The Hermanus Photographic Society had its first meeting of the new year on Wednesday 5th February. It served also as the annual general meeting for the club. The President, Elizma Fourie, gave the members a short review of the club’s very successful activities over the last year that included the successful hosting of the Western Cape Interclub’s Annual Photographic exhibition held at the Sanlam Centre Art Gallery in Bellville. The club continued its annual participation with the Fyn Arts Festival and during 2019 added First Fridays Art Walk.
As it was the AGM, it was appropriate that it also saw various members of the club being recognised for their photographic achievements over the past year. David Wilson received the trophy for the best 3-star photographer of the year and Hestie das Neves, the best 5-Star Award. As Elizma herself was the best 4-Star photographer of the year, the award was given by prior President Charles Naude. Although not present to receive the awards, the best 1-Star photographer of the year was Taylum Meyer and the best 2-Star Photographer, Ansie du Toit.
The night also included the club’s regular photographic competition where the set subject, and also the theme of the upcoming Fyn Arts Exhibition was “Poetry in Motion” and a good selection of work by members was evaluated for this as the regular open evaluation. The senior Image of the month was “Uniquely Amsterdam” by Hestie das Neves with the Junior IoM being “ Lets Twist Again” by Mari Botes.
For the upcoming year the major challenge for the club is to expand the junior section of the club with beginning and less practiced photographers who will be mentored by those more senior so they can increase their photographic skills. So on the third Wednesday of every month (this month being the 19th February) the club will hold a series of “Camera Basics Appreciation Classes” to bring to members of the public information classes on how to operate all types of cameras being used by members of the club and in addition a camera workshop will be available to explain the hidden techniques of their own camera and adjust the settings accordingly.
Members of the public are invited to join us on Wednesday 19 February at 7pm at the Dutch Reformed Church in Church Street Hermanus. Further details of the classes can be found on the club’s website. A small donation would be appreciated by the club to cover the hall hire.