Fish Hoek is one of the smaller photography clubs in the Western Cape but we are all run in a similar fashion. One of our core goals is to build relationships based on a shared enjoyment of photography and to support each other in developing our photographic skills.
We are a member of, and governed by, the national Photographic Society of South Africa (PSSA). All rules and additional information can be found on their website: www.pssa.co.za
Club Meetings
We meet once a month at the Yacht Club in Simon’s Town, on the fourth Monday of each month, from 7:30 PM for approximately two hours. A typical meeting begins with a brief update from the chairperson, covering club news, upcoming events, and outings. Occasionally, we host guest speakers who give short presentations. The majority of the evening is dedicated to reviewing and scoring members’ monthly image submissions.
What Are Submissions, and Why Are They Important?
Growth as a photographer comes through the process of submitting images for assessment.
When you join the club, you are assigned a grading—usually 1 Star. Experienced photographers who can provide a portfolio or proof of grading from another club may request a higher level.
Grading serves as a guideline for judges to assess your work fairly. This system is used across all 88 affiliated clubs in South Africa, ensuring consistency—especially when your work is submitted to “Salons” which are competitions run by PSSA and other affiliated clubs.
Each month (by the deadline, 7 days before the meeting), members can submit up to a maximum of three images made up of :
- One in the set theme category
- Up to two in the open category
Submissions must adhere to specific rules regarding theme, file size, and naming conventions, which are outlined on our website:
fishhoekphotoclub.co.za/submission-specifications
Our trained judges review the images and assign scores. The submitted images are then projected at the meeting while comments and critiques are read aloud—a crucial part of the learning experience.
Workshops, Outings, and Tutorials
Some months may include workshops or outings related to the set theme. Occasionally, we invite specialists to lead these events. These sessions offer valuable opportunities to learn, share knowledge, and strengthen relationships beyond the regular club structure.
There are many talented photographers in the Western Cape who offer paid educational workshops, which can provide a deeper dive into specific genres. However, within our club, we aim to support one another and often include “How it Was Done” features in our monthly newsletter, Sharp Focus.
Communication
In addition to our monthly meetings, the main form of communication is our active WhatsApp group “Strictly Photographic”. All members are added to the group and encouraged to use it for questions, advice, image discussions arranging dates, and sharing ideas.
Our monthly newsletter includes image scores, highlights winners, and offers practical and educational tips. Look under NEWS on our website: fishhoekphotoclub.co.za, which also includes links to our Facebook, Instagram and Flickr pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Join The Club?
If you want to attend a meeting before joining send an email to the club fishphotoclub@gmail.com for an invite to one of our monthly meetings and introduce yourself as an interested party.
Or join now by filling in our form and paying the annual fee.
Where Can I Find the Monthly Themes?
Our website fishhoekphotoclub.co.za contains all theme information and should be your first point of reference. If you have trouble finding anything, feel free to ask in the WhatsApp group.
How Do I Submit My Images?
Submission instructions can be found on the website under “Submission Specifications.” If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask the group for help.
Where Can I View Submitted Images?
Visit our Flickr albums at:
www.flickr.com/photos/187514013@N05/albums
How Do I Know When a Salon Is Open?
Refer to the PSSA website for a full list of salons, deadlines, and categories. It’s also a great resource for topics such as digital manipulation, use of AI, and competition rules. Visit: www.pssa.co.za
Grading and Progression – How Do I Move Up?
Every image submitted earns points. These are tracked by our Treasurer and Administrator, Jane Bursey, who announces grading changes at monthly meetings.
Members can also gain points by entering salons—national competitions hosted by various clubs. For a small fee, photographers submit images for scoring. High scores may result in an “acceptance” or even a Certificate of Merit. Achieving salon acceptances is considered a significant accomplishment.
Points |
Golds or Coms |
Salon Acceptance |
|||
| 1 Star to 2 Star | 88 | 24 | 0 | ||
| 2 Star to 3 Star | 120 | 30 | 1 | ||
| 3 Star to 4 Star | 154 | 42 | 25 | ||
| 4 Star to 5 Star | 198 | 54 | 60 | ||
| 5 Star to Master Bronze | 198 | 54 | 78 | ||
| Master Bronze to Master Silver | 198 | 54 | 95 | ||
| Master Silver to Master Gold | 198 | 54 | 120 | ||
| Master Gold to Master Platinum | 198 | 54 | 130 | ||
| M. Platinum to M Diamond | 198 | 54 | 140 | ||
| STAR JUDGING | No award | Bronze | Silver | Gold | COM |
| 1 star | 1 to 3 | 4 to 5 | 6 to 7 | 8 to 10 | 11 to 15 |
| 2 star | 1 to 4 | 5 to 6 | 7 to 8 | 9 to 11 | 12 to 15 |
| 3 star | 1 to 5 | 6 to 7 | 8 to 9 | 10 to 12 | 13 to 15 |
| 4 star | 1 to 6 | 7 to 8 | 9 to 10 | 11 to 12 | 13 to 15 |
| 5 star | 1 to 7 | 8 to 9 | 10 to 11 | 12 | 13 to 15 |
| Master Bronze | 1 to 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 to 15 |
| Master Silver | 1 to 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 to 15 |
| Master gold | 1 to 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 to 15 |
| Master Platinum | 1 to 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 to 15 |
| Master Diamond | 1 to 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 to 15 |
NB. Any picture entered into a salon may only receive 3 acceptances. It may not be used again in a salon.