Boksburg Camera Club members share their best shots for June. To find out more about what they do, where they meet and how you can join, go to www.boksburgcameraclub.co.za.

All skill levels are welcome!

WINNING IMAGE OF THE MONTH: The Water Walker (Masters – Theo Van Der Merwe)

How long have you been a member? Since 2017.

Skill level? 5-star SMB

Where was the image taken? Marievale Bird Sanctuary, well-known for its excellent hides and natural perches that offer unparalleled bird photography opportunities.

What inspired the image? The challenge of photographing birds in action, freezing the moment; from still to the sudden bursts into motion. Catching a waterbird running across shallow water – what photographers call ‘pattering’ – requires great timing, the right camera settings, and knowing exactly when the bird is about to take off.

What time of day was the image taken? Just before 08:30.

Camera settings? F-stop f 13, shutter speed 1/5000, exposure compensation -0.67, ISO 4500.

Why do you enjoy being a member of the club? Whether you are shooting on a high-end mirrorless setup or starting out with your first DSLR or cellphone camera, the feedback, mentoring, and shared passion in the club are what push you to improve your craft. The club is a structured environment in which to advance your skills, move up through the official star-rating system, and enter national salons. Beyond the competition, it’s a space where passionate hobbyists share technical advice and where all skill levels are welcome.

What do you enjoy the most about photography and why? The beauty of the present moment and the preservation of the past, and the sheer spontaneity of the art form. The challenge of documenting split-second wonders happening right before your eyes. It’s the patience of waiting for a lion’s yawn, a bird’s sudden flight, or the breathtaking precision of a Malachite kingfisher diving for a fish and returning to its perch all in under two seconds. It’s also about the personal, freezing moments with family ensures we have an anchor for our stories when memories eventually cloud. My love for photography spans the entire process, rooted deeply in the nostalgia of the slide film era when I proudly developed and printed my own frames.

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OTHER WINNERS