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eJournal Issue 13 Autumn 2026

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RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Editor & Designer eJournal Katherine Maguire ARPS Proof reading Sue Goldberg LRPS Treasurer

Organiser Carol Olerud FRPS Webmaster Katherine Maguire ARPS

The Royal Photographic Society Benelux Chapter

Copyright The copyright of photographs and text in this eJournal belong to the author of the article of which they form part, unless otherwise indicated. Liability Disclaimer The author of an article is responsible and liable for all content, text and images provided by them. Neither the RPS Benelux Chapter nor the editor is responsible or liable for any content therein. Cover photo Caroline Oldham

Introduction Views from the Benelux Chapter Organiser – eJournal Issue 13 Autumn 2026 A surprise envelope arrived from the UK this week, containing a certificate and a pin. How nice! A Certificate of Appreciation. It’s nice to receive something like this. I’ve been a Volunteer for six years now, in the role of Organiser for this Chapter. I enjoy doing it; I hope everyone in the Chapter is happy enough as to how we run it. A small team of people are behind the scenes, namely Sue Golderg LRPS and Ton van der Laan LRPS; they make sure we have the room reserved for our bi-monthly meetings in Het Palet. They provide the tea, coffee & biscuits for us. Sue is also our English Proofreader, and nothing gets past her! Thanks to you both for your support to the group! Then we have Jeroen Dorrestein who has been our Treasurer for many years. Soon he is handing over the money-pot to our new man, Brent Curtis LRPS. Brent will take over at the end of the year. Then last but not least, we have Katherine Maguire ARPS, the lady who collects articles and makes them eJournal ready, puts it all together for us, gets it up on the website and makes it into an ISSUU. Katherine makes sure our website pages are up to date with photos and events. For our T-W-T events, Katherine also makes our eZines. Without these people there would not be a good running Benelux Chapter, so THANK YOU! Also, thanks go to our members; you turn up, you send in your photos for competitions, you write articles and join in with our meetings and Zooms. As you can see, we have a bumper issue once again! So, take your time to enjoy the read! Even when it’s warm – read: very hot! - outside, we manage to get on with it! The results of our Spring Challenge, ‘Street Photography’ are published here. Thank you to our Judge, Richard Hall FRPS, he took on the task of selecting the best photos! A new photo challenge is announced, ‘Minimalism’. I look forward to receiving lots of photos in this theme! The Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance results are inside; we had a great day in Antwerp! The next one is on URBAN; see inside for location and dates. We look forward to lots of people coming to join us. Pelt will be holding its next International Photo Festival in 2027. The sub-theme has been announced: it is ‘Tradition’. From 6 June - 26 September 2027 the streets will be full of photos again. ‘Lens op de Mens’ is always about people! More info will follow, but for our photo challenge and print expo, the theme will also be on ‘Tradition’. Please keep sending us your photos and articles, especially for the cover!

Carol Olerud FRPS Benelux Chapter Organiser August 2026

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

IN THIS ISSUE

6 RPS Benelux Chapter Spring Challenge

24 Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance: Walk RPS Benelux Chapter

32 Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

In this Issue

68 RPS Benelux Chapter Photo Challenge

70 California Highway 395 Ton van der Laan LRPS

82 Deteriorating Vision Katherine Maguire ARPS

In this Issue

94 Traces in the landscape Armando Jongejan FRPS

100 Wildlife Safari in Sebatana Caroline Oldham

112 Visit to Rotterdam Brent Curtis LRPS

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

In this Issue

120 Darkrooms Uncovered Marcel Borgstijn

126 Members’ Photos

134 Facts about the Chapter

144 Upcoming Events

136 What’s On

150 About the eJournal

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

RPS Benelux Chapter

Spring Challenge 2026 Street Photography 8

Spring Challenge 2026

Winning image

“The photographer has managed to balance all the elements in this image really well, it features layering and there are plenty of moments and things to look at in this image. Despite the slightly chaotic scene there appears to be a calmness in many of the people and the eye is ultimately drawn to the wheelchair in the background.”

Spring Challenge 2026

2nd Place Image

“Well seen and captured. The young man with his hand up at the front of the boat in the foreground really makes this image. What is this gesture? Is he singing, or calling to someone? The arrangement of the boats is intriguing and the colour orange seems to tie the image together. The tight cropping also works as it leaves the viewer to imagine what is just out of frame.”

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Spring Challenge 2026

3rd Place Image

“Lastly this image uses the dog lead as a tool to guide the viewers eye from the dog to its walker and back again taking in the two pedestrians along the way. Despite their proximity all four seem oblivious to one another.”

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Spring Challenge 2026

Richard Hall FRPS Richard was Judge for our Spring Challenge.

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Spring Challenge 2026

'Richard has a Masters Degree in Photography from Leeds Art University and is a Fellow of the Royal Photography Society in Contemporary Photography as well as being an advisor and assessor for the society in Photobooks and is Chair of Contemporary Distinctions. Professionally Richard is a theatre and dance photographer, working for a number of companies including The Asylum Players, Fury Theatre, New Youth Theatre and Anon Ensemble at Lincoln Cathedral. Richard also is the official photographer for Transplant Sport. Identity and collaborating to tell peoples stories is central to his personal work and in this respect he makes photobooks to express these projects.’

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Spring Challenge 2026

The other images

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Spring Challenge 2026

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Spring Challenge 2026

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Spring Challenge 2026

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Spring Challenge 2026

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Spring Challenge 2026

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Spring Challenge 2026

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Spring Challenge 2026

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Spring Challenge 2026

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Spring Challenge 2026

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance RPS Benelux Chapter Walk

Friday 19th June 2026 to Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady 24

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance: Walk

Carol Olerud FRPS July 2026 25

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance: Walk

We met up outside the front doors of the massive cathedral in Antwerp, Belgium at 11:30am. A few of us had taken the train down from The Netherlands, or from Brussels. One had taken his own boat from The Netherlands and another the train from London! We were quite the international group.

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance: Walk

The weather was hot. Inside the Cathedral it was nice and cool!

We decided to meet up at 1:30pm for lunch at the café inside. Only two people found it! The rest of us waited outside and then searched for it, we were quite confused. We ended up sitting at another nice place at the ‘Groenplaats’ just behind the Cathedral. An Italian café. We all had our various lunches together. A fine mist of water was sprayed every so often on us which made it all tolerable. The heat was getting intense.

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance: Walk

After lunch no one had any desire to go back inside, so we all parted ways.

The plan was to select our five best photos for our Zoom on 15th July, where we should select the two images for the official website. We will make our own eZine, include our photos here and place them on our webpages. Please enjoy looking at them. We are quite happy to join in the Talk-Walk-Talk initiatives, we go to places we wouldn’t normally go to with our group.

The Cathedral is very large and old. The one spire is 123m tall. It is the largest Gothic church in Belgium. Inside it is light and airy.

This Gothic Church was built on top of a Romanesque church, which was already a place of pilgrimage in 1124, remnants of which can be seen in the vaults.

In 1518 the large northern tower was crowned and the cross on the spire was consecrated.

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance: Walk

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance: Walk

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance: Walk

In 1521 Holy Roman Emperor Charles V came to Antwerp to lay the foundation stone. There was a fire in 1533, it was after this that the plan to complete the building

the

south

tower,

was

abandoned. To this day it has not been completed.

The magnificent Cathedral holds many artworks,

from

contemporary impressive

past day

paintings

centuries

pieces. by

Several

Peter

Paul

Rubens hang there. Also, the stainedglass windows are beautiful.

We were very lucky as a wedding suddenly took place while we were inside, how wonderful to be married here!

For just a small entrance fee you can easily spend many hours inside, like we did! More information: https://www. dekathedraal.be/en

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance: Photos

Selected Photo | Felicity Handford ARPS

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

RPS Benelux Chapter 33

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Selected Photo | Carol Olerud FRPS

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Felicity Handford ARPS

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Felicity Handford ARPS

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Felicity Handford ARPS

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Felicity Handford ARPS

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Jeroen Dorrestein

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Jeroen Dorrestein

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Jeroen Dorrestein

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Jeroen Dorrestein

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Jeroen Dorrestein

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Ian Peachey

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Ian Peachey

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Ian Peachey

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Ian Peachey

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Ian Peachey

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Katherine Maguire ARPS

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Katherine Maguire ARPS

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Katherine Maguire ARPS

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Katherine Maguire ARPS

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Katherine Maguire ARPS

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Carol Olerud FRPS

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Carol Olerud FRPS

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Carol Olerud FRPS

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Carol Olerud FRPS

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Solo Walks

Sue Goldberg LRPS

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Sue Goldberg LRPS

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Sue Goldberg LRPS

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Sue Goldberg LRPS

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Sue Goldberg LRPS

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Ton van der Laan LRPS

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Ton van der Laan LRPS

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Ton van der Laan LRPS

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Ton van der Laan LRPS

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Talk-Walk-Talk Sites of Religious Significance Walk: Photos

Ton van der Laan LRPS

Benelux Chapter eZine Talk Walk Talk eZines There is also a gallery of the chosen images.

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Photo Challenge “Minimalism” Our next photo challenge is on Minimalism. We had an inspirational presentation on this topic by our neighbour Germany Chapter Organiser, Chris Renk after our AGM this year. Afterwards it was agreed we should do a themed challenge on this topic.

Send in your best five photos to beneluxnl@rps.org by SwissTransfer.com or similar

Closing date: 1st November 2026

RPS Benelux Chapter Photo Challenge ‘Minimalism in photography focuses on the essential and emphasises simplicity. Less is more.’

Photo © Carol Olerud FRPS taken on Heron Island, Australia

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

California Highway 395 Ton van der Laan LRPS

California Highway 395 In 1987 my newspaper company sent me to California for classes. During the first trip in April, a colleague of mine, also a photographer, and I had a week off between classes (poor guys) and travelled to Yosemite and Death Valley. For me this week of freedom was a great introduction to the American landscape and the National Parks.

Artists Palette

California Highway 395

California has many scenic highways but one that stands out for me is Highway 395 running parallel to the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and Nevada. Later my wife and I travelled 395 and its side roads, taking photos along the way. Our favourite locations became Death Valley, the Alabama Hills, the Eastern Sierra Nevada in fall colour and at the start of winter, and of course Yosemite National Park.

Bad Water

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

California Highway 395

At the moment I am working on a photobook about my American landscape images. In this eJournal I would like to share with you some of my photos of Death Valley. Between 1987 and 2013 we made several visits, mostly during late fall and winter to avoid its blazing summer temperatures which often range between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius. Salt Flats On the way to Badwater Basin at 82 meters below sea level there are several salt flats. Sometimes there is brackish water at Badwater Basin, but it can also be a totally dry expanse.

Salt Flat

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

California Highway 395

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Two kilometres east of Stovepipe Wells, a small oasis at the northern side of Death Valley, are the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Sunrise and sunset are good times to walk on these dunes and avoid the flat light of mid-day.

Sand Dunes

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

California Highway 395

Sand Dunes

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

California Highway 395

Sand Dunes

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

California Highway 395

The Devils Cornfield A little further, east of Stovepipe Wells, you can find The Devils Cornfield with the plants and shrubs that survive in this hot, dry climate with an average rainfall of only 55mm per year.

Devils Cornfield

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

California Highway 395

Devils Cornfield

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

California Highway 395

Canyons Death Valley has interesting canyons, some of in which you can hike or even drive through with a 4-wheel drive car. A surprising hike is into seemingly parched and dry Monarch Canyon. After a short climb where the canyon dead-ends, you suddenly see a tiny waterfall. Artists Palette and Golden Canyon near the famous Zabriski Point have walks winding through its mineralised hills, and photo opportunities abound, especially in the late afternoon light.

Golden Canyon

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

California Highway 395

Golden Canyon

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

California Highway 395

Monarch Canyon

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Deteriorating Vision

Katherine Maguire ARPS 83

Deteriorating Vision

I have been having problems with eyes for almost 40 years and by problems I don’t mean myopia. My retinas were scarred by unknown eye disease. Since the 2000’s I started to notice black spots floating in front of my vision. After

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Deteriorating Vision

various visits to hospital these were diagnosed as being harmless floaters ‘Mouches volantes’.

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Deteriorating Vision

So, in 2013 when a new large black spot appeared, I assumed it was harmless and ignored it. Later, after months had gone by, I finally went to see my doctor, which resulted in a call being made to the hospital for an immediate

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Deteriorating Vision

appointment. I then got the diagnosis of Presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS) with an active abnormal blood vessel (CNV - choroidal neovascularization-) which caused permanent damaged to my retinas. This

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Deteriorating Vision

damage meant that I developed early onset cataracts and needed surgery at the age of 51. In 2021 I did a documentary project for my Associate showing how my vision was blurred compared to what a person with normal vision would see. This project only showed one aspect of my vision i.e. the blurriness of it.

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Deteriorating Vision

In 2025, I decided to revisit my photo series about my eyesight and wondered if I could take a different approach. My disease had been stable for 10 years and that got me to thinking about the next 10 years: will it remain stable or deteriorate? I asked myself, have I become complacent? To which the answer

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Deteriorating Vision

was YES, as I realised that I have not checked my vision for changes in the last year. So, my photo project became about what my vision could be and not about what it is currently. The mechanism that does the damage are the CNVs, so I

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Deteriorating Vision

looked at the risks of new CNVs occurring and most important risk factor for my situation was age. With increasing age, the risk of a CNV increases. Now that I am in my sixties, I need be more alert to changes in my vision. A CNV grows in the choroid and breaks the Bruch’s membrane which in turn

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Deteriorating Vision

damages the cones and rods of the retina. As I have issues with my retinas, I have suffered a number of vitreous detachments over the past 20 years, which means I have large number semi-transparent

black

spots

floating across my vision. These floaters are shown in my images as dark spots. The photo series starts at my current vision (blurred with floating dark spots), and continues on as my vision deteriorates

the

worst-case

scenario, if no action is taken when signs of the CNV are ignored. In the photos you will see some of the issues that I may face in the future: distortion, straight lines that are no longer straight, a large central

blind

spot,

increased

blurriness and dulling of colours.

My process of creating each image is as follows, switching my lens to manual focus, the subject distance

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Deteriorating Vision

to 5 metres and opening the aperture to 2.2. So, when the image is captured the majority of image is out of focus; there is very little that is in focus. I then use photoshop to add new layers to the image, one layer to represent the floaters, where the pen tool is used to add spots and then use the Gaussian blur filter to blur the spots, then reducing the opacity of the layer. I use the pinch tool to add distortion to the image. The blind spot is created by adding a circular gradient and converting this to a smart object so that photoshop filters can be applied. These images are to help me understand what a possible future may bring if I don’t immediately call the hospital when changes in my vision occur.

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Traces in the Landscape

Bunkermuseum Jansje Schong - Munitiebunker VF7a Noordduinen - Egmond aan Zee

Traces in the landscape

For quite some time, I have been documenting the remnants of the Second World War in my local area. I have created a prototype book to use when approaching the various museums and locations where I plan

photograph

over

the

coming year.

Contrary to my other work, these images are in colour and feature no people.

Armando Jongejan FRPS 95

Traces in the landscape

Since my childhood, I have seen remnants of the Second World War (WWII) in my village of Egmond aan Zee.

Drakentanden in tuin Herenweg - Egmond aan den Hoef

Immediately after WWII, people preferred not to be confronted with anything that reminded them of the German occupation. Nowadays, there is growing interest in the stories and remnants of WWII. Bunkers, an anti-tank wall, dragon's teeth in a garden or in the dunes, Czech hedgehogs and even

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Traces in the landscape

a foundation of a V1 launch site. They evoke memories and often emotions of the period of occupation by Nazi Germany.

Regelbau 617 Nachrichtenstand für Netzknotenpunkte Ritsevoort - Alkmaar

Remnants from WWII are still part of our living environment. Sometimes visible, sometimes invisible, and sometimes integrated into the (urban) landscape.

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Traces in the landscape

Batterij Heerenduin en Olmen Bunkerpad - IJmuiden

You don't have to find it beautiful, but it is part of our history. They are Traces in the landscape. Scars in the landscape - comments by Willem Melching “The post-war generations heard stories about the war from their parents and grandparents. Now that the last eyewitnesses are disappearing, it is precisely the tangible remains that serve as an essential bridge to the past. 98

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Traces in the landscape

Foundation of a V1 launch site Kranenburgerlaan - Bergen

The bunkers and other structures are the scars in the landscape. They are the silent witnesses of a dark period in European history.

A past that all Europeans carry with them and from which we must learn. The realisation that this dark past, too, is always part of our present. That is the quiet power of this magnificent documentary.” Willem Melching, historian, writer, and expert on Germany. RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Wildlife Safari in Sebatana South Africa October 2025

100

Wildlife Safari in Sebatana

Caroline Oldham 101

Wildlife Safari in Sebatana

Our adventure began at Sebatana, surrounded by the Waterberg bushveld. Sebatana is known for its safari experiences, guided drives, and comfortable lodges, and that combination of wilderness and welcome made it a perfect base. By day, we went out into the bush in open vehicles; by night, we returned to the warmth of the lodge, excellent food, and conversations full of “did you see that?” moments.

102

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Wildlife Safari in Sebatana

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

103

Wildlife Safari in Sebatana

One of the most unforgettable days was our visit to Pilanesberg National Park which sits within the remains of an ancient volcanic landscape, and that gives the whole place an extraordinary shape: ridges, valleys, open plains and sudden rocky outcrops. It is a Big Five destination, home to lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and leopards, but what struck me most was how quickly the ordinary could become astonishing. One moment we were moving gently along the track, scanning the bush, and the next we were stopped in our tracks by a lion who had clearly just had breakfast.

104

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Wildlife Safari in Sebatana

There is something very humbling about seeing a lion at close range. This one had just eaten breakfast with remnants of Zebra close by.

We sat quietly,

barely daring to breathe too loudly, watching an animal that represented both beauty and danger in the most natural way imaginable.

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

105

Wildlife Safari in Sebatana

Another highlight was Kaingo Game Reserve, where the scenery alone was enough to make the day memorable. The river meandered through the valley like a silver ribbon, and from the viewpoint it felt as if the land had opened itself up for us. Safari is often described in terms of animals, and rightly so, but the landscapes are just as important. The vastness, the light, the red earth, the changing sky: they all create the stage on which wildlife appears.

Welgevonden Game Reserve gave us another kind of magic. Set within the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere, Welgevonden is known for its protected wilderness, varied habitats, and remarkable wildlife. It is home to the Big Five, as well as many other mammals and hundreds of bird species. There we saw

106

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Wildlife Safari in Sebatana

lots of elephants, moving close to our vehicle. Watching them move together, so huge yet so gentle in their interactions, was one of the most moving parts of the trip.

We also came close to a hippo. Hippos can look almost comical from a distance, with their round bodies and small ears, but up close you understand immediately why guides treat them with such respect. That encounter reminded us that safari is not a theme park. These are wild animals, living by their own rules, and we were visitors in their world.

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

107

Wildlife Safari in Sebatana

After days full of dust, excitement and early starts, there was the pleasure of returning to the lodges. We stayed in comfortable accommodation and were served amazing à la carte food every day. Good food, a comfortable bed and kind hospitality made the wilderness feel even more special. It created contrast: the rawness of the bush by day, the elegance of dinner by evening. Sitting together after a game drive, sharing stories over a beautifully prepared meal, became part of the safari experience itself. 108

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Wildlife Safari in Sebatana

One of the unexpected joys of the trip was meeting wildlife filmmaker and photographer Gordon Buchanan. He is known for his wildlife documentaries and his ability to bring viewers close to animals while keeping a strong sense of respect for the natural world. Meeting someone whose career has been built around observing wildlife added another layer to the journey. It reminded me that taking a photograph is not just about capturing an image;

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

109

Wildlife Safari in Sebatana

it is about patience, understanding and humility. The best wildlife moments cannot be forced. They happen when you are alert, quiet and willing to wait.

That is perhaps the greatest lesson I brought home from South Africa. Safari teaches patience. It teaches you that nature does not run to our timetable. You might spend an hour looking at empty grass, only for a herd of elephants 110

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Wildlife Safari in Sebatana

to appear from nowhere. You might follow tracks and see nothing, then turn a corner and meet a lion who stops the vehicle and the conversation at the same time. You learn to pay attention, and attention is a rare gift in our busy lives.

By the end of the trip, I realised that the most powerful memories were not only the dramatic ones. Yes, I will always remember the lion after breakfast, the elephants of Welgevonden, the hippo encounter, the river winding through Kaingo, and the privilege of meeting Gordon Buchanan. But I will also remember the quieter things: the morning light, the guides’ knowledge, the smell of the bush after sunset, the laughter at dinner, and a camera full of memories I couldn’t wait to share.

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

111

RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

Visit to Rotterdam

112

Visit to Rotterdam

Brent Curtis LRPS 113

Visit to Rotterdam

Holbeinhuis

At the beginning of June, I travelled from a sunny and warm France to attend the study group meeting at “Het Palet”. On the Monday evening prior to the meeting, I arrived at a rather damp Rotterdam. Tuesday was spent dodging 114

Issue 13 Autumn 2026 | RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal

Visit to Rotterdam

High rise

rain showers and visiting the Photo Museum. The museum was super, great exhibits and dry! I enjoyed the meeting very much and I did manage to take some photos during the day and on Tuesday morning before heading home. RPS Benelux Chapter eJournal | Issue 13 Autumn 2026

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Visit to Rotterdam

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Visit to Rotterdam

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Visit to Rotterdam

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Visit to Rotterdam

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Darkrooms Uncovered An interview series By Marcel Borgstijn

“Darkrooms Uncovered... A peek into a photographer's mental creative darkroom”

Marcel Borgstijn

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Darkrooms uncovered

This interview has been previously published on Marcel’s site Darkrooms and is with photographer Donn Dobkin

See the original interview on the Darkrooms site.

Marcel has given his permission for it to be republished in the RPS Benelux eJournal.

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What does your creative ritual look like? Do you have specific habits or conditions that spark your creativity?

The biggest habit is the “10 Ideas” habit. Each day I try to think of 10 things to do, or improve, or make. The concept was introduced to me by James Altucher’s _Skip the Line_ book. The idea is just to build creative muscles, not necessarily to create 10 perfect ideas or solve problems. But whenever there is a new challenge in front of me, I try to come up with 10 or more ways to shoot the next subject, or 10 shots that would help fill out my book, etc.

When you're feeling creatively blocked, what's your go-to method for breaking through?

That routine helps enormously for that. I also like to look at artwork and photography from other people for ideas. Perhaps I'll riff off something that another great artist did, or else it will spark a completely different idea.

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Darkrooms uncovered

Describe a moment when your creative perspective shifted dramatically. What triggered it?

I feel that things have evolved rather than shifting in a huge, seismic event. A couple of bigger shifts have occurred though. I decided I wanted to be great at making portraits, and that led me down all kinds of paths. And then lately I decided I wanted to make a book that's a commercial success. Both of these led me to learn all kinds of new things, creatively and otherwise.

What recurring themes or elements do you find yourself naturally drawn to capture?

If it's a subject, human or other animal, I love to feel an intimate connection. While I have pieces that others love, or that I love, which don't fit that description, I'm continually drawn to connections. And then powerful graphic lines (including curves) is another. Again, not all my work shows that,

but

I'm

absolutely

drawn

strong

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graphical

elements.

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What non-photographic influences (books, music, films, etc.) most impact your work?

Hmm. All those things! Books that paint a picture with words do that, as one example. I'm making a book about the wildlife in my neighborhood. And I'm writing about how it feels, what I notice, etc. A friend, in response, connected me to the Pulitzer-winning book _Pilgrim at Tinker Creek_ by Annie Dillard. It's a revelation (so far). Tapping into emotions leads me to make better things, and different things. Says a "typical guy" who has spent

many

years

staying

surface-level

with

emotions

What photograph of yours feels most personally revealing, and why?

Geez. Choosing any image for the title of "most this" or "least that" always feels impossible. Last time we talked I went with wildlife, so I'll return to people. This image of Blanca couldn't be much simpler. She was not comfortable being photographed, but I promised her I would only ask for a couple of minutes, and she played along. I did a different shot first which was sort of playful to help her relax. Eventually I got what I feel is revealing, sort of "essential Blanca". When she's out of her shell or when a person needs support, she's incredibly compassionate, kind, and caring.

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Darkrooms uncovered

Find out more about Donn Dobkin Website: https://www.dobkinphoto.com

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Members’ Photos

Dieweg © Joaquim_Capitao

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Members' Photos

In this section, you can see photos from our members.

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Members' Photos

Dieweg © Joaquim_Capitao

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Members' Photos

Dieweg © Joaquim_Capitao

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Members' Photos

Dieweg © Joaquim_Capitao

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Members' Photos

Dieweg © Joaquim_Capitao

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Members' Photos

Dieweg © Joaquim_Capitao

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Members' Photos

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Facts about the Benelux Chapter Here you can find the break down of chapter membership, the number of distinctions obtained, the special interest groups joined and the various countries the members are located in.

40 Members

7 Countries Members

Countries

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Facts about the Benelux Chapter

Distinctions

Special Interest Groups

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What’s On Current and upcoming photo exhibitions in the Benelux countries and its neighbours.

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What's On

The Netherlands Amsterdam Foam Keizersgracht 609 1017 DS Amsterdam

Martin Parr Very Modern and Rather Ugly Exhibition website

until 12 August 2026

Foam Talent 2026

until 26 August 2026

Exhibition website

Huis Marseille Museum for Photography Keizersgracht 401 1016 EK Amsterdam

Wunderkind

until 18 October 2026

Exhibition website

Het Scheepvaart Museum Kattenburgerplein 1 1018 KK Amsterdam

Ekō - Japan in two visual narratives

until 30 August 2026

Exhibition website

H'ART Museum Amstel 51 1018 EJ Amsterdam

American Identities:

until 6 September 2026

David Levinthal & Chicano Prints Exhibition website

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What's On

De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam Dam, 1012 NP Amsterdam

World Press Photo Exhibition 2026

until 27 September 2026

Exhibition website

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam

Ed van der Elsken

until 13 September 2026

Up Close Exhibition website

Bergen Museum Kranenburgh Hoflaan 26 1861 CR Bergen NH

Lisa Konno Paul Kooiker

until 1 November 2026

Exhibition website

Breda Breda Photo Festival 2026

11 September until 25 October 2026

Our Songs Came Through Exhibition website

The Hague Fotomuseum Den Haag Stadhouderslaan 43 2517 HV Den Haag

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What's On

Ruben Lundgren

until 23 August 2026

Flowers in the Mirror Exhibition website

Farren van WYK

until 23 August 2026

Mixedness is my Mythology Exhibition website

Letizia Battaglia

until 23 August 2026

Life, Love and Death in Sicily Exhibition website

Eva Besnyö

5 September until 31 January 2027

Exhibition website

Mauritshuis Plein 29 2511 CS Den Haag

Pentimenti

until 23 August 2026

Exhibition website

Hilversum Fotomuseum Hilversum Kerkbrink 6, 1211 BX - Hilversum

Layered Realities: Photography & Collage

until 18 October 2026

International group exhibition Exhibition website

Leiden Japanmuseum SieboldHuis Rapenburg 19 2311 GE Leiden

Tokyo Tokyo

until 6 September 2026

Exhibition website

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What's On

Maastricht Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof Vrijthof 18 6211 LD Maastricht

My Circus

until 13 September 2026

Exhibition website

Eve Arnold

19 September 2026 until 31 January 2027

All about Eve Exhibition website

Rotterdam The Nederlands Fotomuseum Brede Hilledijk 95 3072 KD Rotterdam

Good Food

until 1 November 2026

Exhibition website

Quickscan 3

until 7 June 2026

Exhibition website

Zierikzee Nieuwe Kerk Zierikzee Kerkplein 1 4301 EE Zierikzee

The Greatest Photos of the World

until 30 August 2026

Exhibition website

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What's On

Belgium Antwerp FOMU Waalsekaai 47 2000 Antwerp

Kelvin Haizel

until 23 August 2026

Material Revolts: Ecosystem against Empire Exhibition website

.Tiff 2026

until 23 August 2026

Emerging Belgian Photography Exhibition website

Carrie Mae Weems

until 23 August 2026

The heart of the matter Exhibition website

Graciela Iturbide

18 September until 17 January 2027

The heart of the matter Exhibition website

Brussels HANGER8 Place du Châtelain, 18 Place du Châtelain, 1050 Brussels

Reinventing photography

17 September until 20 December May 2026

Exhibition website

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What's On

Gent S.M.A.K. Jan Hoetplein 1, 9000 Gent

Veronika Bezdenejnykh

until 31 August 2026

Images from Home Exhibition website

Aziz Hazara

until 9 September 2026

Bow echo Exhibition website

Narcisse Tordoir

until 13 September 2026

Fake Barok Exhibition website

Charleroi Musée de la Photographie 11 avenue Paul Pastur Pl. des Essarts, 6032 Charleroi

Éclats de famille

until 27 September 2026

Exhibition website

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What's On

France Paris MEP – Maison Européenne de la Photographie 5/7 rue de Fourcy 75004 Paris

Photography from A to Z

until 13 September 2026

Exhibition website

Camille Vivier

until 13 September 2026

Exhibition website

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Upcoming Events

1 September 2026

6 October 2026

Online Study Group Meeting

Study Group Meeting

An opportunity to share your work and get

feedback from a friendly group of people.

Everyone is welcome - members and non-members.

Everyone is welcome - members and non-

This is a free online event. Zoom link will be sent out

members. It costs €5 per evening, which includes a

before the event. For further details please see the

drink and biscuit. For further details please see the

event page.

Time: 20:00 until 22:00

Time: 19:30 until 22:00

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

Location: Het Palet, Duikerstraat 29, Rotterdam.

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Upcoming Events

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Upcoming Events

Non RPS led Event

Luca Arfini is a RPS member who is running an online workshop on Instant Photography. On Saturday, 22 August 2026, join Luca for an Instant Photography Workshop exploring the creative possibilities of instant photography inspired by the Lomography spirit.

Workshop in English. Cost: €7.50 per person

See his website, for further details and how to register.

This workshop is not organised by the RPS Benelux Chapter.

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Upcoming Events 3 November 2026

5 January 2027

Online Study Group Meeting

An opportunity to share your work and get

feedback from a friendly group of people.

Everyone is welcome - members and non-

members. This is a free online event. Zoom link will

be sent out before the event. For further details

please see the event page.

Time: 20:00 until 22:00

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

1 December 2026

2 February 2027

Study Group Meeting

An opportunity to share your work and get

feedback from a friendly group of people.

Everyone is welcome - members and non-

members. It costs €5 per evening, which includes a

drink and biscuit. For further details please see the

event page.

Time: 19:30 until 22:00

Location: Het Palet,

Duikerstraat 29, Rotterdam.

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Upcoming Events

With RPS Special Interest Groups Digital Imaging; Landscape; Creative Eye TALK-WALK-TALK – URBAN – RPS BENELUX CHAPTER

Friday 23rd October 2026 Location HAARLEM, The Netherlands Meeting place: at 10:30am at Hotel Lion D'Or Kruisweg 34-36, 2011 LC Haarlem Leader: Carol Olerud FRPS and Co-Leader: Madeleine Lenagh FRPS Hotel Lion D’Or is very close to the train station, so it is a good meeting point. For those arriving by car, there is also a parking garage on the Stationsplein.

We will be guided around Haarlem by Madeleine. Haarlem is an old city, it was granted city status in 1245 and has a very rich history. The population is approximately 169,000 people today.

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Upcoming Events

Talk: Walk: Talk:

on 2nd of October – Peter Finch Haarlem 23rd of October 2026 Zoom, Tuesday the 17th of November at 20:00

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About the eJournal

We plan to produce an eJournal on a regular basis. The current release dates 2026 and 2027 are:

13 November for Winter 2026 12 February for Spring 2027 14 May for Summer 2027 13 August for Autumn 2027 Deadline for contributions Is last day of the month before the release date.

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About the eJournal Contributions Articles Contributions from the members and friends of the Benelux chapter are welcome, whether that be an article or details of the current photo project that they are working on. • Up to 12 photos (a subset will be chosen by the editor) • maximum 800 words The editor reserves the right to restrict the length of the article.

Member photos We also wish to encourage members and friends to submit individual photos for the Members’ photos section.

New Members The eJournal can also be a place that gives our new members an opportunity to introduce themselves to the chapter. • 2 - 3 photos • maximum 300 words for Bio.

Cover Photos Individual photos are also welcome for the cover page, preferably portrait orientation.

Photo Submission Requirements Please send images with the following specifications: • 3000 pix long side • Image quality 8 • no watermark or text in the image • no borders around the image. When naming your photos please use the following convention. FirstName_LastName_For_eJournal_Title.JPG The submitter of the article(s) or photo(s) is responsible for compliance with Data Protection and Copyright Acts. The author of an article is responsible and liable for all content, text and images provided by them. Neither the RPS Benelux Chapter nor the editor is responsible or liable for any content therein. Please send your photos via KPN File Transfer; SwissTransfer; Filemail; Boomrang or WeTransfer. com to the following email address beneluxweb@rps.org For articles, please send an email to beneluxweb@rps.org Remember to include “for eJournal” in the subject line.

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