Boksburg Camera Club Newsletter February 2016

Shutternews

BCC is affiliated with PSSA

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Index From the chairman 2 Committee 2016 3 Events 4 Photography, the couples hobby: part 2- Owen and Margaret Single 5 Set subjects and inspirations 8 Spotlight on Denise Smith 38 Memberslist 40 Advertisements 41

Winners PSSA results 19 February club evening e-photography winners 20

Features 10 spots that should be on your South African bucket list 10 10 Myths about the rule of thirds 23

Denise Smith- Still life

BOKSBURG CAMERA CLUB www.boksburgcameraclub.co.za Photo‐Vault‐Online‐Entries www.photovaultonline.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/ BANKING DETAILS First National Bank Sunwardpark Branch: 201209 Current account no: 62482721406

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From the chairman No matter what type of photography interests you,

whether its landscape photography, nature

photography, street photography, people photography

or any other type of photography its essential to always

be prepared. Over the years I’ve learned that being

prepared is itself an art form. The art of preparedness

is seldom just a generic chore and can require quite a

bit of creative thought.

First and foremost you have to come to terms with your interests, tendencies and habits.

Once you’ve done this it’s much easier to prepare and you’ll have fewer missed

opportunities or uncomfortable moments. If you can set the right things aside beforehand

then your more spontaneous photo opportunities will likely be as successful as your more

thought out photo shoots.

Clearly when out in the field the last thing you want to have to focus on is any lingering

thoughts about missing supplies or gear. If you’ve planned and prepared well you’ll free

your mind to focus completely on your subject. This is a tough thing to achieve, but when

you do you’ll find it is a liberating feeling.

Being prepared in many regards is about thought to the elements, survival, creature

comforts, networking opportunities, and of course your gear. Go and plan your next outing

properly and you will be amazed with what you can accomplish.

Till next time.

Percy

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Committee 2016

Percy Mitchell

Chairman

082 575 7401

Errol Wagg

Vice Chairman and

Competitions

Manager

082 491 8710

Denise Smith

Secretary/admin

076 731 1980

Nico Grobbelaar

E-photo coordinator

082 448 4299

Jacques Taljaard

Treasurer

083 654 4614

Annemi Taljaard

Catering/Editor

079 499 5281

Erich Schober

Equipment

manager

083 447 8014

VACANCIES

Workshops and

outings

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Events

February Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

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March Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

April Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

February

6- Krugersdorp Salon

7- Birthday: Maureen Botha

8- Club evening

12- Birthday: Edwin Hawthorn

Birthday: Errol Wagg

14- Birthday: Ulandi Wagg

15- Birthday: Mel Walsh

20- PSSA National salon

28- Birthday: Jackie Cilliers

March 3- Birthday: Margaret Single

4- Birthday: Kerry Mellet

5- Birthday: Leatitia Kenny

3rd Bosveld Salon

7- Birthday: Alex Pawley

11- Birthday: Vivienne Murray

14- Club evening

15- PE Camera Club International Audio Visual

Festival 2016

19- Birthday: Chris van den Berg

20- Birthday: Monique van Wyk

25- Birthday: Tracy Haw

2nd Lowveld Salon

April 1- Birthday: Alan Driver

Birthday: Renee de Klerk

9- Southern Suburbs Salon

11- Club evening

14- Birthday: Andre Koekemoer

16- PCCC Salon

20- Birthday: Herman Evert

23- Birthday: Wallace Hayward

Birthday: Suzanne Morshead

Birthday: Jasper van Eeden

25- Birthday: Pam Eley

28- Birthday: HP van Zyl

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Photography is a wonderful hobby and Shutternews decided to ask our

married members what makes photography special to them. Over the

next few months our married couples will share their stories with us.

Photography, the couple’s hobby

Part 2: Owen and Margaret Single Who started photography first and why did you or your

spouse join in?

Owen: I started first. Margaret has always shown an

interest but only became actively involved when I joined a

camera club, about 3 years ago.

Margaret: Owen started first, I joined much later to share in the enjoyment and to have a common interest.

According to you what makes photography such an excellent hobby for couples?

Owen: It has enabled us to do things together and has given us the opportunity to be able

to see things differently and to have a common interest in all things photographic.

Margaret: It enables a couple to have a common interest and to be able to share in the

passion of photography as well as to have a great many points to discuss.(and sometimes to

even disagree on.

Do you and your spouse share the same interest in photography and what is your

favourite genre?

Owen: Yes we share the same interests, my favourite genre being, landscapes, old cars,

architecture and street photography.

Margaret: We share a common interest our favourite genre being landscapes and street photography.

What is one of your funniest memories when photographing together?

Owen: At our age the positions we find ourselves in when taking images.

Margaret: Owen lying on his stomach on a wooden walkway in Yellowstone, just to get the shot.

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Where is your favourite place to photograph?

Owen: The world, we now find opportunities wherever we find ourselves.

Margaret: So far our favourite place has been India because of the wealth of diversity and the most amazing people.

How do you make it fun to continue photography as a couple?

Owen: The common interest gives us such opportunity to compete and to be able to discuss

the images we take.

Margaret: We are able to travel to different places and have a common interest, although

our images can be completely different at times.

Have you learnt anything new about your spouse since taking up a joined hobby?

Owen: The bitch is competitive, ha ha. Seriously we have both become tolerant and discuss

all photo opportunities.

Margaret: I have learned that my husband can be sociable amongst people who have similar interests and I have seen him display patience and the ability to be extremely helpful.

What is your favourite photo your partner has ever taken?

Owen: My favourite photo taken by Margaret is a landscape which scored very high at our

trophy evening. This image shows such remarkable talent.

Margaret: The photo taken of a sunset in Barbados because it brings back such fond memories of a wonderful trip.

Barbabos sunset

Owen Single

Winter in Colorado-

Margaret Single

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And lastly who do you think is the better photographer?

Owen: This is a trick question, we keep learning from each other.

Margaret: I think Owen is the better photographer but I know that he will disagree. We probably both have good points

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Set subjects for 2016

February- Nature - no scapes

March - Monochrome

April - Panning/movement

May - Portraiture

June - Autumn

July - Scapes

August - Still life/ tabletop

September - Low light photography

October – Sport/PJ

January 2017 - Macro/close up

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Set subject inspirations for March:

Monochrome Definition as per PSSA (updated 10 Feb 2015): Monochrome is a black and white image. A

black and white work fitting from the very dark grey (black) to the very clear grey (white) is

a monochrome work with the various shades of grey.

A black and white work toned entirely in a single colour will remain a monochrome work

able to stand in the black and white category.

On the other hand a black and white work modified by a partial toning or by the addition of

one colour becomes a colour work (polychrome) to stand in the colour category.

http://www.pssa.co.za/images/Documents/Administration/Definitions/2015_02_10_PSSA_definitions_incl_manipulation.pdf

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10 spots that should be on your South

African bucket list Have you really explored the best of South Africa?

By Katy Scott - June 9, 2015

1. Panorama Route, Mpumalanga

mpumalangaInstagram.com/mpumalangatourism

There’s a reason the vantage points along the

spectacular Panorama Route have names like God’s

Window and Wonder View. The eye (and the

furiously snapping camera) can hardly take in the

25,000 hectares of majesty all at once.

Instagram.com/merelfa

The Panorama Route is home to one of the

world’s largest canyons, the Blyde River Canyon

and the impressive Three Rondavels, Lisbon Falls,

Berlin Falls and Mac Mac Falls.

mpumalangatourism2Instagram.com/mpumalangat

ourism

The region is not only home to thrilling scenery, but

a plethora of plant and animal life too.

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2. The Wild Coast, Eastern Cape

Instagram.com/gabbydavolio

The Wild Coast offers so much more than just a

‘hole in the wall’ (even though that is an incredible

natural sight to behold). Did you know that each

afternoon the cattle of the Amaphonda people

wander down to the beach and wade in the water

at Port St Johns beach?

Instagram.com/christopher_rimmer

Untamed beauty stretches from the

Mtamvuna River in the north of the Eastern

Cape to the Great Kei River in the south.

Instagram.com/c.bloch

But the most beautiful parts of the Wild Coast are

not accessible by car and involve getting on a horse

or into some serious hiking boots. And the views

then, the uninterrupted landscapes, are well worth

the effort.

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3. Orange River

Instagram.com/antonbarnard

When South Africa’s longest river floods, the

Augrabies Falls (pictured above) are an

absolutely magical site.

Instagram.com/liisajohnsen

The great river caters for everything from

cruises to canoeing and river rafting.

4. Magaliesberg, North West Province

Instagram.com/mikhi46

Magaliesberg is a 120km long mountain range, 100

times older than Everest, most known for being

the birthplace of Humankind.

Now Humankind can escape from the hustle and

bustle of Jozi to the modest (or luxurious,

depending on your taste) Magaliesberg.

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Instagram.com/patrickdward

A mountaineers paradise, Magaliesberg offers

canopy tours, hot air ballooning and horse riding

in the mountain foot hills.

Instagram.com/stephanwessels

If you want to keep adventure to the minimum

but still want the panoramic views, the

Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway extends to the

top of the Magaliesberg mountain range by

Hartbeespoort Dam, and is an absolute must.

5. Tsitsikamma, Western and Eastern Cape

Instagram.com/juliette_026

There is a reason the Western Cape’s Garden

Route is crawling with tourists. But the highlight of

the entire route has to be the 80km long stretch of

coastline known as Tsitsikamma, the garden of the

Garden Route.

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Instagram.com/thomas_richard_

Tsitsikamma is a khoi word meaning “place of

abundant or sparkling water” and boasts a variety

of different hikes and activities for every passerby.

Instagram.com/sydneyholmes5

If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush of note,

you can find the highest commercial natural

bungee jump in the world at the the Bloukrans

bridge, 216 meters (709 feet) above the

Bloukrans River.

6. Oribi Gorge, KwaZulu Natal

Instagram.com/zachlangille

21 kilometres inland of Port Shepstone lay the

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve. The magnificent

24km long gorge has been carved out of

sandstone over thousands of years by the

Umzimkulwana River.

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Instagram.com/keatondunnington1

Tall sandstone cliffs, forests, trails, rivers, rapids

and ravines allow for a variety of adventure

activities including zip lining, abseiling, hiking and

river rafting.

Instagram.com/juanpinto2014

The gorge is home to 255 bird species and a

host of fauna including the rare samango

monkey and the difficult to spot Oribi (pictured

right).

7. Cango Caves, Western Cape

Instagram.com/vanessaxjoanna

Located at the foothills of the Swartberg range

near Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves are filled with

halls, limestone formations and tiny passages to

squeeze through (the smallest being 15cm).

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Instagram.com/whatilovesa

While today it is a popular tourist attraction, in

the Middle and Later Stone Ages, people used to

live in the entrance to the caves.

Perhaps the only downside is that the entire

Cango Caves extends for four kilometres of

tunnels and chambers, but only a quarter of this

is open to the public.

8. The Drakensberg

Instagram.com/woojithegreat

You can’t take a bad picture of the “Dragon

Mountains”, and no picture does the Great

Escarpment justice.

Instagram.com/virtualsouthafrica

The Tugela Falls (pictured above) is believed

to be the world’s second-tallest waterfall

with the combined total drop of its five falls

being 948 meteres (3,110 feet). Some argue

that it is in fact taller than Venezuela’s Angel

Falls, the tallest waterfall in the world.

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Instagram.com/woojithegreat

While hiking the numerous trails is one of the

most popular things to do, there are many horse-

friendly trails too. A rich San history can be

traced through the thousands of rock paintings in

the caves along the Clarens Formation.

9. Otter Trail

Instagram.com/descubraafricadosul

A five-day hike spanning about 43 kilometres

(26km long as the crow flies), the Otter Trail

stretches from Storms River Mouth in the east to

Nature’s Valley in the west.

Instagram.com/smccle6

The scenery along the trail is ever-changing

and is punctuated by caves, waterfalls,

sandy and rocky beaches, rock outcrops,

ravines and indigenous forests.

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Instagram.com/muhammadmakidaya

The trail is the oldest official hiking trail in South Africa,

and is named after the Cape Clawless Otter.

10. Route 62, Western Cape

Instagram.com/backpackerjam

This scenic route is an alternative to the N2 and

stretches from Worcester, along the Breede River

Valley, through Robertson, Ashton and Montagu,

the Klein Karoo landmark towns, and then

through to George.

Instagram.com/nomad_katesome

Along Route 62, the longest wine route in the

world, the eye is treated to glorious mountain

passes, green valleys, crystal streams and an

abundance of indigenous flora. Keep an eye out

for South Africa’s national bird (and an

endangered species) the Blue Crane!

http://www.thesouthafrican.com/10-spots-that-should-be-on-your-south-african-bucket-

list/

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Winners

PSSA results 3rd PSSA international salon

Krugersdorp Salon

Results not yet available

PSSA national salon

Results not yet available

Category Name Award Description Photo Title Lastname Firstname Country

OPEN - Colour Acceptance Black widow Kenny Laetitia South Africa

NATURE - Colour Acceptance Heron 1542 Kenny Laetitia South Africa

NATURE - Colour Acceptance Grey gull 07 Kenny Laetitia South Africa

NATURE - Colour Acceptance the mob is awake Viljoen Kierie South Africa

MONOCHROME - Open Acceptance

dena with horns Kenny Laetitia South Africa

MONOCHROME - Open Acceptance

Windows to the soul McCallum Sandra South Africa

SCAPES (URBAN and or RURAL) - Colour Acceptance

Panorama with tree Kenny Laetitia South Africa

SCAPES (URBAN and or RURAL) - Colour Acceptance First light Kenny Laetitia South Africa

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Winners

February e-photography results

1 Star Eddie Mtsweni

My beauty candy

2 Star Anneke Watt

Getting ready

3 Star Vivienne Murray

Pink Kaapsehoop sunset

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4 Star Karl Seidel

Veg diet

5 Star Kierie Viljoen

Dust and Glory

1-3 Star Set subject winner

Erich Schober

A Sea of Ellies

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1-3 Star Set subject 2nd place

Kerry Mellet

Lioness in a rainshower

4-5 Star Set subject winner

Ulandi Wagg

Caterpillar and flower

4-5 Star Set subject 2nd place

Kierie Viljoen

The Start of Life

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Jan 30, 2016 · Tavis Leaf Glover My name is Tavis Leaf Glover, and I’m an artist just like

you, trying to create art that I can be proud of and

share with the world. Though, something really

hindered me in the beginning… the Rule of Thirds.

I want to shed some light on the Rule of Thirds Myths

we’ve all been forcefully spoon fed during our creative

infancy, which continues to linger as our compositions

mature.

Perhaps we can change the future of art together if we

help other artists abandon the rule of thirds and

introduce them to the invaluable design techniques

demonstrated throughout this article. I need your help

because I can’t do it alone!

Like many other artists, I was brainwashed into thinking that the rule of thirds is an

acceptable method of composing an image. I guess that depends on the standard of art

you’d like to produce. Art at the Master Level, like Da Vinci, Bouguereau, Degas, Rubens, or

art like a Sunday painter whose goal is to hang their painting in the local antique store… not

the prestigious gallery or museum.

Without composition, art cannot flourish. And when using the rule of thirds to guide your

composition, you’ll end up in a dark alley waiting to be maliciously fondled by mediocre art.

This might sound harsh, but… well, it kinda is.

It’s my experience that people don’t like rules, and they certainly don’t like to follow them.

They are always saying the same cliché phrase “well, rule’s were meant to be broken” or “I

think it’s good to learn the rules, but then know when to break them.”

Paintings by Da Vinci, Bouguereau, Degas,

Rubens

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The word “rule” has a meaning that can be looked upon as negative. What I’m striving to

demonstrate isn’t a rule that needs to be broken. It’s a canon of knowledge that you can

choose to incorporate into your art if you wish. Your choice, simple as that.

MYTH #1: “It makes it visually pleasing”

To debunk this, we have to know what makes an image

visually pleasing, and I assure you, it’s not plotting your

subject on a rule of thirds crosshair. To be visually pleasing

is to apply your composition techniques in a way which is

clearly read by the viewer… without getting caught up on

distracting elements or creating confusion by lack of

hierarchy. How do we do that?

Well, we need to understand how the mind perceives

visual stimuli. For this we use Gestalt psychology

techniques like Figure-Ground Relationship (FGR) to

clearly separate the subject from the background.

Or we can use the Law of Continuity, which will allow us to create

a sweeping arabesque by using multiple objects.

We can even use the Greatest Area of

Contrast to help direct our viewer’s eyes

towards the main subject.

MYTH #2: “Pros use it”

Photograph by Henri Cartier-Bresson

showing excellent FGR.

Painting by Edgar Degas showing an

Arabesque.

Photograph by David Bellemere.

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The next myth we have is “pros use it.” Annie Leibovitz is definitely a pro, and one of the

most inspirational photographers of today. So let’s grab one of her photos and simply line it

up to the rule of thirds grid, then we’ll see if she used it or not.

Showing the Rule of Thirds Grid lines up to the Mantel.

We can see how the mantel lines up perfectly to the rule of thirds grid. Hmmm, I guess she

did use it… but wait, how did she pose the models? How did she create such a great

composition when there are only

horizontals and verticals to guide

us? What do I do next? I have

some of the models on the rule of

thirds, but where do I go now?

How do I position their arms, legs,

dress, and gaze? This is where we

introduce dynamic symmetry.

This is a Root 4 Rectangle with its Basic Armature (two diagonals, four reciprocals,

horizontals and verticals).

Photograph by Annie Leibovitz.

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A Root 4 rectangle can be divided into four smaller Root 4 rectangles.

In order for Annie to properly pose the models, she uses dynamic symmetry. That’s

basically a fancy term for grid system.

This is a 1.5 rectangle with it’s Basic Armature (same size as many camera sensors) and 3

can fit inside a Root 4 rectangle.

This is the complete grid system.

To put it simply, a grid system is something we can use in our photography to help us

organize our composition. We can use the diagonals, verticals, and horizontals to help us

create rhythm and unity throughout the image… whether it’s a painting, photo, or

sculpture… dynamic symmetry can be used for all of them.

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We could get really involved into explaining this

system more, but let’s not lose focus of the main

purpose, which is to expose the rule of thirds for

what it is… a watered down rule that has brain

washed us all into thinking it’s worth sharing with

the world.

MYTH #3: “It moves the eye around the image.”

This couldn’t be further from the

truth. Plotting your subject on a

point without consideration for the

whole will not help create

movement within your composition.

When we learn of another Gestalt

psychology technique called the Law of

Continuity, we’ll discover several tools

we can use to create movement and

unity, which will move the eye around

“Laocoon& His Sons” is a Greek

sculpture that was constructed by

using Dynamic Symmetry.

Photograph by Tavis Leaf Glover

Photograph by Tavis Leaf Glover

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the image. The most visually

pleasing one is an

Arabesque.

This is a curvilinear element

you can incorporate into

your art to create a beautiful

sweeping movement

throughout the image.

Master painters used these

extensively throughout their

work.

Another technique used to create movement is

called a Coincidence. This is defined as edge-to-

edge relationships, which unify multiple elements

and can create movement side to side and up and

down.

It’s not a solid line as you might think when you

hear the term “leading lines.” It’s broken, hidden,

and a magic trick which we can use to allow the

mind to easily close the gaps.

In this photo we can see the edge-to-edge

relationships Annie Leibovitz creates by

using the limbs of the models.

Painting by Vincent van Gogh showing

an Arabesque.

Painting by Caravaggio shows how he

hides his lines by understanding the

Law of Continuity.

Photograph by Annie Leibovitz showing

Coincidences.

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We can also see it in this painting

of the Mona Lisa by Da Vinci, and

in this complex composition by

Bouguereau.

MYTH #4: “It gets the subject out of the center.”

First off, who decreed that the center of a frame is so bad? Why are we lead to believe this?

There’s a Gestalt psychology technique called the Law

of Symmetry, which basically means the human mind

is always trying to find balance in visual stimuli. So if

we use the rule of thirds and place the subject off

center, then we will need a counterpart to help us

balance the image. If there’s no counterpart, then

we’ve just created horrible balance within our

composition.

Paintings by Da Vinci and Bouguereau

showing Coincidences.

Photographs by Tavis Leaf Glover

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There is vertical balance (which I call breathing room), and there is horizontal balance

(which I call gazing direction), and we must understand how to control each of these in

order to create a properly balanced composition.

Here’s a photo I created which has the main

subject centered, but is properly balanced

because vertical and horizontal balance was

considered.

Photograph by Tavis Leaf Glover showing how

Balance can be properly achieved from top to

bottom and left to right.

Painting by Bouguereau showing

proper balance from top to bottom.

Painting by Degas showing proper

balance from left to right.

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It took me years to erase the damage the rule of

thirds caused on my compositions. I was always

placing the subject on one side or the other without

consideration for the image as a whole.

Photograph by Tavis Leaf Glover before learning

design and Gestalt psychology techniques.

MYTH #5: “Basis for a well balanced and interesting shot”

We already covered the Law of Symmetry, which covers

the proper balance of an image, but what we didn’t

mention how the rule of thirds gives birth to unwanted

negative space. If we are generically placing our subject

into one of the crosshairs without consideration of the

whole, then we won’t have a counterpart on the other

side of the composition and we’ll have negative space

that takes attention away from our subject.

Photograph showing how the rule of thirds creates

unwanted negative space.

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Negative space can be properly used to create a

feeling of isolation or loneliness, but to use it

without sophistication is a rookie move.

MYTH #6: “It’s a great starting point for beginners”

In my own experience, the rule of thirds only

lead me down a dead end road. I thought of it

as revolutionary at first and I was boasting its

powers to photographers who were just

starting out.

Later I found myself at a plateau and not able

to understand how to properly compose an

image because the rule of thirds was guiding

me.

Dynamic Symmetry Grids are just as easy to

use as R.O.T.

Photograph by Gregory Crewdson

using Negative Space to enhance his

story.

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If new artists start with the grid of dynamic

symmetry instead of the rule of thirds,

they’ll be able to later take advantage of

the diagonals, which they can create

rhythm with… by posing the model, or

applying paint strokes. The available

diagonals within the rectangle will limit

the number of directions you use, called a

gamut, which will create a more powerful

composition…rather than the spokes of a

bicycle tire.

MYTH #7: “Artists from the Renaissance, or Greek artists, created the rule of thirds”

The rule of thirds was first documented in a book by Smith (around 1797), and if you take a

look at his painting, you’ll see that he wasn’t a master at all.

Da Vinci would be rolling in his

grave if he heard anyone say he

was using the this. The amount of

schooling, studying, and practice he

put into his compositions, and

someone is going to water it down

to something as simple as the rule

of thirds? No way!

Da Vinci, along with other master

artists, Greek included, used

dynamic symmetry, the golden section, and other design techniques like arabesques,

gamut, coincidences, radiating lines, figure-ground relationship, ellipses and enclosures.

Painting by Bouguereau showing how he creates

rhythm in the model’s pose based off of his grid

system.

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MYTH #8: “The human eye naturally gravitates to the intersection points” Photograph of a generically placed

tree and horizon line.

I truly wish composition were this easy. Place your

subject in a crosshair, and BAM, you’re automatically

controlling the viewer’s eyes. Not so fast! What about

the fact that we are drawn to areas of high contrast?

When we make our subject the Greatest Area of Contrast

(GAC), won’t we look there first…no matter what position

they are in?

Painting by Bouguereau showing

different design techniques.

Photograph by Tavis Leaf Glover showing the

Greatest Area of Contrast and a Counterpart.

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Another thing that pulls our eyes is something I call Edge Flicker. It refers to high

contrasting elements near the edge, which greatly distract the viewer from your subject.

Creating a hierarchy of contrast and keeping the edges free of distractions will help you

control the way your viewer’s eyes move around the composition.

MYTH #9: “Cropping to the rule of thirds after shooting a photo is a great way to save an

image”

Cropping a poorly composed, badly lit

image will not save anything. That’s

starting at the end and working

backwards.

Try not to crop. Get it right in-camera

to save precious pixels.

Learn composition and Gestalt

psychology techniques so you know

what to look for, how to solve visual problems, and get it right in camera. Don’t sacrifice

precious pixels for the rule of thirds. Your creativity deserves better.

Painting by Whistler showing no Edge

Flicker when Adjusted.

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MYTH #10: “The power points, or golden points, create tension”

Placing your subject on a third is not going to create

tension as we’ve learned so far.

If we take a look at a Gestalt psychology

technique called the Law of Proximity, we’ll

see how visual tension can be created. Like

this painting on the ceiling of the Sistine

Chapel…they are clearly unified by their

proximity, but another thing to notice as we

view this is visual tension created by the

fact that they are almost touching, but not

quite. It’s the moment before impact.

Or this photo where the man is almost

within reach of his dying wife. It’s that

close proximity that creates the tension.

Photograph by Tavis Leaf Glover

showing how cropping doesn’t create

tension.

Painting by Michelangelo

Photography by Tavis Leaf Glover

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When considering the Law of

Proximity, distance can create

negative space, which in this photo

creates a tension in the room.

Conclusion

So many tricks and techniques can be applied to create a remarkable composition, which

communicates clearly to your viewer. Abandon the rule of thirds. Leave it behind and adopt

the dynamic symmetry grid which is just as simple to use, but can leave many more options

open for you as your art progresses.

If you found this information useful, please share it with your friends. Help me tackle this

rule of thirds beast, kill it, and introduce better techniques to others who are in need of

powerful composition. Learning powerful composition is the only path to becoming a

master of your craft

About the author: Tavis Leaf Glover is a fine art photographer and author based in

Honolulu, Hawaii. You can find more of his work on his website and on Flickr. Glover is also

an educator about applying Gestalt psychology principles to photography and art.

Photograph by Gregory Crewdson

using negative space to create tension.

Painting by Toulouse Lautrec.

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Denise Smith Tell us a bit about yourself, where you are from and where your interest for photography started?

I was born in Oranjemund in the then South West Africa – Namibia. My parents had moved there right after they got married.

It was a magical place to grow up in, being on the coast and in the desert. The freedom we had as children was totally out of

the norm. I was a tomboy and always interested in all things mechanical and technical. Afternoons and holidays were spent

with a group of friends exploring the desert at the edge of town and generally getting up to some kind of mischief!

My parents always took lots of photos when we went anywhere. I remember evenings spent watching slide shows of places

we had been to.

My interest in photography started late. I have always been a bookworm and read a lot. I always have a book with me. I had

a Box Brownie camera as a teenager, but the bug only bit once I was married and had my son, there was then a reason to take

photos. My love of photography started in earnest when we started going to the Kruger Park on holidays. My first “Proper”

camera was a Ricoh X5 which my husband bought me. I still have it. I used that for a long time before progressing to Digital.

My first modern SLR camera was an Olympus 35mm. What a disappointment that camera was, we went on a trip to a Private

Game Lodge in the Sabi Sands area, I had received the Olympus for my birthday and took that with instead of the Ricoh.

Unbeknownst to me there was a problem with the camera and of the more than 200 images I took on that trip only 3 came

out! The trip was wonderful and I have the memories of it but that is all. The camera was replaced with a Digital version and

I was then hooked. It was so much easier than waiting for photos to be developed and then being disappointed with the

results. My husband then bought me my Nikon D5000 and a 300mm lens to go with it. I went for the training on how to use

the camera, then decided that I needed to learn more about this new hobby of mine.

When did you join the photography club and what star level are you now?

I joined the Boksburg Camera Club in June 2011. I have enjoyed every step of my journey with the club. I am currently a Three

Star E Photography worker, two Salon acceptances away from Four Star. The upcoming challenges facing me are daunting to

say the least!

How did your first photo entered in a competition do?

My first photo I submitted for a competition got a Gold Award, I was so excited, I still get butterflies every month when my

photos are judged at Club. As for Salons, my first submissions for a Salon, 11 images, didn’t get a single acceptance. I was

devastated I wanted to give up then and there. I thought I would never get it right. The First COM I received I was so blown

away I cannot even remember what the judge said.

What is your favourite genre and why?

My favourite Genre is wildlife. The why, I’m at peace when I’m out in nature taking photographs. My favourite images are

always the ones of Elephants.

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Please share your favourite photo you took so far and why is it your favourite photo?

My favorite Image is the image of the Elephant Bull in the early dawn

light in the Kruger Park. He was in such a hurry to get to the water

that was all he was focused on. We could hear him rumbling from

inside the car.

What inspires your photos?

I am inspired daily by the great Wildlife photographers that I follow on social media. There are a number of them. Percy

Mitchell, Chad Cocking, Morkel Erasmus, Isak Pretorius and many more.

What is your highlight of photography?

Being able to get out of town and into nature to take photos and trying something new. My challenge for myself is to try

Portraiture and tabletop photography. I would love to be able to take photos of people that don’t look like ID photos! I

struggle with my confidence and telling someone to do this or that and to then try and capture the resulting pose is totally

foreign to me. I would love to do body scapes, but maybe just for my own enjoyment.

What advice would you like to give to someone taking up photography or just starting photography?

PRACTICE and then PRACTICE some more. Go to as many workshops and outings as you possibly can. Read everything you

can about the Art of Photography that you can lay your hands on. Join a Camera Club. Get involved. Ask Questions, there is

always someone that can answer whatever question you may have. Don’t be Shy – one of my biggest problems.

40

Memberslist Alan Driver Kerry Mellet Waheed Petkar

Alan Rankin Kierie Viljoen Wallace Hayward

Alex Pawley Laetita Kenny Willie Pieterse

Alta Neto Laurence Keulder Wilma Fratter

Andre Koekemoer Magda Van Vreden Wim Visser

Anna Ireland Margaret Single

Anneke Watt Marie Botha

Annemi Taljaard Mark Preston White

Charmaine Zietsman Maureen Botha

Chris van den Berg Mavis De Rouwe

Christine Janse van Rensburg Mel Walsh

Corine Van Vreden Michelle Venter

David Macintyre Nico Grobbelaar

Denise Smith Noma Matsiliza

Deon Mostert Odette Small

Ditta Arnott Paddy Abrams

Eddie Mtsweni Pam Eley

Edwin Hawthorn Paula Rutherford

Erich Schober Percy Mitchell

Errol Wagg Reginald Owen Single

Esme Bruwer Renee de Klerk

Ettienne van Niekerk Rowland Hopley

Frans Grotius Ruaan Lubbe

Gail Zaaiman Sandra Mc Callum

Gerhard Prinsloo Sharon Naude

Gregg Lund Sivuyile Matsiliza

Herman Evert Sonja Nel

HP Van Zyl Steve Koekemoer

Jackie Cilliers Suzanne Henry

Jacques Taljaard Suzanne Morshead

Jasper Van Eden Theo van der Merwe

Jessica Bezuidenhout Tony Stacey

Jill Veitch Tracey Haw

Johan Botha Tracy Hopley

Karl Seidel Ulandi Wagg

Karen Seidel Vivienne Murray

41

What is PSSA?

The Photographic Society of South Africa (PSSA) is the officially recognised body presenting photographers

in South Africa. The aim of the society is the promotion of photography in all aspects through individual

membership, affiliated clubs and other photographic groups.

Vision

As the internationally recognised Society, the PSSA actively embraces the future in its services to all

photographers.

Mission

To bring together those interested in photography.

To promote the highest possible standards.

To embrace the future of photography while continually supporting the present.

Benefits of joining PSSA

Become part of the world-wide photographic community.

Nationally and internationally recognised Honours and Awards.

Diamond ratings for achievements at National and International salons.

Receive a quarterly glossy A4 magazine, “IMAGE”.

Access the online newsletter and members’ section of the website.

Publish articles and images in “IMAGE” and on the website.

Evaluation of members’ photographs on the website

Learn new skills through workshops, tutorials and training DVD’s.

Attend workshops to obtain accreditation as a judge of photography within the Society.

Discounted entry fees to photographic salons recognised by PSSA.

Awards for service and excellence in photography.

Discounts given to PSSA members attending national and regional congresses.

Join today!

Membership of PSSA is open to all photographers

For application forms and other information, access the website: www.pssa.co.za.