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ill titlePhotographing an Accident

We had an incident whereby one of our students photographed an overturned lorry recently. She was approached by the police and she had to delete her images and her car registration was noted. She asked me for my opinion on this matter. I have taken it up with the authorities and this is the verdict.

One is NOT permitted to take images of traffic accidents. Police are in their right to confiscate a camera. If you have taken images you could be called upon to testify in court. The police are protecting you against any implications. An accident is an ongoing investigation. BE WARNED.

 

ill title14 Day Photographic Challenge

It is so positive to see that our Getpix 14 day challenge now has 464 real followings. Everyone is either a former or present student at Getpix, or has been referred to us by someone we know. Thank YOU ALL!!!! 

We started the challenge last year and we were amazed at the response with a total of 2160 images . We are only in April and to date we have already received 669.

We opened the Getpix School page to let you know what we are doing and where we are going as well as for you to post your  images for critique. It is important to be honest and constructive as this is the only way we learn and try out new ideas. If we miss a few images, it is not due to us not appreciating your work, but rather because it slipped down before we had chance to comment.

Thank you every one for critiquing each other’s images. It is, as important to ask for crit, as it is to give it. If you would like to comment (and we want you to) one should always start with positive comments. We all like to hear what is good about our images. Saying that you like an image is fine, but it doesn’t really help the photographer to understand what it was that you appreciated in their work.

Positivity always sets the tone, thereafter constructive criticism is imperative to improve upon. Take a good hard look at your work after the crit and decide for yourself if you agree.

The lovely thing about crit is that it is for free and given from the heart. I remember posting an image of an old man in Zanzibar, with a fob watch swinging from his wrist. I knew it was not sharp , but I loved it, so I submitted it to camera club. I took a hard beating for the lack of depth of field. I nodded whilst he spoke about my image, agreeing with him, but wishing he hadn’t pointed it out. Who was I trying to kid!! But, I still love the image and one day I will get around to putting it onto a canvas.

Don’t jump off a cliff if you receive less than a favourable response - live  and enjoy your photography - I do!

Paula

ill titleGetpix Photographic Competition 2011- WINNERS

We have been waiting with baited breathe for the judging and results for  our annual GETPIX photographic competition. The results are now in…….

2011 AWARD WINNERS

We are so very proud of our winners. CONGRATULATIONS- to our winners and congratulations to everyone who took the time, effort and courage to submit the best of their best images. It is a daunting decision to enter photographs.

I commend all of you that entered. As photographers we are always so highly critical of our work, and often times we doubt our expertise. Fair judging is of paramount importance and that is why my instructors and I do not judge your work. We know you all far too well and everyone as ‘’kitch’’ as it may sound,  are more like family and friends to us than just a student. We see you coming back time and again for more and more courses and over the months our relationships develop.

Each year we invite outside judges to rate their top 3 photographs in the different categories set out for that year. We invite photographic companies and the PSSA ( Photographic Society of South Africa) members to vote.

This year the judging was compiled by Canon and PSSA members Laeticia Kenny, Bruce and Mike Helps.

Last year our MOST Promising student was Ursula Du Plooy. We were not wrong in our vision  thereof as you will see from the results . Some students go the extra mile, they are besotted with their passion and a hobby often turns into a career. Last year I mentioned to Mike Foxton and Tony Webb that they have brilliant work. Tony attended the “How to Market your Photographic Business”” and he is now flying as high as his bird images.   It is wonderful to see “old “ students coming back and winning again as well. I am so glad that your passion is soaring.

So I will leave the winners to pat themselves on their backs, push out their chests, and tell all their family and friends how well they did. We will  be in touch with you shortly for you to collect your well earned prizes.

This year’s competition has already started… check out our Getpix 14 Day Challenge on Facebook for all the details.

WINNERS GALLERY

ill title2011 WINNERS
GETPIX 14 DAY PHOTOGRPAHIC CHALLENGE &
STUDENT OF THE MONTH

CONGRATULATIONS LISA CRADDOCK!!!



Lisa’s image submitted into the 2011 Getpix 14-day Challenge under the ‘’CIRCLES’’ category was unanimously voted by 9 Getpix instructors as the winning image.  Lisa has successfully completed the Beginners, Intermediate, Studio and Photoshop Courses during last year.
We are really proud of you Lisa. You are perfecting many varied genres of photography. Like many of our students, Lisa is passionate about her photography, but had 2 pet hates. She hated her tripod with a vengeance (ok, so in all fairness, her first one wasn’t the sturdiest) and she thought that her external flash was her worst enemy. She was not afraid to tell me that she was at her wits end and after repeatedly working on perfecting and understanding both, she has managed not only to receive 1st place but 3rd place as well.   Your tenacity has paid off Lisa- we look forward to you sharing more of your images in 2012. 2nd place went to a non Getpix student Ewan Dresser. Awesome Ewan, thank you for joining Getpix and submitting your image. CONGRATULATIONS!!

CONGRATULATIONS VAL SAMPSON!!!

Our Getpix Student of 2011 was won by Val Sampson.  CONGRATULATIONS  Val!!!
This photograph was taken on one of our graffiti outings earlier in 2011. The human model hand in the image belongs to Vanessa Da Costa, one of our instructors and the canine model is Zeus, my humongous, loveable rottweiler who often doubles up as a deterrent on our outings.
Val started studying with Getpix in 2008 and has completed many courses with us. She won 1st place in 2009 under the ‘Vision’ category, 1st place in 2011 for ‘Shapes & Textures under the National Division and also won the trip to Zanzibar.


ill titleMy Digital Workflow

What is your line of attack after you have taken up photographs?  Do you view and delete on the camera, download via cable or memory card, back to external drive - what is you digital workflow?

This is the approach I use:

Please remember that there is no point in having the backup copies sitting in your office/study along with your p.c. If you have a fire (heaven help you) or a burglary, the thief will take everything and throw away later. I keep my copies in another room; some people keep their files off location. I have been asked to recall wedding photographs before and your client is eternally grateful that you have a copy for them. Don’t charge- they will tell their friends how organized you are.

ill titleZanzibar Photographic Tour - Review

Judging on the feedback we received from our Getpix travellers, our overseas tour this year to Zanzibar was yet again, a winner.
Azure seas, powder soft beaches, colourfully dressed locals and interesting architectural ruins were just a few of the magical moments to photograph whilst on tour.

Once we had safely landed with 1 Time airlines we were met by our driver and chauffeur with broad smiles - our wish was their command. Once they realised that we photographed everything that moved, they gladly pulled over and invited us to watch the local community participating in a HIV awareness  campaign and then a pre wedding gathering which was taking place along the roadside. Time was a non issue to our guides and we returned to our hotel, on many a day, with overflowing memory cards, tired bodies and well after the pre designated cocktail time.

Our hotel, Sandies Mapenzi, was on the East Coast, with our chalets being a mere 30 paces from the beach front. We scrambled out of bed at the crack of dawn to photograph the wonderful sunrises and dhows, as local fishermen effortlessly manoeuvred them past the shallow shore line. Paddy was a stalwart photographer up every day at 05:00 taking in every stunning moment. The beaches are pristine, squeaky clean and an absolute pleasure to walk on. We found Noma laying flat on her tummy on the sand, getting those low shots-she was never without her Gorilla tripod.

After breakfasts at the hotel we were off to explore, with an eagerly awaiting fully planned itinerary. To anyone who has ever been to Zanzibar, Stone Town, the capital, is a fantastic treasure of local people, antique carved doors, activity and winding alley ways.
The spice tour was a delight- a well informed guide showed us a host of plants, explaining in such detail how the spices were harvested, that we were totally captivated. The lunch (one we did stop for) was a simple affair, on a straw mat, with taste bud delicious homemade biryani - still warm in the pot.

We photographed and played with the local children, whilst Vivienne handed out crayons and pencils which were kindly supplied by Henkel. Vivienne almost married an elderly local, but his wife realised Vivienne's intentions and swiftly steered him away with a comical smile.

Carole went sea fishing with a skipper and came back full of smiles due to the 3 large fish she had caught and released. We arrived back at the hotel every evening, weary and happy with many overflowing memory cards. Over happy stories, we caught up with some well deserved refreshments. Local beer was a perfect thirst quencher for Carole, while others (not to be named) realised that Mary Pickford is just the best cocktail (that should be plural) to end a perfect day.

Prison Island, with its gigantic tortoises, was a short boat ride west from Stone Town.  We snorkelled due south at Kizimkaze, photographed the agile jumps of the Colobus monkeys and the dark mangrove swamps. High on our best experiences was The Rock. Perched high on top of a large rock,in the middle of the sea was a restaurant.   I have never seen such amazing shades of iridescent blues and greens. Add a stranded dhow and the piece de la resistance- this restaurant on top of a rock, was enough for everyone to go into raptures. We were lucky the tide was out, so it was a short walk to the restaurant, otherwise it is a swim to the most magnificent view you have ever seen. The lobster, prawns and oh yes, a cocktail or two, along with many, many photographs was an incredible experience.
7 nights, 4000 odd photographs later, little sleep, loads of fun, a good massage on the beach and before we knew it, we were winging our way back home. Our fellow travellers have shared their best images with you.
We are working on 2012 tours and we will have the details available at the beginning of August.

View the Tours Page to see their photographs

 

ill titleMirror Lock Up (MLU)

We all strive for super sharp images. There a couple of ways in which one can reduce movement or vibration in long exposures. One can use one’s tripod in conjunction with an image stabilizing lens used on some Canon and Nikon cameras. Sony users find the Image Stabilization in the body of their cameras. One can also use the 2 or 10 second timer found on all SLR cameras. Using a cable release is another method and Mirror Lock Up is yet another alternative.

So what is Mirror Lock Up? Inside the camera is a mirror and pentaprism. The mirror is behind the lens and in front of the shutter and it moves out of the way when the shutter is depressed.
As the setting states, Mirror Lock Up forces the mirror up prior to pressing the shutter button. When you activate Mirror Lock Up, you will not be able see through the viewfinder, so prefocusing is required. Some cameras require 2 presses of the shutter button; the second one actually opens the shutter. You decide when to press the button the 2nd time.

You find this setting usually under Custom Function, so dust off your manual and read up on how to activate MLU. Be aware that with some lens’ Mirror Lock Up must be activated prior to mounting the lens, otherwise you could damage your lens.

Mirror Lock Up can be used for landscape photography when action is not involved. Take 2 identical photographs, the 1st without, and the 2nd one using Mirror Lock Up, zoom in on your photo on the p.c. and see if it is relevant for your photography’s sharpness.

 

ill titleZanzibar Winner - Zanzibar Feedback

To all my friends at Getpix, I can only say a very big THANK YOU for the most fantastic prize ever.
Wow, what a great incentive to enter a photographic competition and the moment of winning it is one I shall always treasure.

I would like to send most grateful thanks to the sponsors from 1Time for a comfortable flight with excellent friendly service. Their timing was right on time. So many people envied me winning this wonderful prize. Just how lucky can a couple get, to be able, not only to fly, on a return trip to Zanzibar, but also to have a whole 7 nights stay at Michamvi Water Sports Resort included. We were met by Brad Cousens, the general manager and treated to a most welcome cooling drink. Sammy and I were soon made to feel like we were part of one big happy family by Brad along with his water sports manager, who introduced himself simply, as Dutchie. We shared many an ice-cold Tusker and it was at the bar where Dutchie offered to take us two oldies out snorkelling, not deep, just five metres! So we had a trial run in the swimming pool first. It was amazing seeing all the coral, parrot fish and little Nemo. Being ticklish, when the little zebra fish nip, I smiled and filled my mask with water! I learnt fast after that.
What’s a holiday without a boat cruise? It was fascinating to go in between the mangrove trees, enjoying the bird life and watching the sunset on the water. They went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. Big wide friendly smiles greeted us from the kitchen staff, to a wave each morning as we sipped a cuppa on our balcony, from the pool cleaner. I was especially touched when Brad, in his personal car, took me at 5am one morning, to photograph a sunrise waiting patiently for two hours and then brought me back again for Michamvi usual hearty breakfast. We also enjoyed tours from the Hotel to the spice Village and Stone Town and felt very secure with the drivers and guides, arranged by Michamvi. Fascinating, historical Stone Town (the old heart of Zanzibar town) was amazing and hectically exciting. A photographer’s challenge with great rewards.
One visit to Stone town is certainly not enough and we just had to sneak in another couple of hours, in the short time we had left. The local people of Zanzibar are friendly and shouted "Jambo" (hello) and "Karibu" (welcome) whenever we passed their villages. There were those that shied away from the camera and I got shouted at in the fish market, in spite of showing the kind gentleman the shot, proving that he was not in it! At no time did I ever feel threatened. These legendary Spice Islands exude an air of mystery, a little tug at the heart strings, to certainly return one day.

Warmest regards
Valerie Sampson

 

ill titleNew Head Office Premises

It is with much excitement that we will be moving into our new premises on 1st March 2011.  Prism InterAfrica has done miracles in converting a dilapidated, run down house into the bright new offices of Getpix.

Reconstruction started in August 2010  and 6 months later, to the day, as promised by Prism InterAfrica,  we welcome and look forward to seeing everyone at our new premises at 85 Main Road in Farrarmere.

We have 2 dedicated training rooms, seating 7 students in different configurations. Our promise remains the same - to always keep our classes small ensuring that each and every student has sufficient time to ask questions pertaining to their needs.

Our photographic studio is fully equipped and is also available for rent on a 4 hourly rate.

Secure parking within the premises gives us piece of mind and our newly established garden lends itself to practical photographic tasks, wedding photography as well as for portfolio shoots

 

ill title1000th Student - Wilma Fratter

We started off the year with welcoming our 1000th student, Wilma Fratter.

Congratulations Wilma, you have won a photographic outing of your choice.

 

ill title2010 Photographic Awards Evening

Congratulations to our 10 photographic competition winners!

The 3rd Annual Getpix Awards was again this year again well attended by 220 Getpix students, staff, and Outdoorphoto. This year we opted to host the event at an equestrian estate, which lent itself to a chilled out affair. With a host of sponsored prizes to the value of R90 000, students walked away with more than a smile on their faces.

The highlight of the evening was the fantastic prize to Zanzibar. Val Sampson, a Getpix student who has completed many courses, outings and workshops proudly walked away with 2 air tickets for a trip for 2, for 7 days, sponsored by 1 Time and the Michamvi Water Resort.

This year’s competition was a national one, which required significant advertising spend in order to communicate the event to a national audience.  Unfortunately the overall response was lower than the budgeted number of break even entries.  Some of the contributing factors may have been the cost per entry, the media that was used and possibly the amount of time made available for prospective entrants to take that magical photograph.  All of these have been reviewed in depth and the approach for next year’s competition will be altered accordingly.

During the 2008 and 2009 photographic awards we raised a total of R64000. This total amount was donated to the designated charities. Our intention this year was to raise funds for charities SANCCOB and FreeMe. The consequence of the higher advertising spend and lower number of entries is that the proceeds are far less than the past two years.  The proceeds will be split equally between SANCCOB and FREE ME.  In view of the low level of donations we are going to support SANCCOB and FREE ME again next year.

Each year we are so blown away with the diversity and interpretation of the entered photographs. With just short of 500 entries, 2 photographers won in two different categories. Each category was judged by different judges, just proving how versatile our students are in different genres of photography.

ill titleOutdoorPhoto '' Best Nature Images'' Portfolio

OutdoorPhoto is proud to announce: The Best of OutdoorPhoto - Portfolio 1, which is a selection of the best nature images of the year. This prestigious glossy publication will officially be launched at the Getpix Annual Photographic Compeition Awards Evening.

OutdoorPhoto is known as the leading photographic website in South Africa on which hundreds of images are posted daily. The Best of OutdoorPhoto - Portfolio 1, is the first of the annual selection of images to appear in print.

Take advantage of the pre-launch offer and win fantastic prizes including a photographic safari for two. To preview and pre-order visit www.odpmagazine.co.za. Proceeds from the sales will be donated to FreeMe and SANCCOB.

 

 

ill titleAperture

Aperture is a terminology commonly spoken about amongst photographers. To amateur and beginner photographers this can be a confusing term.

After reading the camera’s manual, you will probably be just as confused, as it was written by a technical person and not for the general man in the street. Writing paragraphs on the topic can also be confusing.
It is easier to digest single facts, one at a time. This way, after each fact, you can decide if you understand the fact so far and then continue until you completely understand.

Aperture is used to control how much of the photograph is will be in focus and how much of the photograph will be blurry. It also controls how light the photograph will be.

By taking 2 or 3 photographs of the same scene at different f/stops, and then viewing them on the pc, will prove to you that f/stop really does work. We use aperture to allow a certain part of the subject to jump out at you , to give more impact.

 

ill titleJob Shadowing @ Getpix


Name – Natasha De Souza
Age – 16
School – Hans Moore

What are your goals?
To become a pro photographer
To travel
Open my own photographic business

Why have you chosen Photography?
It is a creative and artistic profession

Do you own a camera?
Yes, Sony Cybershot

What type of photography would you like to start out with?
Studio photography
Why:
Because I have had experience with it so far and enjoyed the experience

Why did you approach getpix
I went to Kodak Rynfield – asked where we can get info to study photography

What was the 1st step – why did you come to Getpix
I had a school project and needed questions answered
Getpix offered me a job shadowing opportunity

How many days did you job shadow
3 days

What was the best experience?
The modeling shoot

What did you learn?
How to take photographs at different angles and to leave a distance in the direction in which the models are looking
Lines lead in

What was the most difficult part of the model shoot?
The Ramp

When you came to the office how did you feel?
Excited to learn about photos

What you learn in the office?
Typing
Filing
Take better photos – critique
I did research to find new outings on the internet

How was the atmosphere in the office?
It was friendly

After your experience as job shadowing are you more inclined to pursue photography as a hobby?
Yes, I understand it better

What didn’t you like about the office atmosphere?
Nothing

Would you consider job shadowing again?
Yes, to gain more experience

Would you recommend to your friends to try job shadowing in their chosen field?
Yes!- Because it gives you more experience and gives you a good idea as to whether it is what you want to do after school

 

ill titleCopyright on music

If, as a photographer, you use other musicians’ music to accompany your slideshows, you may be interested in the following:
Typically speaking, wedding photographers will create a DVD with photographs that were taken at the wedding as well as a slideshow of the best photographs. This DVD is usually accompanied by music, chosen by the bride or photographer. You may need to buy the mechanical rights to use this music.
There are 3 administrations of recording rights namely SAMRO, SARRAL or NORM.
After contacting SAMRO South African Music Rights Organization, I ascertained that there are 2 types of music that one might use and these fall into 2 different categories namely: library type of music ( i.e. instrumental) and of course every day ,well known music.
SAMRO deals with well known music records. If you use this music, one should contact this company to find out costs for reproduction thereof.
SAMRO
Tel: 08611 SAMRO
www.samro.co.za

SARRAL
Tel: (011) 339 1333
Email: info@sarral.org.za

NORM  The National Organization for Reproduction Rights in Music
Tel: (011) 340 9504
Email: michaelec@gallo.co.za

If you use chamber type music either SARRAL or NORM may be able to assist you. One needs to obtain a commercial license by contacting the Master Rights Holder through one of the above organisations. They then in turn apply to the record company which produced the music. Once permission is granted, application is made to SAMRO as they control the rights. The price that you pay is then determined according to the above. Generally speaking, one will pay approximately R53.15 per 30 seconds of music. The average duration of one song is in the region of 4minutes. Your overall cost could equate to R400 per DVD.

 

ill titleCanon Error Codes

If a camera error occurs, “Err xx” will be displayed on the LCD panel. If the same error occurs often, something is obviously wrong with the camera.
If an error occurs after you take a picture, the camera might have missed the shot. Press the <play> button to see if the image appears on the LCD monitor.


Error Codes
Err 01 Communications between the camera and the lens is faulty. Clean th lens contacts.

Err 02 There is a problem with the CF card. Try any of the following: Remove and re- insert the memory card.  Format the CF Card. Use another CF card instead.
                   
Err 04 The memory card is full. Erase unnecessary images in the card or replace the CF card.

Err 99 An error other than the above has occurred.Press the shutter button halfway or remove and re- install the battery. This error may occur if you use a non- Canon lens and the camera or lens does not operate properly.

Err 18 Lens Error If your camera is still under warranty, the best thing you can do is to take it to the nearest official Canon repair shop(Cameratek) and Canon should fix it for free.

Camera Repair Service Centres
Gauteng
Cameratek: 011 251 2400
Nikon:  011 466 2500
Sony: 011 690 3200
Sunray Photographic: 011 782 3525
Pretoria
Ziningi:   012 803 4706
Radiolens: 012 362 3535
Durban
Camera Clinic: 031 202 5396
Cape Town
Richards Repairs 021 975 3527

 

ill titleHow does my photograph rate?

We all strive for that perfect photograph. Whether it is that perfect field of undulating, heavily perfumed heather in Italy, the exquisite golden glow of an orb of a sunset in Cape Town or that precise moment an exquisite fish eagle pierces the water, we all want to capture this moment in time.  Luck has a lot to do with being in the right place at the right time. Having researched the subject helps especially with the best time of day and possible lighting and undoubtedly having an interest in the subject peaks ones interest to actually get out there and take the shot.

Critical analysis often requires commentary to inform and educate. A critique session is one of the most valuable tools for developing skills. So where do we, as photographers, start in trying to assimilate the way forward.

Our first goal is to move beyond our own likes and dislikes and to rather identify the technical and objective factors that fill the framework of photographs. The most basic distinction here is between style and technique. Style is largely a personal matter. In time every one of us develops an individual style, which is our unique way of seeing things and expressing ourselves accordingly.

Normally our style is consistent, resulting in a single clear image with one focal point. 9 times out of 10 what first caught your eye, will become your focal point. There is no point in letting the eye roam aimlessly around the photograph. Style is elusive, it is something we cannot define but it is the difference between a skilful photograph and art. Often, a photograph will have all the right elements but still it does not work. You will look at it and wonder why, if all the technique elements are there, does this image still not work? There will be times when you look at a photograph that lacks some of the critically important elements, yet the photograph says, ‘’WOW”.  This is when something special has happened, a spark has ignited and magic has been created. The photograph has impact.

Basic factors that determine a photograph’s technical elements are: Focus, Exposure, Contrast and Composition. Usually the sharp focus is on the centre of interest with the edges of the subject clearly detailed. Personally I like to check my photographs sharpness by using Photoshop or Lightroom and depressing the Ctrl + Alt + Zero keys. This shortcut will zoom in on the photograph to 100%. If the subject is not clear – I grumble and chastise myself profusely.

The next factor we need to look at is Contrast. With contrast you are looking at the range between the darkest and lightest elements in a photograph and as a general rule the more contrast an image has the greater its visual impact – this is Full Scale. In addition to a good balance of Black & White it is important to have a range of greys. We want consistent, clear greys. Bad greys are ‘’muddy’’ and are often a result of underexposure. High key comprises mainly in light tones.  Low Keys uses mostly dark tones. High Contrast: - Very dark and very light areas, with a few middle greys, The opposite is  Low Contrast: - which comprises mostly of middle greys.

Exposure is a very personal element. If the subject is a tricky one, with harsh back light, or washed out grey skies, think clearly about which camera metering to use, whether it be Spot, Centre, Matrix or Evaluative.

Of the basic factors of ‘’technique’’, composition is the trickiest to define, because it is closest to ‘’style.’’ There are however a number of aspects of composition that you can evaluate objectively.

Once you have identified the structure of the photograph, consider whether cropping is an option. Is the photograph tight in the frame and filled with important elements, or is there wasted space? What about the overall balance of the composition? Is it top-heavy, lop-sided, or boring?

My favorite composition is lines and curves. These often have a tremendous effect or impact. Occasionally they stare you straight in the face, other times the lines are subliminal as they draw you towards the point of interest.

Interestingly most photographers choose the correct format, either horizontally or vertically. More often than not, landscapes are placed horizontally in the frame and portraits vertically.

Is the visual information divided in thirds? By dividing the frame into thirds the information in the image is distributed in a way that appeals to human vision. One important factor is to make sure that the horizon line is not placed in the middle of the frame, thus dividing the image into two.

Remember, every photograph has two components – the technical and the stylistic. The technical is objective and easy to critique while the stylistic is subjective and highly personal. Be careful not to confuse the two. There is no better way to grow as a photographer than to allow others to look and critique your images. Do not take everything they say personally. Take the comments that make sense and use them to improve your photography. By taking a risk and sharing your images you will grow as a photographer and your photographic journey will become more of an adventure!

Points to ponder over:

Bearing these thoughts in mind, I aim to continue growing as a photographer.

Paula Rutherford

 

ill titleIn Loving Memory of Lucinda Goosen-Hack

2nd March 2010

We were very honoured to have had such a wonderful person grace us at Getpix. Lucinda Goosen-Hack will always be remembered for her bubbly, ever positive attitude to life.

Lucinda completed the Beginners and Intermediate Photographic Course as well as joining us on photographic outings.Where Lucinda was - laughter prevailed.  She adored children’s photography and she had finished her first nursery school shoot with us.

Your enthusiasm for life Lucinda humbles us . You touched the hearts of your instructors and fellow student photographers.

 

ill titleGetpix Branches Out

After the most trying times for the majority of South Africa during 2009, Getpix is in a fortunate position to find ourselves branching out in two directions from the East Rand.

Our Head Office started with small beginnings, in Benoni, Gauteng in November 2007 and during 2009 specifically, we were constantly being asked if we have branches elsewhere in South Africa. During 2009 we had students attending varying courses from Sandton, Roodepoort, Secunda, Soweto, Vereeniging, Rustenburg and Durban. Due to these ongoing requests, we have covered much research as to where we feel the demand is required.

We are pleased to advise that from February 2010 we are opening in Cape Town and from March, in Sandton.

Learning from our experience In Benoni, we will offer the same attention to detail to our students. Our class size is kept small, with a maximum of 7 students per class. We feel this allows perfect interaction and time spent between each student and instructor per course. Our instructors know their students, their different cameras, their personal goals, fears and how they want to grow after attending courses with us. We will not stray from this ideology, as we feel this is a winning formula for everyone.

Our Cape Town branch opens next month in February 2010.It is located at the peaceful Rust en Vrede Art Centre in Durbanville.  Adequate parking, rolling grounds, tea room, architecturally historical buildings and an open, airy centre offers a tranquil venue for tuition. We start by offering all the photographic courses currently available at our head office as well as both Beginners and Advanced Photoshop courses. Our outings and workshops, specific to Cape Town, are currently being developed for 2010 and will be on offer from the 2nd quarter of this year.

Traffic and parking are 2 huge headaches in Johannesburg. Add to this, exorbitant rentals for office space within the area did not lead to an easy task. We had to keep our prices the same across the board, immaterial of which branch our students require to attend. After much searching we have found a venue complete with a flowing river, immense grounds and airy stables. The Field and Study Centre, in Parkmore, is two left turns and approximately 8 kilometres from the William Nicol turnoff. As all our courses offer practical sessions, this is a huge asset to our institution as time is not lost driving to location. This 3rd branch opens in March 2010 and offers all the photographic courses on offer at the head office. Our courses vary between weekday, evening and Saturday tuition.

It is with thanks to our students that we have grown over the past 2 years. We will monitor the response of our new venues over 2010 and make changes as and where we feel is necessary. Our pledge is to continue offering outstanding service, personalized tuition and continued support to all our students in the future.

 

ill titlePhoto Rally

What: Photo Rally  
When : Saturday 28th November    
Time: 10:00- 13:00
Where: Uncle Tim’s Cabin,   High Road (Turn into High Road from Great North Road)

If you have attended an outing or workshop during 2009 we would like to thank you by asking you to join us at Uncle Tim’s cabin for a photographic rally. Bring your camera, a formatted memory card, and comfortable shoes. You will be taking 20 photographs in 2 hours.   You will be given 20 clues on a piece of paper. These clues are songs from a well known band. You can take the 20 photographs anywhere, inside or outside the shops at Uncle Tim’s Cabin, based on each song.  One photograph for each song in order on the clue list.  At 12:15 the photographic rally ends. On completion, give your memory card to Clarissa, who will download your photographs onto our ESP. Collect your memory card thereafter. Winners are chosen from the photographs that best interprets the song title.  Light refreshments supplied.
For example: If the band was ABBA, and the song was ‘’Thank you for the music’’ - you could find a gramophone record, or vinyl record and photograph it.

Cost: Free                                                    
Clues: To be handed out until 10:15 at Uncle Tim’s Cabin car park

 

ill titleGetpix Raises R34 000 for charity

GETPIX PHOTOGRAPHIC ACADEMY, based in Benoni, held their 2nd Annual Photographic Awards evening on 12th September 2009.

This year with the colourful theme, Masquerade Vision Awards, GETPIX donated all the proceeds to Retina South Africa and Guide Dogs of South Africa. At the prestigious Masquerade Ball, sponsored at Emperors Palace, and decorated by Colour Me Green Event Management, GETPIX rewarded their photographic students for their outstanding photographs. The photographs were judged by CANON, SONY, PIX AFRICAN PHOTO JOURNAL, AGFA, ILLUMINATE and Laetitia Kenny from P.S.S.A. Photographic Society of South Africa.

Our eternal thanks to so many local companies for your generous sponsorship-during these difficult times your support was magnanimous.

GETPIX Paula Rutherford handing one of the cheques to Claudette Medefindt from Retina Pigmentosa.

Retina South Africa welcomes this generous donation of R24 000 from Getpix.

The donations will be used to assist patients on the East Rand affected by Retinal Blinding conditions such as: Retinitis Pigmentosa, Macular Degeneration &Usher Syndrome.

Interested in photography as a hobby or career:

Enquiries@getpix.co.za

011 425 1768

www.getpix.co.za