Tygerberg Photographic Society - August 2017

The set subject for the month was "Macro / Close-ups", probably my favourite photographic category, as I am fascinated by the whole new world that is unveiled when using a macro lens.

As Fuji haven't yet introduced an affordable macro lens into their range, I had to make use of my old faithful Canon 40D and 100ml macro lens for the macros. Each macro submission was produced by stacking nine different images in order to get an acceptable depth of field.

Also very happy with the results of the judging - three Gold award, and one Silver. These are the images submitted:

Inside a nastursium (Set print) - Gold

Viburnum flowers (Set digital) - Gold

Dry, dusty, and cloudy (Open digital) - Gold

Lighting the way (Open digital) - Silver

Till next month!

Tygerberg Photographic Society - January to July 2017

I have finally posted all of the photos submitted this year to the TPSA monthly competitions. Very proud to see that I had one overall winning image, plus three category winners!

The photos can be viewed by hovering your mouse over the "TPS Entries" link on the menu above, and then selecting "2017" from the drop-down box.

Those of you who have visited my blog before will see some subtle changes. I have tried to "clean up" the pages, and make them easy to view and follow. I have had to split up all the TPS photos into different years, as the page displaying all of them had grown too large. Finding a way of incorporating a drop-down menu was a challenge to say the least, but it is finally working.

I have also tried to make the comment box more accessible, and this has necessitated a change in the look of the landing or front page of the blog. To view, please click on the "Home" link on the menu. If you do have any comments to make, they are always most welcome and would be truly appreciated.

Tygerberg Photographic Society - July 2017

I've been a member of the TPS since February 2014, so am now in my fourth year of membership. In that time, I've been able to win the odd category at our monthly meetings, but this month, for the first time, walked away with the overall "Image of the month" award - plus the floating trophy to boot!

To say that I'm feeling very honoured doesn't even come close, and being able to hold the trophy during the month that I turn 70, makes it even more special!

Coming after a month of receiving two Silver and two Bronze awards, I wasn't feeling that confident, even though I really like the image that won this month - it's just the type of photo that I enjoy - simple and uncluttered. It took numerous visits to the local Sonstraal dam before I finally got what I wanted - it was either too cloudy, too windy, or too wet, but on this day it was reasonably calm and partly cloudy, and the gentle blue and white reflections on the water provided just the contrast I was looking for. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those who might be interested, here is the photo. Click on it to bring up a clearer and more defined version.

I will be catching up on all the previous 2017 TPS meetings over the next few days (am just a dash behind as my last post was last year!)

Villiera Wine Estate

Jacqui and I have been so busy regarding buying and selling homes that my blog has had to take a break for a while. However, on Friday 2 June 2017 we decided to do something completely different, and it's turned out to be worth my first blog post of 2017!

The occasion was a game drive and wine tasting at the beautiful Villiera Wine Estate in Koelenhof (click here for directions). It really was a delightful experience, starting off with information from and a booking with the very helpful Hannelie, a two-hour game drive with the extremely knowledgeable and informative Guillame, and a thirst-quenching finish with an equally knowledgeable and informative Daniel in the tasting room. The cost of the drive is R220 per person, and it includes the tasting.

Our drive started at 09h00 and I must say that the drive up the beautiful Autumn avenue and the view from the parking area set the tone for the day. This is just one of the views from the parking area:

The game reserve is set on 220 hectares,and while there are no predators in the reserve, there is an abundance of birds and antelope. Here are some of my favourite images from the day:

Eland

Young eland (foreground)

Burchell's zebra

Springbok front row? Normal, white, and black varieties.

Table Mountain backdrop

Blue crane

My final two images are of a Bontebok and then two giraffes caught in unusual poses:

Turn around a give us a smile!

Siamese twins giraffe?

After the drive we went back to the tasting room and were treated to tastes (decent-size tastes) of four different bubblies. Two were from their vineyard in France, and two of the local variety. Our favourite was the Villiera Tradition Rosé Brut, and six bottles found their way home with us!

I should also mention that by joining their wine club (quick and painless), you receive 10% off all wine purchases!

We will be back.