Page 24 - Cape-Camera-Nov-Dec-2021

November/December 2021 Cape Camera

these competitions. However, I’m sometimes a little confused I should broaden my horizons. At present, the most I can con-
by the mysterious art of judging. cede, though, is that any significant manipulation of an image
I regard myself as a person who photographs wildlife rather should be disclosed in advance, particularly if the image is to be
than a wildlife photographer. I do, however, like creating more submitted for competition.
impressionistic ‘painting’ in camera. I’ve particularly warmed My hesitancy about embracing all the stunning facets of digi-
to intentional camera movement. I like the painting styles of tal manipulation is perhaps the reason why I gravitate towards
Turner, Cezanne, Monet, Pissaro and Sisley and ICM helps pro- wildlife photography. I would like to spend more time camping
duce impressionistic photographic ‘paintings’ that can resemble in the wild without the constraints of having to set out from, or
these masters. return to, camp by specific times. One of the highlights of my
I’ve learnt how to use Photoshop sparingly for my purposes, but youth was the opportunity to participate in a four-day, walking
I’m a traditionalist (dinosaur?) when it comes to the real wizard- wilderness trail through Umfolozi and Hluhluwe. If only I could
ry that PS and PTE offer. I find the exposure, contrast, saturation, do that with the camera equipment I have now.
texturize, dehaze and sharpening sliders in particular brilliant in Over the five years that I’ve been a member of CTPS, I’ve been
tweaking an image. However, I’m constantly conscious of not so impressed with the club’s well-run competitions, the range
overdoing these dazzling tools. I also frequently use the crop of support given by more experienced members to newcom-
and dodge/burn options. I even use ‘spot healing’ for certain im- ers, the jovial fellowship on outings and the constant inspira-
ages, usually landscapes. tion provided by Cape Camera. During the rigours of lockdown,
My relationship with post-production processing is ambivalent. the amazing range of expert tutorials initiated primarily by Kim
Perhaps it’s my legal background that makes me unsure about Stevens and Ken Woods on a wide variety of subjects has kept
replacing skies, cloning and other digital miracles. me enthralled and sane.
I freely admit that I know virtually nothing about composite Although somewhat squeamish about a kill, I do aspire to cap-
photography. Although I want to know what can be done, I’m turing a unique, action moment in nature. However, until that
reluctant to venture into this imaginary world. It could be my moment arrives, I’ll content myself with photographing nature
advancing years that make me so cautious. At this stage of my in all its beauty from the backseat of a vehicle, while Wendy
life, my reading habits draw me more to fact rather than fiction, kindly drives and assists in the task of tracking the game and
and so it is with photography. My instinct, however, tells me that birds.

All images by Jonathan Burchell

23 Cape Town Photographic Society