The Helderberg Photographic Society (HPS), based in Somerset West, is proudly celebrating 72 years of bringing photographers together in a spirit of creativity, friendship and shared passion.
Founded in 1954, HPS has grown into a vibrant community of photographers from all walks of life. While the club is a member of the Photographic Society of South Africa, it has deliberately chosen a refreshingly informal approach to competitions and member development.
Unlike many traditional clubs that focus on star ratings and structured advancement, HPS places the emphasis on artistic vision, creative growth and the joy of photography itself.
At the heart of the society is a fun and friendly atmosphere. Members range from seasoned photographers to enthusiastic beginners, creating a rich mix of styles and genres, from fine art and portraiture to landscapes and wildlife photography. This diversity not only strengthens the club, but also ensures that there is always something new to learn and explore.
A highlight of the club’s calendar is its regular club evenings, where members showcase their work in two categories: an open category and a set subject. These evenings encourage creativity while offering gentle guidance and constructive feedback in a supportive environment.
HPS hosts a bi-monthly black and white photography evening, where members demonstrate just how powerful and beautiful life can be without colour. These evenings celebrate light, shadow, contrast and emotion, reminding everyone that sometimes less truly is more.
For those who enjoy storytelling through imagery, the club also offers a bi-monthly audio visual evening which allows members to present their work in a creative multimedia format, combining photographs with music and narrative to create compelling visual journeys.
Regular day trips and weekend outings form another important part of the HPS calendar, giving members a chance to practise their craft in beautiful surroundings while also building meaningful connections with fellow photographers.
The society’s monthly meetings provide a welcoming space where members can share images, exchange ideas, learn from one another and enjoy being part of a supportive creative community. Its focus is clear: to grow a community of photographers and to show both experienced and new photographers that there is always room to learn, experiment and develop. Photography is not only for professionals, but also for anyone with a camera and a desire to see the world differently.
Anyone with an interest in photography, whether hobbyist or aspiring professional, is invited to join and become part of this long-standing local legacy. Monthly meetings are held at the United Church hall, on the corner of Bright and Andries Pretorius streets in Somerset West, at 19:15 on the second Tuesday of each month.
For more information, visit the HPS Facebook page or https://helderbergphoto.com/. Alternatively, contact Carima van den Berg on 082 608 8364 or send an email to helderbergphoto@gmail.com.
