Sharp Focus April 2026

From the Chair

Dear Members, Photographic Friends,

What a lively month April 2026 has been! Alongside our usual rhythm of creativity and camaraderie, we’ve welcomed a few brand-new endeavours, each one bringing fresh energy to our club and reminding us why we keep creating, learning, and sharing.

A very warm thank-you to Nicol and Trudie Du Toit for stepping in so generously to judge our monthly theme: Abstract Photography. We truly appreciated the way they brought fresh eyes to the work on display. Their feedback was succinct, thoughtful, and – most importantly – packed with value. It didn’t simply tell us what was strong; it also invited us to think differently, and that is exactly what we hope a judge’s perspective will do. It was also a pleasure to have Nicol and Trudie as part of our club meeting. The mingling, the conversation, and the Tea Time catch-ups added a special warmth to the whole experience.

We also extend our gratitude to Theo Potgieter for providing feedback on our digital images. Many of us learned a great deal from his guidance, especially around how images can be improved and the practical considerations that help strengthen our submissions. Theo’s approach was refreshingly concise, to the point, and focused. That meant we moved through the digital submissions efficiently and still left the session feeling thoroughly encouraged and informed.

A big thank-you as well to Geora and Geoff for leading our Macro Photography workshop on 16 April. Your leadership and support made all the difference. Members didn’t just listen – they learned how to apply the techniques in a practical way, gaining confidence and inspiration to take their macro work to the next level.

Now, as we look ahead, we are especially excited for what’s coming next. This coming month – 12 May- we will be hosting a Zoom workshop on Composites. Many of you have already expressed enthusiasm, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. Composites open up a whole new world of storytelling through images, and we can’t wait to expand our skills and explore what’s possible.

And don’t forget: the May 2026 theme is Sport. We’re really looking forward to seeing members rise to the occasion, capturing motion, drama, emotion, and energy in ways that only photographers can. Whether you shoot from the sidelines or capture training moments, this theme promises to be exciting and creatively full of potential.

Thank you for your continued passion, participation, and commitment to growing together. Let’s keep the momentum going – see you at the next meeting, and good luck as you begin preparing for Sport in May!

Warm regards,

Betzi

May Theme – SPORTS – Submit by 18th April

Sports photography covers any aspect of a sporting event, and falls under the PSSA definition of Photo Journalism (PJ) (no, not images of – or taken in – your pyjamas). Entries in this category should have informative content and emotional impact. In the interest of credibility, model or staged set-ups and images that misrepresent the truth are not permitted.
Images must depict an active pastime or recreation involving physical exertion and/or skill that is governed by a set of rules or customs and of a competitive nature.

In this section images could include the spectators or judge or umpire in a sporting event. Dance productions like ballet and Air Shows are deemed not to be sport.

NO manipulation allowed.

Our Club Aims to Educate, Inspire and Motivate

All members have a role to play. If you have a particular strength why not offer to share your knowledge with the whole club?
I would like to thank the senior members who attended the Macro Evening and guided as needed, despite the fact they knew everything anyway! These get togethers are a good way to share information on techniques, locations and gear in a social environment.
A special “thank you” to Geora for his incessant enthusiasm and inspiration.
Please ask interested friends, family and work buddies to follow our club on Facebook, Instagram and Flicker as a way of getting interested photographers to join us and add to the clubs skill set (we need educationalists and organisers, as well as talented photographers). Invite them to attend any of our club meetings for the tiny fee of R30 – which gives them the right to vote and refreshments.

Composites 101+ Zoom presentation Tuesday 12th May by Theo Potgieter

Composites open up a whole new world of storytelling through images, and we can’t wait to expand our skills and explore what’s possible. This is NOT a Photoshop/Lightroom demonstration but Theo is focusing on preparation and the pitfalls we to need to avoid.

Salon Success

Our club did very well at the PSSA Up & Coming Salon with a total of 22 images gaining acceptance.
Congratulations to Lynn Toms and Patrick Cardwell, for each winning a Certificate of Merit!
Well done to all the members who had multiple images accepted – Taariq, Geora, Patrick, Marie Louise, Margaret and Lynn
And in the SAVAS Digital Salon – kudos to Charlie, Keith and Nikki who each had an acceptance, and Derek who earned three.

There are still a few members who haven’t begun to step up the Salon path – just shout out if you need help getting started.
The four salons available in May 2026 are –
TAF Klub Print & PDI – deadline 2nd May
Sandton National Digital Salon – 9th May
4th Kosmos Fotografieklub – 16th May
10th MFFC PDI Salon – 30th May

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/