From hobbyists to competitive photographers, the Ballito Photo Club is building a creative home for local shutterbugs.

The club celebrated a milestone at its annual general meeting at Simbithi Country Club in April by hosting its first-ever live virtual judging session.

Denita Lawrence was appointed the club’s new chairperson, taking over from Rung Button. Brian Roberts, Pamela White, Carol Marneweck, John Louw and Rung make up the committee.

“The club’s ethos is ‘For the Love of Photography’,” said Rung.

“The aim is to create a photographic home for both ambitious photographers and hobbyists who simply want to share a passion for photography.”

April’s competition attracted 85 entries, reflecting the club’s growing membership and strong standard of work. Johannesburg photographer Paula Rutherford served as virtual judge for the evening.

The Overall Monthly Senior Winner title went to Caro Smith for her Visual Art entry Homeward Bound, which Paula described as a “masterpiece.” Simone Fisher won the Scapes category and was named Overall Monthly Junior Winner for Beach Walks.

Shannon Clark won the Nature (No Birds) category with Wild Eye Wildebeest and Photojournalism and Sport division for On the Edge, while Avril Eshmade claimed top honours in Nature (Birds Only) for Cormorant in the Sea Spray and Set Subject (Wet) with Happiness is Sea Water.

Brian Roberts also claimed two wins in both Mono (Lean on Me Lioness) and Open Colour (Goliath Heron).

The Ballito Photo Club meets monthly at Simbithi Country Club. Contact Rung on 083 289 6806.