Showing posts with label Seascape Photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seascape Photography. Show all posts

01 September 2025

Vernon Chalmers Long Exposure Photography

A Technical and Philosophical Exploration: Vernon Chalmers’ Night Photography is a Masterclass in Technical Discipline, Artistic Expression, and Existential Mindfulness

Vernon Chalmers Night Photography

Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens : From Woodbridge Island, Cape Town
Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens : From Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Report Index:
  1. Introduction
  2. Background on Vernon Chalmers
  3. Philosophy of Night Photography
  4. Equipment and Canon EOS System Preference
  5. Camera Settings and Exposure Strategy
  6. Long Exposure Photography and Light Trails
  7. Composition Techniques at Night
  8. Light and Shadow as Emotional Tools
  9. Post-Processing Workflow
  10. Teaching Night Photography
  11. The Existential Motif
  12. Challenges and Solutions in Night Photography
  13. Community Influence and Legacy
  14. Conclusion
  15. References
  16. Report Compiler
  17. Images Copyright

1, Introduction

"Night photography stands as one of the most challenging yet rewarding branches of photographic expression. Capturing the subtleties of low light, the glow of artificial illumination, and the serenity of nocturnal scenes demands a refined technical proficiency and an acute sense of composition. Vernon Chalmers, a South African photographer and Canon camera trainer, exemplifies this genre with an approach that blends precision, aesthetic clarity, and pedagogical intent. His contributions to night photography not only showcase his artistic talent but also his commitment to educating others in the pursuit of photographic excellence. This report explores the intricacies of Chalmers’ night photography, including his techniques, philosophical approach, post-processing choices, and the educational value he provides to his photography community.

2. Background on Vernon Chalmers

Vernon Chalmers has a diverse professional history, combining military management training in the South African Navy with corporate, academic, and creative pursuits. He is widely known for his Canon EOS training programs in Cape Town and has authored numerous articles on photography technique and creative development. Chalmers is especially respected for his work in bird photography and long exposure night photography. His approach to photography is influenced by existential philosophy, particularly the writings of Viktor Frankl, which shape how he sees photographic meaning as a form of intentional living (Chalmers, 2023).

3. Philosophy of Night Photography

Chalmers does not see night photography merely as a technical exercise. For him, it becomes an avenue for existential exploration. Through the lens, night becomes a space of solitude, reflection, and transcendence. He often expresses that photography at night is about capturing the essence of calm - when visual noise subsides and the world quietens. Influenced by Viktor Frankl’s concept of "Logotherapy," Chalmers’ night images often carry themes of meaning-making through composition, stillness, and the interplay of light and dark (Frankl, 2006).

He states that night photography “requires you to slow down and listen to the environment - it demands presence.” This aligns with a therapeutic use of photography, where the night-time process becomes a form of meditative engagement, calming the mind while sharpening the technical eye (Chalmers, 2024).

Vernon Chalmers Landscape / Seascape and Long Exposure Training Sessions

Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens : Milnerton Beach
Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens : Milnerton Beach

4. Equipment and Canon EOS System Preference

Chalmers primarily uses the Canon EOS system for all his photography. In night photography, he leverages both DSLR and mirrorless bodies, including models such as the Canon EOS 6D, EOS 6D Mark II and EOS R series cameras. His lens choices typically include:
  • Canon EF 16–35mm f/4L IS USM
  • Canon EF 24–70mm f/4L IS USM
  • Canon EF 70–300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM 
These lenses, known for their clarity and stabilization, enable him to capture long-exposure shots with remarkable sharpness. His preference for full-frame sensors maximizes light intake during low-light shoots, a key consideration in night photography.

Additionally, Chalmers uses solid tripod systems (such as Manfrotto) and remote shutter releases to ensure vibration-free long exposures. He is a strong advocate for using Bulb Mode for exposures longer than 30 seconds and encourages manual ISO/aperture adjustments.

Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens : Woodbridge Island, Main Bridge
Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens : Woodbridge Island, Main Bridge

5. Camera Settings and Exposure Strategy

One of the hallmarks of Chalmers’ night photography technique is his methodical approach to exposure. He teaches and practices the balance between ISO sensitivity, aperture width, and shutter speed through a process he calls exposure equilibrium. This often involves:
  • ISO Range: 100–200 depending on the available ambient light and desired noise profile.
  • Aperture: Typically f/8 to f/16 for landscapes to ensure depth of field.
  • Shutter Speed: From 5 seconds to several minutes using Bulb Mode.
  • White Balance: Often set manually to maintain color consistency under artificial lights.
Chalmers encourages photographers to shoot in RAW format at night to preserve maximum tonal data for post-processing. He also explains the dangers of overexposure in urban night photography, where artificial lights can blow highlights if not carefully controlled.

Long Exposure and Light Trails : Woodbridge Island (From Arnhem, Milnerton)
Long Exposure and Light Trails : Woodbridge Island (From Arnhem, Milnerton)

6. Long Exposure Photography and Light Trails

Chalmers is renowned for his long-exposure night photography, especially in urban Cape Town. His images often depict:
  • Light trails from passing vehicles
  • Still reflections on water
  • Illuminated architecture
  • Harbour scenes with starbursts from streetlights
He uses exposures of 5 to 60 seconds to capture motion while keeping architectural elements sharp. Light trails, in particular, feature prominently in his work, conveying the passage of time and energy in otherwise static compositions. He emphasizes pre-visualization — imagining the outcome before clicking the shutter.

In a 2023 workshop, Chalmers explained, “It’s not just about capturing light; it’s about orchestrating it.” This philosophy reveals his artistic control over chaotic urban elements.

Canon EOS 6D / 70-300mm Lens : Fireworks, Cape Town (From Arnhem, Milnerton)
Canon EOS 6D / 70-300mm Lens : Fireworks, Cape Town (From Arnhem, Milnerton)

7. Composition Techniques at Night

Composition in night photography poses unique challenges, such as reduced depth perception, unusual light reflections, and high-contrast scenes. Chalmers addresses this by using the following:
  • Rule of Thirds with strong horizontal or vertical lines.
  • Leading lines from roads or light trails.
  • Reflections in water to add symmetry.
  • Foreground interest to anchor the viewer’s eye.
He often shoots from low angles, using water puddles, sidewalks, or roads to create visual depth. Framing is meticulously considered — even in low light, he advises using Live View magnification to nail focus manually when autofocus struggles.

8. Light and Shadow as Emotional Tools

Light and shadow are not just visual elements in Chalmers’ work; they are emotional instruments. He uses shadow to represent mystery or calm and light to signify human presence, progress, or contrast. The tension between light sources — natural moonlight, streetlamps, or traffic — creates an emotional narrative in his photographs.

He avoids over-saturation or excessive post-processing, keeping tones realistic but expressive. In harbor scenes, for instance, he uses sodium-vapor lighting glow as a warm tone counterpoint to the deep blues of night.

9. Post-Processing Workflow

Chalmers uses Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for his post-processing needs. His night photography editing workflow typically includes:

  • Noise reduction using Lightroom’s Detail panel.
  • Highlight control to manage artificial lighting.
  • Shadow recovery to bring subtle details out of darkness.
  • Clarity and contrast adjustments to enhance sharpness without oversaturation.
  • Color grading for subtle warmth or cool tones depending on scene mood.
He avoids heavy manipulation, opting for what he terms "authentic correction" rather than synthetic enhancement. His commitment to realism over fantasy gives his night photos a journalistic, documentary quality.

Handheld at Night : V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Handheld at Night : V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

10. Teaching Night Photography

Chalmers is deeply invested in sharing his knowledge. His photography workshops and one-on-one training sessions frequently include modules on night photography. His students learn not just camera settings, but how to think photographically in low-light situations. He guides them through practical field outings, often at Milnerton Lagoon, Cape Town Harbour, or Bloubergstrand.

Key teaching methods include:
  • Live demonstrations of long exposure setups.
  • In-field composition planning.
  • Real-time feedback on camera settings.
  • Guided post-processing sessions.
His educational material is detailed, accessible, and always customized to the individual’s skill level. His ability to demystify complex concepts makes him one of the most trusted educators in South African photography circles.

11. The Existential Motif

Vernon Chalmers often describes night photography as photographic mindfulness. His images reflect themes of solitude, clarity, and existential inquiry. He believes photography can help individuals discover meaning by engaging deeply with their environment, especially in the solitude of night.

This aligns with Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy: a human being finds meaning in life not through pleasure or power, but through purpose and responsibility (Frankl, 2006). Chalmers’ night time images thus become more than photos — they are visual affirmations of attentiveness, purpose, and quiet observation.

12. Challenges and Solutions in Night Photography

Chalmers outlines common obstacles in night photography:
  • Camera shake: Solved with tripods and remote triggers.
  • High ISO noise: Solved by shooting in RAW and using noise reduction tools.
  • Autofocus failure: Solved by manual focus with Live View magnification.
  • Color cast issues: Solved via custom white balance or post-processing adjustments.
He encourages practice and patience, emphasizing that night photography has a steep learning curve but offers immense rewards for those who persevere.

13. Community Influence and Legacy

Chalmers has significantly influenced the Western Cape photography community. His workshops routinely draw beginners and advanced users alike. His public demonstrations of night photography in Cape Town have cultivated a regional culture of learning and sharing.

Through his blog and Canon EOS community, he has inspired photographers across South Africa to explore night scenes with renewed curiosity. His legacy lies not only in his images but in the knowledge he imparts and the confidence he instills in others. 

14. Conclusion

Vernon Chalmers’ night photography is a masterclass in technical discipline, artistic expression, and existential mindfulness. He captures the quiet drama of urban nights with clarity and poise, using long exposures and natural composition to evoke emotion and meaning. More than just a photographer, he is a guide - leading others into the often overlooked but profoundly beautiful world of night. Through his lens and teachings, Chalmers reminds us that even in darkness, there is light worth seeking, capturing, and sharing. (Source: ChatGPT 2025)

15. References

Chalmers, V. (2023). Photography and Logotherapy: Finding Meaning Behind the Lens. Vernon Chalmers Photography.

Chalmers, V. (2024). Canon EOS Training: Night Photography Workshop Materials. Cape Town: Vernon Chalmers Canon Training.

Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man’s Search for Meaning. Boston, MA: Beacon Press.

Peterson, B. (2010). Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera. New York: Amphoto Books.

Freeman, M. (2007). The Photographer's Eye. Oxford: Focal Press.

16. Report Compiler: ChatGPT 2025

17. Images Copyright Vernon Chalmers Photography Copyright

Vernon Chalmers Seascape Photography

 Vernon Chalmers’s Seascape Photography: A Long-Form Exploration

Vernon Chalmers Seascape Photography Table Mountain : From Arnhem, Milnerton
Vernon Chalmers Seascape Photography Table Mountain : From Arnhem, Milnerton

Introduction

"Vernon Chalmers is a distinguished Cape Town–based photographer, educator, and existential thinker whose work spans birds-in-flight, landscapes, and seascapes, alongside macro and close-up photography (Chalmers, 2025). Grounded in the Cape’s unique ecological and symbolic landscapes, Chalmers bridges aesthetic expression with environmental and philosophical consciousness. His seascape images—often exhibited in conjunction with his bird photography and life-study projects—are deeply embedded in Cape Town’s coastal geography and resonate with his broader existential engagement with place, temporality, and meaning.

Rather than treating seascapes as merely photogenic backdrops, Chalmers approaches them as sites for visual philosophy and emotional introspection. His work reflects repeated, meditative engagement with the Western Cape’s estuaries, lagoons, and coastal edges, most notably around Milnerton, Woodbridge Island, and Table Bay (Chalmers, 2025). He emphasizes intuitive seeing over technical mastery: "Human perception / perspective through the viewfinder is more important … than the science / technology in my hands. Nature provides the consequential value and satisfaction…".

In his practice, seascapes become both a creative and educational tool. His landscape/long-exposure workshops—offered near Woodbridge Island—guide participants through technical fundamentals (tripod technique, exposure, filters) within a place-based experiential learning model (Chalmers, 2015). Together, Chalmers’s seascapes reflect a blend of existential reflection, pedagogical engagement, and ecological awareness.

The Cape as Creative Terrain

Cape Town’s coastal environment functions as both the subject and teacher in Chalmers’s seascape photography. The region’s rich biodiversity—wetlands, estuaries, bird routes, and rugged Atlantic edges—constitutes a dynamic classroom for artistic and existential inquiry (Chalmers, 2025). The Cape Floristic Region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, frames this environment with ecological and aesthetic significance; Chalmers’s long-term engagement with locales such as Woodbridge Island and Table Bay exemplifies how repeated observation cultivates an intimate, evolving visual dialogue (Chalmers, 2025).

This place-based immersion echoes theories of environmental psychology and emotional geography. Basso (1996) posits that familiarity with place fosters both aesthetic insight and moral attention—an idea mirrored in Chalmers’s archival build-up of subtle seasonal and atmospheric variation (Chalmers, 2025). Likewise, Kaplan and Kaplan’s (1989) ideas on restorative experience resonate deeply in Chalmers’s repeated, meditative return to familiar shores. His seascapes—whether capturing soft dusk light or low-tide reflections—are therefore visual poems of place, memory, and emotional presence.

In this way, Chalmers rebuilds Cape Town’s relational identity around seascape photography, making the sea not just a motif but a medium for gritty, lived connection and mindful awareness.

Vernon Chalmers Seascape Photography Sea Point after Sunset
Vernon Chalmers Seascape Photography Sea Point after Sunset

Existential Vision in Seascape Imagery

Chalmers’s philosophical bent infuses his seascape imagery with existential themes such as temporality, authenticity, and emotional honesty. His broader photographic practice—particularly in bird photography—embraces existential frameworks, influenced by Viktor Frankl and existentialist thinkers (Chalmers, 2025). Seascapes, in this context, signal more than landscape—they become metaphors for becoming, for the humbling rhythms of nature, and for being with the world in contemplative form.

This existential photography is characterized by minimalism, atmospheric subtlety, and emotional restraint (Chalmers, 2025). The ocean’s extended exposure times—whether capturing long-exposure smoothing of waves or faint twilight tones—are visual explorations of time’s passage, of transience and persistence. Chalmers writes, “Forget about that ‘perfect shot’, work towards an ideal exposure and enjoy a special moment” (Chalmers, 2025). Such sentiments note that the value lies not in aesthetic perfection, but in the authenticity of engagement.

Chalmers’s seascapes frequently employ subtle shifts of light, reflective surfaces, and horizon-heavy compositions that invite slow seeing. The “emotional geography” of these images emerges through atmospheric focus: the breath of fog, the hush of dawn, or the empty expanse of beach become repositories of introspection. Through seascape, Chalmers archives feeling as much as form.

Technical and Pedagogical Foundations

While Chalmers foregrounds perception, his seascape photography also displays technical rigor—indeed, he melds this with pedagogy. In his 2015 Landscape/Long-Exposure workshops at Woodbridge Island, he guided participants through essentials: tripod selection, camera/lens settings, exposure techniques, ND filter usage, and live long-exposure demonstrations during sunset (Chalmers, 2015).

These workshops reflect a blend of critical technical understanding and intuitive creativity. Participants learn to manipulate shutter speeds to render moving water, to balance bright skies and darker fore of setting sun, or to hold sharpness between rock and wave—essentially, translating the meditative vision into visual form.

His teaching ethos aligns with place-based learning theory, which situates pedagogy in real-world contexts to enhance environmental understanding (Smith & Sobel, 2010). This approach roots seascape craft—not in abstract studios, but in the tangible rhythms of tide and light. The natural classroom—Woodbridge Island’s ebb and flow, Milnerton’s sunsets—becomes a ground for both technical skills and ecological awareness.

This dual emphasis ensures that Chalmers’s legacy is not only visible imagery, but also the cultivation of sensibility in those who learn beside him: technical competence paired with perceptive presence.

Vernon Chalmers Seascape Photography Woodbridge Island Main Bridge
Vernon Chalmers Seascape Photography Woodbridge Island Main Bridge

Environmental Ethics and Seascape as Activism

Chalmers’s seascape images are understated advocates for environmental awareness. By documenting Cape Town’s coastal spaces with care and consistency, his work implicitly highlights ecological fragility and invites reflective connection (Chalmers, 2025).

Environmental psychology underscores the role of beauty and aesthetic immersion in fostering care for nature (Clayton & Myers, 2015) . Chalmers's seascapes—untitled moments of shifting surf, reflective sands, coastal flora—act as quiet provocations for viewer empathy and ecological mindfulness.

The repeated practice of visiting, observing, and photographing the Cape’s coast creates a form of environmental archiving. Subtle changes—water levels, bird visitation, pollution signs, sand textures—become recorded in his visual log. This layered documentation turns seascape photography into a temporal witness to ecological shifts.

Thus, Chalmers’s work resonates beyond artistry. It materializes an ethical stance: that beauty matters, that familiarity builds responsibility, and that place-based photography can nurture environmental consciousness not through protest, but through presence.

Poetic Cohesion: Place, Time, and Vision

Across Chalmers’s seascape oeuvre, a poetic coherence emerges—one defined by rhythm, tone, and quiet resonance. The interplay of place (Cape Town’s coast), time (tide, light, temporal layering), and vision (existential observation) forms a triad that underpins each image.

Consider a long-exposure shot at Woodbridge Island at dusk: the water smoothed into mist, elongating waveforms; the sky folded into gradient stillness; the jetty or shoreline blurred into abstraction—all composed to draw attention inward. These are not just landscape photographs; they are lyrical articulations of being, scene-as-state, moment-as-meditation.

This aesthetic maturity arises from years of repeated visiting and seeing. As Relph (1976) argues, emotional attachment to place stems from sustained engagement; Chalmers’s seascapes embody “existential insideness” (Relph, 1976). His capacity to inhabit the coastline, to witness its moods and moods of light, enables an image that breathes both environment and emotion.

Each seascape thus becomes a quiet offering—not dramatic, but deeply felt. It’s an image that asks something of the viewer: slower breath, quiet attention, internal horizon.

Vernon Chalmers Seascape Photography Kalk Bay
Vernon Chalmers Seascape Photography Kalk Bay
Conclusion

Vernon Chalmers’s seascape photography transcends the mere act of photographing shoreline scenery. In his work, the Cape’s coast becomes a living interlocutor—a milieu of ecological richness, existential dialogue, and visual poetry. Through repeated return, he builds a relational archive where waves, fog, birds, and breaking light become co-authors of meaning.

Simultaneously, his workshops show that technique and sensibility can merge: long-exposure methods taught beside the sea, with intuition—"trust your intuition, focus and the camera in your hands"—as guide (Chalmers, 2025). His seascapes demand viewers slow down, connect, and sense.

In a world of instant images, Chalmers’s coastal work models a photography of attention, care, and rooted presence. His seascapes remind us that the horizon isn’t just where sea meets sky—but where perception meets place, and where visual artistry opens to environmental and existential reflection." (Source: ChatGPT 2025)

Vernon Chalmers Seascape Photography Table Mountain from Melkbosstrand
Vernon Chalmers Seascape Photography Table Mountain from Melkbosstrand

References

Basso, K. H. (1996). Wisdom sits in places: Landscape and language among the Western Apache. University of New Mexico Press.

Chalmers, V. (2025, April 1). Vernon Chalmers Cape Town Photography: A Creative and Environmental Connection with the Cape Peninsula. Vernon Chalmers Photography.

Chalmers, V. (2025). About Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Cape Town 2025. Vernon Chalmers Photography.

Clayton, S., & Myers, G. (2015). Conservation psychology: Understanding and promoting human care for nature (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.

Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge University Press.

Relph, E. (1976). Place and placelessness. Pion.

Smith, G. A., & Sobel, D. (2010). Place- and community-based education in schools. Routledge.

All Images: Copyright Vernon Chalmers Photography

10 September 2024

False Bay Tourist and Street Photography

Tourist and Street Photography at Kalk Bay and Simon's Town, Cape Town

Kalk Bay Harbour with Simon's Town in the False Bay Background
Kalk Bay Harbour with Fishing Boats (in False Bay)

Family Celebration around False Bay 

An eventful family celebration took us through the picturesque Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town along the False Bay coastline. The crisp morning light and blue sky presented a few vivid opportunities for remembering a special day in splendour and grace.

Photographed by tourists at large, we (many of us as locals), have these vibrant towns with its rich local and international histories quite close to our doorstep.

Street Art and Craft Images at Kalk Bay and Simon's Town with Personal Permission from Each.

Vernon Chalmers Kalk Bay and Simon's Town, Cape Town Photography

"Vernon Chalmers has captured some stunning photographs in both Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town, showcasing the unique charm and beauty of these coastal areas. His work often includes street photography, landscapes, and local wildlife, highlighting the vibrant culture and scenic views.
  • In Kalk Bay, Chalmers has photographed the bustling harbour, colourful fishing boats, and the lively street scenes filled with local crafts and art. The picturesque town and mountain landmarks provide a beautiful backdrop for his images.
  • In Simon’s Town, his photography features notable landmarks such as Jubilee Square, with its views of False Bay, and the famous statue of “Just Nuisance,” the only dog to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. His images often capture the essence of the town’s rich history and natural beauty.
  • Chalmers uses a variety of Canon cameras and lenses to achieve his stunning shots, often employing techniques like aperture priority mode and post-processing with Adobe Lightroom." (Source: Microsoft)

More About Kalk Bay and Simon's Town, Cape Town

"Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town are two charming coastal towns located on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula in Cape Town. Here’s a bit about each:

Kalk Bay
  • History & Culture: Kalk Bay is known for its rich history and bohemian vibe. Originally a lime-producing area (hence the name “Kalk,” which means lime in Dutch), it later became a whaling station and fishing village 1. Today, it’s a trendy spot filled with artists, musicians, and great restaurants 1.
  • Activities: You can enjoy fresh seafood at the harbour, explore quirky shops, and visit the Kalk Bay Theatre. The area is also great for whale watching during the season 1.
  • Scenery: The village offers stunning views of False Bay and has a picturesque harbour where you can watch the local fishermen at work 1.

Simon’s Town
  • Naval Heritage: Simon’s Town is home to South Africa’s primary naval base and has a rich maritime history 2. The town is named after Simon van der Stel, an early governor of the Cape Colony.
  • Boulders Beach: One of the main attractions here is Boulders Beach, famous for its colony of African penguins 2. It’s a great spot for swimming and getting up close with these charming birds.
  • Historic Sites: The town is filled with historic buildings and museums, including the Simon’s Town Museum and the Warrior Toy Museum 2.

Both towns are connected by a scenic train route that runs along the coastline, offering breath taking views of the ocean 2." (Source: Microsoft Copilot)

All Images Copyright Vernon Chalmers

Vernon Chalmers Kalk Bay, Cape Town Photography

Kalk Bay Harbour with Simon's Town in the False Bay Background
Kalk Bay Harbour with Simon's Town in the False Bay Background

Kalk Bay Town and Mountain Landmark
Kalk Bay Town and Mountain Landmark

Very Inviting Pavement Street Market Photography : Kalk Bay
Very Inviting Pavement Street Market Photography : Kalk Bay

Hats For Sale : Street Market Photography, Kalk Bay
Hats For Sale : Street Market Photography, Kalk Bay

Creative South African Flags and other Craft : Kalk Bay
Creative South African Flags and other Craft : Kalk Bay

Hotchpotch Street Market Photography : Kalk Bay
Hotchpotch Street Market Photography : Kalk Bay

Creative Proteas and Arum Lily Flower Craft : Kalk Bay
Creative Proteas and Arum Lily Flower Craft : Kalk Bay

Creative and Vivid Authentic African Art : Kalk Bay
Creative and Vivid Authentic African Art : Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay and Simon's Town African Art art and Craft Traders

"Kalk Bay
  • Kalk Bay is known for its bohemian atmosphere and artistic community. The area is filled with informal skilled crafters, textiles galleries and shops where you can find a variety of contemporary South African art, handcrafted jewelry, and unique décor items. The Kalk Bay Modern gallery is particularly notable for its extensive collection of contemporary art 1 2.
Simon’s Town
  • Simon’s Town, especially around Boulders Beach, hosts an African Art & Craft Market. This market features a wide range of African textiles, crafts, and artworks. It’s a great place to find colorful and creative pieces, often sold directly by the artists themselves 3 4.

Both locations offer a rich cultural experience and are perfect for anyone interested in exploring local art and supporting African artisans." (Microsoft Copilot)

Vernon Chalmers Simon’s Town, Cape Town Photography

Simon's Town Main Road : Street Photography
Simon's Town St. George's Street : Street Photography

False Bay View : From Jubilee Square, Simon's Town
False Bay View : From Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

Able Seaman Just Nuisance Royal Navy Dog : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town
Able Seaman Just Nuisance Royal Navy Dog : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

Creative Ostrich Egg Art and Craft : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town
Creative Ostrich Egg Art and Craft : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

Hoopoe Bird Creative Craft : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

Colourful Street Photography : Off Main Road, Simon's Town
Various Creative Crafts : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

Colourful Street Photography : Off Main Road, Simon's Town
Colourful St. George's Street Photography : Off Main Road, Simon's Town

Creative Craft Statues : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town
Creative Craft Statues : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

The Story of Able Seaman Just Nuisance (Only Enlisted Royal Navy Dog)

Just Nuisance was a remarkable Great Dane and the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. Born on April 1, 1937, in Rondebosch, Cape Town, he became a beloved figure among sailors in Simon’s Town, South Africa1 2.
  • Just Nuisance’s story began when he followed sailors around the naval base and even onto trains, often causing a bit of a “nuisance” by blocking gangplanks and train aisles. His frequent train travels without a ticket led to complaints from railway officials 1 2.
  • To solve this, the Royal Navy enlisted him on August 25, 1939, giving him the rank of Able Seaman, which entitled him to free rail travel. He was known for his friendly nature, often escorting sailors back to their ships and participating in various morale-boosting activities 1 2.
Just Nuisance served until 1944, when he was discharged due to health issues. He passed away on April 1, 1944, and was buried with full military honours in Simon’s Town 1 2. (Source: Microsoft Copilot)

Camera / Lens for Kalk Bay and Simon's Town Photography
  • Canon EOS 6D (Full-Frame)
  • Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens

Exposure / Focus Settings
  • Autofocus On
  • Aperture Priority (Av) Mode
  • Apertures (f/4 - f/11)
  • Auto-ISO (100 - 400)
  • Shutter Speeds (various)
  • Image Stabilisation On
  • Handheld

Image Post-Processing
Lightroom Classic (Ver 13.5) - minor adjustments / RAW to JPEG conversion

African Art & Craft Market - Boulders Beach, Simon's Town

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