consider these opportunities in October.
Cape Point Opportunity for some great landscape shots as the proteas are coming into bloom, and maybe some long exposure of the sea as South Easter season hits.
South Easter Road Runners every Wednesday 6pm from The Shed at Surfer’s Corner Muizenburg along the roads and paths to Kalk Bay and back.
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 18-19th – 43km marathon, 22km trail and a new 11km trail which all run through the Table Mountain National Park.
The Portuguese Festival at the V&A Waterfront 4-5 October 2025 has taken place for over 30 years and the main event is the Blessing of the Fishing Fleet
September Results
Many thanks to this months Judging Panel. A special thanks to Keith for single handedly delivering the verdicts with kindness, style and precision.
You can view all the submissions by going to Flickr – just click here
Evaluation of Digital Images – September 2025
Winning Images
Please click on images to enlarge.
Evaluation of Theme Images – September 2025
(Theme: B&W Street Photography)
Winning Image
Please click on images to enlarge.
