KNYSNA NEWS - Now one can make one’s matric year even more memorable, by getting selected to study photography with one of the best professional photographers in Knysna.

Ian Fleming, well-known photographer of The Photographic Company is looking for four to six enthusiastic individuals to participate in Pen Pals, free of charge! Applicants from various schools in the area should have a keen interest in the art of photography and be enthusiastic about being taught about this wonderful art form, as well as the use of Photoshop.
"Anyone in matric can apply and we will then interview them to select a chosen group.

Once chosen, you will have to commit yourself for the next six months for an adventure in photography that might just end up determining the course of the rest of your life!" grins Fleming senior. His son, Warren, will be handling the Photoshopping skills training.

"We will work out a schedule that suits everyone as best we can - after hours and on weekends. Even if you have no real interest in becoming a photographer, the skills we will teach you can help in so many other careers and will give youngsters exposure to more career choices."

The cameras will be sponsored by Olympus Pen and an exhibition of the participants’ work will held on completion of the six-month training period.

Fleming senior explains that they are seeking more sponsors to get involved in covering the cost of colour printing, extra computers and camera accessories.
He also expressed the hope that there would be candidates from the townships. "Since I use the townships for my photographic courses, I would like to give back to the community."

The Professional Photographers of South Africa (PPSA) recently awarded Fleming, a long-standing member, an Associate Award for Architectural Photography. "When they heard about this project, Pen Pal, they said it might be the first one in South Africa that someone started from their own initiative, and were suitable impressed."

Application forms are available from the gallery on Thesen Island (044 382 6138), or contact Ian Fleming on 083 260 2537 or send mail to info@ianfleming. More information is also available on the website at www.ianfleming.co.za. Applications should be received no later than Thursday, May 5.