Welcome to the Hermanus Photographic Society (HPS). If you want to enhance your photography skills, meet new challenges, or meet people with similar interests, please come and join us.
We meet on the first Wednesday of the month (not January) usually at the Dutch Reformed Church in Church Street, Hermanus at 19:00. Currently, due to Covid 19, we are hosting Zoom meetings. Please check our meeting roster for the event details. As a prospective new member you are welcome to attend one of our meetings before making a final decision to join the club.
Our club aims to develop an interest in photography and to master the technical and artistic challenges presented. We do this by holding club competitions, organising outings, and developing interest groups. If you do not wish to enter images for judging, a lot of technical information can be learnt from the judging section of the evening. This information will assist and inspire you to try different techniques and develop your photographic skills.
Our monthly meetings strive to cater for everybody… from the beginner to the advanced photographer. Everyone is welcome.
Our set subject for June is using the chiaroscuro technique. Chiaroscuro, is an Italian term that refers to the intense contrast of light (chiar) and dark (oscuro). Think old masters, drama, mood. Play with light Read more"Chiaroscuro and/or Photographing Light"
Our set subject for June is using the chiaroscuro technique. Chiaroscuro, is an Italian term that refers to the intense contrast of light (chiar) and dark (oscuro). Think old masters, drama, mood. Play with light Read More"Chiaroscuro and/or Photographing Light"
Our set subject competition in September is Triptych - a story in three. This particular challenge to the members requires three associated photos that together tell a story. Here is a 5 min photo scope. Read More"Triptych – a story in three"
Our set subject for June is using the chiaroscuro technique.Chiaroscuro, is an Italian term that refers to the intense contrast of light (chiar) and dark (oscuro).
Chiaroscuro (from Italian chiaro, “light,” and scuro, “dark”), in art, is the use of strong contrasts between light and dark, usually bold contrasts affecting a whole composition. It is also a technical term used by artists and art historians for the use of contrasts of light to achieve a sense of volume in modelling three-dimensional objects and figures.
The technique was first brought to its full potential by Leonardi da Vinci in the late 15th century in such paintings as his Adoration of the Magi (1481). Thereafter, chiaroscuro became a primary technique for many painters, and by the late 17th century the term was routinely used to describe any painting, drawing or print that depended for its effect on a gradation of light and darkness.
Create an arresting image
In photography, the chiaroscuro lighting technique can be defined simply as high contrast lighting. You use the extremes of dark and light to create an arresting image. It can be used in colour or black and white photography.
In Portrait photography, chiaroscuro lighting is often associated with professional studio lights. But you can also achieve it with the help of natural light or simple artificial light sources. Window Light the most accessible source of natural light for chiaroscuro portraits. With the right exposure, you’ll be able to darken any distractions in the background. This will help you put the spotlight on your model. Make sure you’re taking photos in a room where the window is the only source of light. This will help you create high contrasts. You can also use small sources of light in the dark. For example, you can take photos of your model holding a candle, lighter, or a torch at night.
But Chiaroscuro is NOT confined to portraiture and lends itself to a rendering of any scene with extreme contrasts between light and dark
The photo top left was shot in Vietnam and underexposing the image draws attention to the lanterns but the directional light source—in this case a window above—lights up the couple and allows for a beautiful visual effect of light seeping into darkness. This in turn amps up the romantic atmosphere of the place and turns the picture into a cinematographic moment.
The same applies to the image below, taken during a boat trip near Oxford (England). Notice how the setting sun light is directional and leads the eye from outside the frame directly to the subject, which is placed in the sweet spot where light meets shadow.
Annual membership fees are renewable in January. New members joining after January will pay a pro-rata fee. Prospective members can attend two meetings before formally joining. Membership is subject to approval by the HPS Committee.
