We received over 1300 entries for the 2022 calendar competition including the photos taken by Tash and Danka. While Tash’s photo of the Carousel at the Waterfront ended up being selected for the cover Danka’s image of the Floating Christmas Tree was still the top choice for December.
Always a creative person Danka is a self-taught photographer who has been experimenting with the medium for many years. This was of great use when her daughter Tash was born. “I had a film camera I was using and would eagerly try to capture all those precious moments of baby smiles giggles crawling first steps and all the wonderful things babies do ” Danka said.
An artisan in her own right Tash recalls joining her mother on photo shoots and being creative from a young age. “I learnt how to use Photoshop when I was nine so graphic design has always been something I’ve loved as well as drawing and painting (both traditional and digital) and playing guitar to name a few other hobbies.”
When we quizzed Tash and Danka about their favourite type of photography both agreed on landscapes. “I’m always noticing the way light enhances the landscape colours reflections and anything else that catches my eye ” Danka said.
When asked how they felt about their photos competing Tash responded “It was such a surprise to find out we were going head-to-head; I wasn’t sure how to feel about it at first. It’s been a fun experience though and certainly making it even more memorable than it already was.”
While the pandemic stopped the pair from meeting up regularly to take photos last year they continued to enjoy each other’s photography online. “It’s very rare for one of us to go without the other. That’s the wonderful thing about sharing the same passion – we’re able to bond over it and able to have a fun time regardless ” Tash said.
Danka is also passionate about their shared pastime and says it has given her strength as she’s faced health challenges over the years. “Photography has really made me appreciate the good in life the beauty and the wonder that surrounds us and I want to capture as much of it as I can ” she said.
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