The first camera I held was my Grandmother’s
box brownie. I was about eight years old. For my 17th birthday my dad bought me
my first 35mm camera, a DIAX. Not many people have ever heard of this make and I
suspect that its source has some dark and devious background for years later I
found out it had been purchased on the black market. But it did take very nice
photographs.
There was no autofocus and no light meter and at that stage I did
not even know what an F-stop or shutter speed was. By "playing " around and
analysing the different results, it took some while to work out the process.
first pay cheque saw me purchasing a photography book for beginners and so my
keen interest in photography began. The family thought I took great pictures
(but maybe they were just all being very polite and encouraging).
My first SLR
was a Minolta with Sigma lenses - 28mm to 110mm and 70mm to 300mm followed by
Canon equipment with Canon lenses; first the EOS 1N body and then the EOS1V.
Eight years ago I joined the Camera Club of Johannesburg and realised the
difference between taking good snap shots (or record shots) to engaging in the
art of photography, as there is a great distinction between the two. Three years
ago I switched to digital when I bought the Canon 30D and moved into the next
stage of technology.
Since joining the camera club I have progressed from 2 to 5
Star. I judge photography at my own club as well as a number of other
photographic clubs, and also at Salons and for Honours awards. I am currently
the club President, Chairperson of the Projected Images Section and Secretary
besides being the Regional Director of PSSA (Photographic Society of South
Africa) for the Central Gauteng Region.
I am not unfamiliar with the underwater
world as I did scuba diving for about 10 years, although that was quite a way
back. Nowadays I snorkel whenever I am in one of the more exotic locations. In
the past five years I have been dabbling in another "under" world hobby -
searching for and exploring wild caves. Both underwater and underground are very
unique realms.
I am honoured and delighted to once again, have been invited by
the Sodwana Shootout Committee to perform the duty of Judge Convener, a task
that I have been privileged to do for the past 3 years. It is great to work with
the various judges and meet the wonderful photographers who so keen participate
each year. |