Seventy-seven photos were in the running for the popular monthly Ballito Photo Club competition at Simbithi Country Club.

The evening included a “You be the Judge” element, where members were encouraged to discuss the strong and weak elements in 15 randomly selected photos submitted by other clubs around South Africa. Nationally accredited photography judges provided valuable insight and advice to the contestants, helping members improve their craft.

“It is a great learning experience to have to judge someone else’s photo, and to hear what fellow members also say,” said chairperson Rung Button.

“This was followed by a presentation of the photos submitted by our members to the monthly competition, and insightful commentary from our external national judge.”

February winner, John Louw, once again claimed the best senior overall prize this month, with “Crab” in the Nature (no birds) category.

Denita Lawrence’s “After Lunch” topped the best junior overall category.

This month’s set subject was “Yellow”, with Brian Roberts claiming the prize for “The Slug and Rose”.

Roberts also ranked first in the Mono and Colour Open categories, with his photos “Trunk in Mono Local” and “Lean on Me”.

In the Nature (birds only) category, Nicolette Forbes claimed top honours with “Intermediate Egret in Full Glory”, while Avril Eshmade took first place in “Photojournalism & Sport” for “Surfing at its Best”.

Rung Button’s eerie “Sheffield Beach” took top place in the Scape category, while the Visual Art category was won by Carol Smith, with “I Dream of Africa”.

The Ballito Photo Club uses a ranking system devised by the Photographic Society of South Africa. This handicap system sees the top-ranked photographers judged more strictly.

New members start as one-star, depending on each score from each competition. Rankings one to three are for juniors, while four and upwards is ranked as senior.

For information on the Ballito Photo Club, contact Rung Button at 083 289 6806.

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