Snapshots of Passion: A Tribute to Amateur Photographers

Skilled participants of the Howick Photographic Society (HPS) commemorated yet another prosperous year with their 2024 awards ceremony and festive gathering.

The event took place at their usual venue, the Howick Bridge Club located behind the Howick Leisure Centre on Pakuranga Road.

The Society’s vice-president, Sheryl Williams, mentions that the organization has been a cornerstone of Howick’s photography landscape since its establishment in 1956 by a dedicated group of enthusiasts.

“The foundation for what was then the Howick Camera Club was laid by Laurie Longstaff, an Englishman and passionate amateur photographer who arrived in Howick in the early 1950s.

“Together with the local grocer, Doug Webster, they conducted a public gathering to inspire individuals in Howick interested in starting a club.

“This gathering occurred on Thursday, April 19, 1956, in the commercial rooms of real estate agent Norman Gibbs on Cook Street, Howick.

“A total of 27 individuals attended. Thus commenced a club now known as the Howick Photographic Society Inc., which has firmly established itself in the eastern suburbs’ community.

“Currently, it boasts a robust membership of 93 and continues to nurture and expand the passion for photography.”

The Society’s calendar spans from February to November. Members are encouraged to participate in two monthly competitions, prints on the first Monday and digital on the third.

Members are categorized into grades based on their skill level: A grade – Experienced, B Grade – Intermediate, and C grade – Novice.

“Additionally, there are five ‘special competitions’ held bi-monthly, with the first in May and the last in December,” Williams states.

“These competitions are crafted to challenge members with specific themes and are predominantly non-graded.

“While the Society has several qualified judges of its own, other judges are invited to evaluate and score the images.

“The individual with the highest points in each grade is declared that grade’s champion of the year.

“Members are then encouraged to submit their finest prints and images from the present year into the concluding two December special competitions to determine the champion print of the year and the champion digital image of the year from the three grade champions.

“All trophies and certificates are subsequently awarded, followed by the festive gathering.”

Among the members acknowledged for their contributions throughout the year were Andrew Cornwall, Susan Townson, Shona Kebble, Ian Barrow, David Morley, Margaret Jones, Ann Ellwood, Brian Duncan, Doug Mitchell, Heather Arthur, Torben Nielsen, Caroline Chapman, Tony Gorham, Sheryl Williams, Bob McCree, and Peter Feuerstein.