Experience the charm of Kalk Bay through photography exhibition

The beauty of Kalk Bay was captured in a photography exhibition hosted by Seaweed & Salt, Brass Bell in Kalk Bay on Friday, July 4.

The Identifiably Kalk Bay photography competition was organised by the Kalk Bay-based restaurant, where over 600 images from competitors captured the beach, shops and restaurants, the harbour and the pier of Kalk Bay.

During the exhibition, many of the photographer’s work was on display and guests were entertained by musician, Lukin Josh.

Brass Bell manager Chand’ni Eddie said that Kalk Bay is a vibrant and community-orientated place. “We wanted to host a photography competition which in a way would be our love letter to Kalk Bay, it is such a beautiful place, we have the local fishing community, we have the mountains in the background, the harbour and we have the tidal pools, it's so beautiful and so cultural,” she said.

Ms Eddie said they received many different kinds of images, from drone images and pictures of the fishermen to images of seals.

She said they want to keep their restaurant more cultural by having these kinds of competitions, so that Brass Bell can be more than just a restaurant. 

Trevor Samson from Scarborough's image of “The Big Wave” was the big winner. The picture captured the big waves hitting the famous red and white Kalk Bay Breakwater light beacon located on the pier. “I was watching the waves that day, I spent some time looking at them and took their pictures,” he said.

Mr Samson, who is a pet photographer, said it was a lot of fun to participate in this competition.

Runner up in the competition, Ian Skene from Fish Hoek, who is a Mountain guide, finished second with his picture called, “Fisherman at rest at Kalk Bay harbour.”

“I have been living in the area for over 10 years, whenever I am walking in the area I take my 35 mm camera and snap away,” he said. Mr Skene said just to be acknowledged and to receive positive feedback is a real “confidence booster” for him.

Even professional artist Gavin Larkin, who has his own art studio in Muizenberg, participated in the competition. “I loved taking part in this competition, as a professional artist, you have to put yourself out there, you need to be exposing your work, mixing with people and pushing your brand,” he said. Even though he did not win, he entered his work titled, “Contemplating” which is a black and white image which depicts three teenagers sitting on the edge of the Kalk Bay pier. 

The top entrants won a shared cash prize amounting to over R20 000.