"There are so many of us that have captured amazing moments and instead of displaying it, it get stored in a folder on our computers," said Melissa du Plooy (nee Hills), who used to be a journalist at the Mossel Bay Advertiser and played an instrumental part in the establishment of the gallery.
"The idea was that gallery would be open to everyone, irrespective whether it you are novice photographer using a point-and-shoot camera or into professional photography. Anyone can submit their photo's."
The selection panel receiving the photographs is them responsible to apply basic photographic rules in determining which photographs is added to the top 20 to be displayed in the gallery.
Criteria used includes composition, alignment and cropping amongst other things, which will cause some photos to not make the cut. However, once a month all photographers who made submissions as well as any other interested parties, are invited to a social event where the new top 20 selection can be viewed. During this event, opportunity is made for everyone interested in photography to get together, learn and be inspired.
Since the start of the gallery three years ago, there has been a number of experts in the photography industry offering their expertise in hosting short, inspirational and informative presentations. Amongst these have been guests such as underwater photographer, Fiona Aeryst as well as owner of FotoFirst and keen photographer himself, Kolie Visser.
"The photo gallery is really a community project, as it is sponsored and supported by people within the Mossel Bay community. I want to encourage more people to be part of the photo gallery, even if it is just by going to look at the photographs and to be inspired. I always get such a good response from people who don't live in Mossel Bay, telling them about the Rauch Gertenbach Photo Gallery, and it makes be proud to be part of such a unique project!", said Melissa.
Submissions for the next exhibition at the photo gallery close on Friday 10 August and can be emailed to kolie@mweb.co.za of nandia@rgprok.co.za.
The photo gallery can be viewed at Rauch Gertenbach, 10 Church street during office hours. The opening of the next exhibition will take place during a social event on 16 August at 18:00 during which an exciting new category of photo gallery submissions will be introduced. This category is sure to allow even more keen photographers to have their work seen. Photographs making the top selection will be featured on the Mossel Bay Advertiser and Rauch Gertenbach websites, with the photograph of the month being published in the Advertiser.
The Rauch Gertenbach Photo Gallery, established in 2009 gives all photographers a place to where they can displayed their finest moments captured. Submissions for the next exhinition, opening on 16 August, closes on next Friday, 10 August...so get snapping!
