Sasol Highveld Photography Club celebrates October’s outstanding images

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Sasol Highveld Photography Club celebrates October’s outstanding images

Encee van Huyssteen

October 19, 2026

Sasol Highveld Photography Club celebrates October’s outstanding images — Canola Fields Landscape by Sussa Pelser

Creativity, technical skill and a fresh perspective on familiar subjects were on display when the Sasol Highveld Photography Club held its monthly meeting on Friday, 9 October.

The evening’s guest judge was Eric Bosman from the Kriel Photography Club, who assessed the entries and recognised members whose photographs achieved Gold awards and Certificates of Merit (COM).

The set subject for October was “Mirror Mirror”, inviting members to explore reflections, symmetry and creative interpretations of the theme. The entries demonstrated how photographers can approach a single subject in different ways, using composition, light and imagination to produce distinctive images.

DNE Smit received the Certificate of Merit for the Best Set Subject with Dublin harp and barrel, earning 13 points. Other successful entries in the category included Stone and Stillness – 2 by Stian Griffin, Mirror Kaleidoscope by Carien Schabort and Mirror mirror, no, the prince got there first by Lorraine Botha, all of which received Certificates of Merit.

Robert Cohoe’s Reflections, Hester Griessel’s River mirror and Sussa Pelser’s Mirrow Mirrow It Is My Matric Farewell received Gold awards.

Recognition across the categories

Members also achieved recognition in the club’s regular competition categories, which include Nature, Nature – Birds Only, Scapes, Monochrome, Pictorial and Photojournalism.

Among the highlights was Leon Pelser’s a mothers love, which received a Certificate of Merit and was named Best Senior. Hannes snr Griessel earned the Best Junior recognition with Paint with light, also awarded a Certificate of Merit.

Gold and COM awards were presented to members for a wide variety of images, from wildlife and landscapes to portraits and documentary photography.

In the Nature – Birds Only category, recognised photographs included BOSVELDVISVANGER by Hannes snr Griessel, Aint I beautiful by Hester Griessel and Kaartmanetjie by Johan Viljoen, alongside COM-winning images by Edmund Hattingh, Robert Cohoe and Piet Potgieter.

The Scapes category saw Gold awards for Hole in the Wall 1 by Encee van Huyssteen and Canola Fields Landscape by Sussa Pelser. Certificates of Merit went to Stian Griffin for Before The Stars Awake and Robert Cohoe for Wide open spaces.

In Monochrome, Carien Schabort’s Misty stroll and Lorraine Botha’s Giant king fisher earned Gold awards. COM recognition went to Stian Griffin for Echoes at Gowies Corner and Leon Pelser for Carmen 1 and old school teacher.

The Nature category also produced strong results, with Gold awards for Dolfyn swem saam by Hannes snr Griessel and What do you think dear, will they float by Lorraine Botha. COM recipients included Edmund Hattingh, Stian Griffin, Robert Cohoe and Johan Viljoen.

In Pictorial, Gold-winning images included Kite in Gorge by Louis van der Walt, Stillewe by Hannes snr Griessel, Vat vyf and Boys will be boys by Hester Griessel, Closeup by Encee van Huyssteen, Red Jacket by Piet Potgieter, if looks could kill by Leon Pelser and Byvreter 1 by Hester Griessel.

Certificates of Merit in the category included works by Stian Griffin, Carien Schabort, Robert Cohoe, Leon Pelser and Hannes snr Griessel.

Photojournalism entries also received recognition, with Gold awards for The making of a skeleton by Encee van Huyssteen and HTS vs MHS mascot by Lorraine Botha.

Learning through photography

The monthly competition is an important part of the club’s activities, giving photographers an opportunity to present their work, receive constructive feedback and continue developing their skills.

Members are graded according to their experience and ability, with photographs assessed against the standards applicable to their respective levels. Gold awards recognise strong photographic execution, while a Certificate of Merit is reserved for images that achieve an exceptional standard.

The judging process allows members to learn from experienced photographers, refine their techniques and explore new creative approaches. The meetings also offer an opportunity to share ideas and enjoy the company of others who share a passion for photography.

The Sasol Highveld Photography Club welcomes photographers of all experience levels, from beginners looking to develop their skills to established photographers who want to challenge themselves through regular competitions.

Through its monthly meetings and photographic challenges, the club continues to provide a platform for local photographers to showcase their work, learn from one another and celebrate the art of photography.