Enter now for calendar competition

The region’s camera enthusiasts can start entering their photos for the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror’s annual calendar competition. As was the case last year, the competition has a bit of a twist, as there is a limitation on the type of cameras eligible for use.

Last year the requirement was that photos needed to be taken with cameras 50 years and older. This was quite a challenge, but the end result was one of the most interesting calendars ever locally produced. Local photographers were encouraged to use vintage cameras, some of them dating back almost 100 years.

The limitation for this year’s competition is slightly less stringent, as any photo taken with a film camera can be entered. The medium is black-and-white, which excludes all colour photos. The theme is, as usual, the Soutpansberg, meaning that photos not depicting the beauty and character of the region will not be considered.

One of the aims of the competition is once again to promote an interest in vintage photography. For that reason, the newspaper makes available its selection of antique cameras to readers. Most of the roughly 150 cameras on display can still be used. Several outings have been organised during which enthusiasts were shown how to use such old cameras. At least two more outings are planned for November.

People interested in taking part in the competition are encouraged to contact the newspaper’s office at 015 516 4996/7 and speak to Anton, Andries or Isabel. Own (film) cameras can be used or a camera may be borrowed. The easiest would be to collect film from the newspaper and we will develop it. Film and the developing chemicals are also available from several online stores, but it costs around R130 per film. Costs are being kept low as far as possible to encourage photographers to learn more about film (and even plate) photography.

At the end of November, the 12 best photos will be selected from all the entries. Each winner will receive R700 per photo chosen. The photos will form part of the 2018 calendar.

People interested in taking part in the competition may also enter photos of the Soutpansberg taken many years ago. In such cases it will be necessary to send us the negatives, which we will then quickly scan. The film negatives must accompany all entries, but these will be returned to the photographer.

News - Date: 09 November 2017

Anton van Zyl

Anton van Zyl has been with the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror since 1990. He graduated from the Rand Afrikaans University (now University of Johannesburg) and obtained a BA Communications degree. He is a founder member of the Association of Independent Publishers.

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