The Ballito Photo Club is setting a high creative benchmark for the year after a vibrant exhibition at Simbithi Country Club last month.

Eighty-one entries from 46 members were on display.

Guest speaker and judge Steff Hughes, joining virtually from Cape Town, delivered an inspiring talk titled ‘How to find your photography mojo (If you’ve lost it)’, offering members practical tips for reclaiming creative momentum.

“This was a good start to the year for many who have allowed their cameras to lie idle since before Christmas,” said club chairperson Rung Button.

The exhibition featured a wide range of photographic styles and skill levels, with winners announced across multiple categories. In Open Mono, Brian Roberts claimed top honours with Tussling Trunks, praised by Hughes for its “lovely intertwining trunks” and “beautiful skin textures enhanced by your processing.”

The Open Colour category ended in a rare tie. Carol Marneweck’s Back from School was described by Hughes as “a great storytelling image.” Sharing the win was Rung Button’s Traditional and Modern, noted for its well-chosen depth of field and lighting that “allows her to stand out from the busy background.”

READ: Ballito Photo Club captures creativity ‘from above’ at year-end showcase | North Coast Courier

In Nature (No Birds), Denita Lawrence impressed with Perfect Camouflage, praised for its composition and light. Birds Only was won by Shannon Clark’s Fluttering Thick-Billed Weaver, commended for its detail and shallow depth of field.

Other winners included Brian Williams in Scapes with Lines on the Beach, and Avril Eshmade in Photojournalism and Sport with Mama Goes Shopping.

January’s set subject, Boats, saw another tie. Senior winner Denita Lawrence took top spot with Boats at Dusk, while junior winner Sandy du Bufanos earned recognition for Old Boat Mono. In Visual Art, Nicola Paul’s Grass Blossom stood out for its “lovely colours” and mix of soft and sharp elements.

Aspiring photographers interested in joining the Ballito Photo Club can contact Rung Button at 083 289 6806.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.