Although once again the regular monthly meeting of the Hermanus Photographic Society (HPS) was replaced by a virtual “Zoom” meeting on Wednesday 7 July, it was well attended. Participants were briefed on the continued success of club members in gaining photographic designations, as well as ever increasing success with medals and awards from various photographic salons both local and worldwide.
HPS Club President David Wilson received his LRPS designation from the Royal Photographic Society in the UK. He puts his success down to the support and encouragements of club member. But this was not all; club members achieved no less than 41 awards, led by Treurnicht du Toit who in June alone gained no less than six gold, two silver and two bronze medals on the international photographic salon circuit.
The continued international success of the club is not going unnoticed. HPS was invited by the Rhonddha Camera Club of Wales to be one of 24 selected photographic clubs worldwide, and the only one in South Africa, to be part of their exhibition in November this year.
July’s set subject photographic challenge for members was “City Scapes”, ably judged by Marnus van Dyk who himself is a talented landscape photographer. The winning image was “Salzburg Cityscape” by Phil Sturgess, but it was a close running with Carina de Klerk getting the identical score with her “Twilight at the (V&A) Waterfront”.
Competition was also close in the main competition. Our audience agreed with the judge that the level of photographic skill shown this month was exceptional. July’s Image of the Month award was “African Bliss” by Hestie das Neves. These winning photos, and other gold and merit awards, can be viewed on the club’s Facebook page.
Just before current Covid-19 lockdown regulations would have prevented it, the club participated in the Hermanus Fyn Arts Festival. Print work by members under the theme “Mainly Monochromatic” was well received and indeed with two of the art works being sold at the end of the exhibition to an out of town visitor!
It would seem likely that lockdown regulations will prevent the regular August meeting and also for participation in First Fridays Art Walk and Hermanus Art in the Park events but this is subject to change so please contact HPS or view their Facebook page for the latest information.