The Ballito Photo Club’s August showcase at Simbithi Country Club was a celebration of creativity and technical excellence.

The monthly competition featured 99 images from a strong contingent of 46 photographers, despite eight members attending the annual Congress of the Photographic Society of South Africa in Struisbaai.

“Because our monthly competitions are done using an online platform, members who cannot attend a meeting can still participate,” said chairperson Rung Button.

READ MORE: Click here for July’s Ballito Photo Club Competition

The club follows a ranking system from the Photographic Society of South Africa, where photographers are judged according to their rank. Members begin as one-star and progress based on competition scores; one to three stars for juniors, and four and above for seniors.

August’s independent judge was Mike Skellern from the Hibiscus Photo Club on the KZN South Coast.

Brian Roberts dominated the evening, winning three categories: Set Subject (“Shadows”), Open Mono and Nature (no birds). His winning image for the set subject, titled Rubbish, was described by Skellern as “well spotted and executed, crisp and clear and well composed with good impact.”

Roberts’ Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl earned top marks in Open Mono, while his Red-backed Mannikins won Nature (birds only), with the judge calling it “almost perfect, with sharpness and good composition.”

Nicolette Forbes claimed the Open Colour category with Gentle Trust and was also named overall Junior winner.

ALSO READ: Capturing North Coast beauty with the Ballito Photo Club

Nicola Paul won the Scapes category with Thompsons Bay Sunrise, while Haydn McClure’s Kgalagadi Cheetah also stood out in the Nature (no birds) category.

John Roux impressed with Patterns and Reflections, which Skellern described as “well spotted and well interpreted, with excellent technicalities.”

The Photojournalism & Sport category was won by Avril Eshmade for Lady Surfer in Red, a dynamic action shot that earned her the overall Senior winner title.

“The photo is a dramatic, high-action image of a masterful moment,” said Skellern.

For more information about the Ballito Photo Club, contact Rung at 083 289 6806.

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