Sharp Focus October 2025

From the Chair

Our Fish Hoek Photographic Society is growing in leaps and bounds! It’s wonderful to see so many new members joining our vibrant community, and just as inspiring to witness the continued growth and skill development of our existing photographers. The standard of images shared this month was truly impressive — such creativity and talent on display!
A warm thank-you to Patrick and Marie-Louise for generously sponsoring our tea and eats. Your kindness helped create such a welcoming atmosphere where we could relax, mingle, and catch up with one another — one of the things that makes our club so special.
As we look ahead, we can’t wait to celebrate the wonderful achievements of the year at our upcoming year-end function. Here’s to friendship, inspiration, and many more beautiful images still to come!

Warm Regards

Betzi

Calibration – Hot Topic

You know how annoying it is when the judges mention areas without detail in your image? Blown out highlights? Peter Brandt will be addressing this at our next meeting on November 24th. You may want to take a look at the PSSA calibration section here https://pssa.co.za/pssa-screen-calibration-information/

Nominations for 2025 Picture of the Year – submission date Monday 4th November

This is a self nomination category for this 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.

Introducing Kim Stevens – Guest Judge 2025

We are very fortunate to have the respected and seasoned photographer Kim Stevens to judge our offerings for Pic of the Year 2025.
A talented and humble person who creates, mentors and teaches across many genres. In her words…

“I am a professional photographer from Cape Town, South Africa. I’m a creator of Travel, Nature, Stage and Fine Art Photography. I love to travel, not only abroad but in South Africa too. I take people on the journey with me, in person on my tours or through my lens by capturing moments and attractions in my own unique way.”

I suggest you all go to her website https://www.limelightfoto.com/

End of Year Dinner and Awards – 22nd November 2025

Please come along on Saturday the 22nd November at 6.30pm for an evening supper at the Simonstown Country Club (the golf club).

This is when the club’s top performers over the year will be recognised, and our guest judge will announce this year’s Picture of the Year.
This includes welcome snacks and a glass of something refreshing while you catch up with fellow photographers, and followed by a delicious buffet of roast lamb and roast chicken and desert.
We need to confirm numbers, so please RSVP and make the payment of R300 into the club’s bank account ASAP so that we can finalise details with the country club.
And when you book, please also let me have your dietary preferences if you are not a carnivore.

November Theme – Signs and Symbols of Yesteryear – submission date 17/11/2025

Note the date! It’s one of those short months with an earlier Monday deadline.

AI Overview
In photography, the “Symbols of Yesteryear” category typically refers to images that evoke a sense of nostalgia or a bygone era by featuring subjects, objects, or styles characteristic of the past. It is a thematic category rather than a specific technical style.

Key Characteristics and Subjects
Photographs in this category aim to transport the viewer back in time, often focusing on:
• Vintage Objects: Everyday items that are now considered old-fashioned, such as old sailing boats, steam locomotives, classic cars, retro televisions, vintage cameras, or antique signage.
• Architecture and Landscapes: Capturing scenes that have remained largely unchanged for decades, such as old county roads, quaint village storefronts, or historical buildings with traditional features.
• Period-Specific Styles: Using photographic techniques that mimic older processes (like sepia tone, black and white, or using film grain) to enhance the feeling of age.
• Cultural Icons: Images that reference cultural touchstones, fashion, or notable figures from previous decades, such as the “Kodak Girl” from 1920s-70s advertising or classic Hollywood sex symbols.
• Emotion and Nostalgia: The primary goal is often to trigger a sense of nostalgia or a feeling of connection to the past in the viewer.

In essence, a “Symbols of Yesteryear” photograph captures tangible or abstract elements that serve as powerful reminders of a time gone by.

Grow our Club

We are actively recruiting members who can add to the clubs skill set (we need educationalists and organisers as well as talented photographers) so if you know someone whether they are a seasoned photographer or just starting out please consider introducing them to our club. It’s the perfect place to grow skills, share your work, and connect with fellow photo enthusiasts.

Salon Acceptances

This past month Marie Louise Cardwell has been flying the club flag with acceptances in the Bloemfontein CC and CC of Johannesburg, with 4 acceptances, and Patrick Cardwell helping out with a further acceptance.

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 always keep in mind the basic evaluation aspects in all of your submissions, whether to club or national competition.

1. Exposure
2. Sharpness
3. Composition
4. Digital processing:
5. Impact:

I highly recommend you investigate the PSSA winners – they are inspirational.

The full list of PSSA Salons, entry criteria and the winning images can be found at https://pssa.co.za/category/salons/calendar-results-for-year-ending-june-2026/

Happening in NOVEMBER for inspiration

“Chasing the Wild Horizon”, a breathtaking visual journey with acclaimed photographer Jon Kerrin, as he shares his passion for capturing the raw beauty of nature.

Simon’s Town Civic Hall
Wednesday, 12 November 2025 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Entry: R125 (includes a glass of wine)

Delicious light meals and snacks will be available for sale.
Beautiful 2026 Calendars will also be on sale.
All proceeds support the Friends of Simon’s Town Library.
RSVP: Steph Mellor – events@simonstown.com