Budding photographer snaps a calendar-cover perfect shot of Homestead Dam

In a celebration of local talent and community spirit, Homestead Helpers for Benoni is excited to announce the winner of its Homestead Dam 2025 Calendar Photography competition.

“The competition, held in partnership with Shereno Printers, who generously donated calendars to help raise vital funds for the our NPO, invited the community to capture the serene beauty of the beloved Homestead Dam,” exlained Nina Visser, of the Homestead Helpers for Benoni.

She said this year’s competition was a remarkable success, drawing over 100 entries from photographers of all ages and experience levels.

Each submission aimed to reflect the essence of the iconic Homestead Dam, and the judging process was overseen by Paula Rutherford, a professional photographer and chairperson of the Benoni Camera Club.

“Paula, who also owns GetPix Photography in Farrarmere, brought her expertise and discerning eye to the selection process, ensuring that only the most captivating images made it into the calendar.

“In true community spirit, each aspect of the production of this calendar was made possible through services donated by local businesses and individuals.

“Special thanks are due to Charne Kieser of CK Photography for the final design and composition of the calendar, and to Tristan le Roux, of TLR Visuals, who donated the first-place prize of a family photoshoot.”

Casey Lloyd took first place in the photo competition.

“He is a 15-year-old photographer from Alphen Park. Casey’s stunning image titled ‘Warm Sunrise’ beautifully captures the tranquility and timeless beauty of the dam.

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“His photograph, taken during the early hours of a crisp morning, embodies the peaceful mood of the Homestead Dam and stood out as the perfect image for the cover of the 2025 calendar,” Nina said.

“What makes Casey’s achievement even more remarkable is that he is still a student at Pinnacle College.

“His impressive skill and artistic vision at such a young age suggest a bright future ahead in photography, and we look forward to seeing more of his work in future editions of our calendar and beyond.”

Nina added this competition was an incredible opportunity to showcase the talent in our community.

“Casey’s photograph truly captured the spirit of Homestead Dam.. We believe his work will inspire others to get involved and celebrate the beauty of our local environment.”

Finalists and honourable mentions

Along with Casey, several other photographers were recognised for their exceptional work and creativity.

While some entries were in portrait orientation and couldn’t be included in the landscape calendar, the following finalists are thanked and acknowledged for their outstanding contributions:

Second: “Golden Glow” by Tristan le Roux of TLR Visuals. This stunning shot of the dam’s surface, reflecting the golden hues of a sunset, is a masterful display of light and composition.

Third: “Goosebumps” by Kate van Jaarsveld. Capturing the ethereal beauty of geese, this photograph embodies the tranquil, mystical side of Homestead Dam.

“We are incredibly grateful to all the talented photographers who submitted their work. The competition showcased an impressive range of styles and perspectives, and we were truly inspired by the creativity and passion behind each photograph,” said Nina.

“We encourage you to get your own copy of the 2025 Homestead Dam calendar.

“A donation of R200 per calendar is requested, with all proceeds supporting the important work of Homestead Helpers for Benoni.”

To get a calendar, contact Heidi on 083 229 6025 or Catherine on 082 555 3720.

THE JUDGE’S CHOICE FOR THE CALENDAR (some images could, however, not be used in the calendar as they were portrait images, and were replaced with landscape images):

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