On a crisp Friday evening, June 5, Sasol Highveld Photography Club members gathered at the Sasol Recreation Club in Secunda for their June club meeting and monthly competition. The turnout was excellent—members entered their best work and the room buzzed with anticipation as entries were arranged and the guest judge prepared to begin.
Leon Drotsky presided as guest judge, bringing a rigorous eye and uncompromising standards to the judging table. His critiques were precise and frank: every merit and deduction came with clear reasoning, and it was obvious that any accolade had been hard won. Under his strict but constructive guidance, members left with a deeper appreciation of composition, exposure and storytelling.
The evening was also a night of recognition and advancement. Several members earned promotions to higher categories in acknowledgement of their sustained excellence: Yolandi Geyser moved up from 2-Star to 3-Star, Edmund Hattingh advanced from 3-Star to 4-Star (Senior), and Leon Pelser climbed from Senior Master Gold to Senior Master Platinum. The room erupted in applause as each name was announced—milestones that reflect dedication, growth, and consistent high-quality work.
Club members also celebrated successes beyond the meeting: congratulations were extended to those with recent wins at PSSA and for the acceptances their images received in various salons. It was an encouraging reminder that the club’s talent is being recognized regionally and nationally.
The June meeting closed on a high note—members energized by useful feedback, inspired by their peers’ achievements, and already planning their next projects. With steady mentorship, exacting critique, and rising standards, Sasol Highveld Photography Club continues to foster photographers who push their craft to new levels.
The Best Senior Photographer for June is Leon Pelser with “Nite time stock taking”
The Best Junior Photographer for June is Ina Annandale with “Basking in Gold”
The Best Set Subject Photographer for June is Sussa Pelser with “Time To Make A Move”
Here are a selection of the Gold and Certificate of Merit winners
Category: Set Subject
Category: Nature – Birds Only
Category: Scapes
Category: Monochrome
Category: Nature
Category: Pictorial
Category: Photojournalism
